 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2016) |
In electronics, pin-compatible devices are electronic components, generally integrated circuits or expansion cards, sharing a common footprint and with the same functions assigned or usable on the same pins.[1] Pin compatibility is a property desired by systems integrators as it allows a product to be updated without redesigning printed circuit boards, which can reduce costs and decrease time to market.
Although devices which are pin-compatible share a common footprint, they are not necessarily electrically or thermally compatible. As a result, manufacturers often specify devices as being either pin-to-pin or drop-in compatible.[2] Pin-compatible devices are generally produced to allow upgrading within a single product line, to allow end-of-life devices to be replaced with newer equivalents, or to compete with the equivalent products of other manufacturers.
- ^ "What is pin compatible? definition and meaning". BusinessDictionary.com. WebFinance, Inc. Retrieved 4 March 2016.
- ^ "What is the difference between pin-to-pin compatibility and drop-in compatibility?". Altera Knowledge Center Solution rd10261999_1469. Altera Corporation. 11 December 2012. Retrieved 4 March 2016.