Replacing a missing pin on a PLCC IC
Posted: 04 Mar 2026 19:04
So in an unrelated PLCC drama (see earlier post), I lost a pin from this FPU.
I would normally throw this in the 'dead parts' bin - but this one has an interesting bug which helps me verify my FPU testing tool. So it would be nice to hang onto it.
I decided to try replacing the missing pin. This isn't super easy because the pin broke off flush with the package. It will involve some drilling. I opted to drill from the underside because it will be easier to support the new pin from behind with an epoxy filler.
To replace the old pin, I picked the leg of a potentiometer. It's definitely a bit wider than the original but it's also not flimsy, which should help. I can always dremel the sides of the pin later to make it thinner.
Finally, some epoxy filled in the cavity behind the pin.
I'm not recommending this as a thing to do - just posting for entertainment purposes. Unless you don't have any other option, better just throw it away and save the socket :D
I would normally throw this in the 'dead parts' bin - but this one has an interesting bug which helps me verify my FPU testing tool. So it would be nice to hang onto it.
I decided to try replacing the missing pin. This isn't super easy because the pin broke off flush with the package. It will involve some drilling. I opted to drill from the underside because it will be easier to support the new pin from behind with an epoxy filler.
To replace the old pin, I picked the leg of a potentiometer. It's definitely a bit wider than the original but it's also not flimsy, which should help. I can always dremel the sides of the pin later to make it thinner.
Finally, some epoxy filled in the cavity behind the pin.
I'm not recommending this as a thing to do - just posting for entertainment purposes. Unless you don't have any other option, better just throw it away and save the socket :D