0.1″ DIP connectors provide a compact interconnection method. Suitable for ribbon cable IDC connectors, their 0.1″ pin spacing also makes them suitable for standard 0.1″ headers. Direct soldering of equipment wire is of course an option.
But they have a big drawback (especially for the hobbyist), in that their two rows of connectors are also on a 0.1″ spacing meaning:
- they cannot easily be matched to veroboard/stripboard/prototype boards
- they cannot easily be used on a breadboard
- Many readily available modules – such as 0802 LCD displays – have such DIL connectors, presenting a challenge for hobbyist constructors.
But we offer a solution that may work for many applications – a DIL to SIL adapter. This is a 16-pin variant, meaning you can use it for applications up to 16 pins.
This adapter is really easy to use, and we show an example below.
Example: Connecting an 0802 LCD display to an I2C Serial Converter for LCD displays.
The I2C serial converter is a low-cost and commonly-used adapter that minimises the number of connections required to drive a parallel LCD display. The I2C converter allow the use of a parallel LCD display using only 4 I2C wires (being VCC, GND, SDA, SCL).
Thus you can more easily connect the 16-pin SIL connectors found on many LCD displays (such as the very common 1602). However, the I2C converter present a SIL connector, so other LCD displays (such as the 0802) cannot be connected (this particular 0802 LCD offers a 8X2 DIL connector).
The photo shows the challenge: An 0802 LCD with a 8X2 DIL and an I2C LCD converter with a 1X16 SIL.
The SIL to DIL PCB adapter.
This simple and low-cost PCB adapter offers a simple solution. It features a 16×1 SIL and a 8X2 DIL connections mapped 1:1. This simple adapter enables:
- Conversion between DIL and SIL – in both directions
- Easy placement and connection of a DIL component to a breadboard
- Easy placement and connection of a DIL component to stripboard/veroboard/prototype board
- Can be used for any connection count up to 16-pin.
The project build
In this case, we soldered the SIL connector first, and in this project we trimmed the excess SIL header pins, so that we can get this sub-assembly closer to the LCD, to save space.
The final assembly
Using the SIL to DIL PCB adapter, we have been able to use a low cost I2C converter on an 0802 LCD. It provides a neat, compact and solid solution.
Conclusion
The SIL to DIL PCB converter is a small, simple, low-cost, and easy to use PCB adapter. It’s flexibility makes it a worthwhile addition to any components drawer!
The parts
- SIL to DIL PCB adapter SIL to DIL converter PCB (pack of 2)
- I2C converter (a standard part which we usually stock) I2C to LCD Adapter