Chip carrier

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A standard-sized 8-pin dual in-line package (DIP) containing a 555 timer IC.

A chip carrier, also known as a chip container or chip package, is a container for an integrated circuit. The carrier provides metal leads, or "pins", which are sturdy enough to electrically and mechanically connect the fragile silicon microchip to a circuit board. This connection may be made by soldering or by mechanical force applied by springs or a ZIF socket. Most circuit boards today mount the chips on the surface of the board, although previously it was common to place the pins in through-holes punched into the board. As smaller packages are cheaper and ecologically safer, most modern chip carriers are too small for practical installation by humans. Modern microprocessors may have over 1000 pins, so the technology to manufacture and install the carrier must be very reliable.