Installing a PLCC EEPROM Socket onto a MOBO

If you’ve read the first part of this series, you already know how to remove an IC from a printed circuit board. Specifically, the IC we removed in our example is an EEPROM used as a BIOS, so we will need to replace it in order to get the device to function again.

We don’t want to risk having to rework the board again for a second EEPROM removal, so it is desirable to place a socket into the old EEPROM’s location so future changes are a little bit easier. If you’ve considered this yourself, you may have thought about building an adapter from the SMT pads on the PCB to an IC socket – and you would have been right! But there’s an easier way, especially in the case we have here where there are SMT sockets available that fit the standard footprint of the IC we are replacing.

Fig 1 – A couple of PLCC Sockets, SMT style


Hey, look at that! These sockets will drop right onto the PLCC footprint. Another hot air rework and you’re done. However, trying to hold a socket in place while you apply hot air from a heat gun is tricky business with a high risk of cooked fingers. There’s also the nearby BGA chip that we wouldn’t want to have to cook again for very long, so we present an alternative route: Break out the flimsy bottom of the socket and simply hand-solder the socket the the PLCC pads. It’s super easy and there’s virtually no risk of affecting the other parts on the board.

Fig 2 – Modified PLCC Socket


The bottom of the socket is exceptionally easy to remove – simply flip the socket over and press down with a screwdriver on the center of the socket. It should crack out nicely, although there will probably be a few plastic sprues holding bits of the bottom in place. These can be cleaned up manually. Try to press in the center when breaking out the bottom to avoid bending or damaging any of the socket’s leads.


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