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OPA365: No connect (NC) Pins

Part Number: OPA365
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: TLV365

From the datasheet, it says (1) NC denotes no internal connection. Figure 6-2. OPA365: D Package, 8-Pin SOIC

Please confirm that pins 1, 5, and 8 are no connect pins from any internal circuitry and from each other.

Thank you.

  • Hello Peter,

    The datasheet is accurate for Pin Configuration: for SOIC-8 (D) package there are three (3) no connect (NC) pins.  I reviewed the mount & bond diagram, which confirms these pins are not connected (or to each other).  Those pins are 1, 5, and 8 and have no internal connections to each other and should be left open and not connected to any signal.

    Best,

    Alec

  • Hello Alec,

    Thank you for your reply which I appreciate.

    In my case, I need to connect these pins to actual signals in my design since this part will be replacing another SOIC-8 part that was not going to work. I already have released artwork and boards built. One node is power and the other two are the local return net. I don't think this should be an issue to connect an NC pin to a net. I'm not clear why you say these should be left open and not connected to any signal. We routinely connect NC terminals to a net, usually return, especially if higher voltages are around so that we don't have floating metal pads that can pick up a charge. 

  • Hello Peter,

    While I cannot outright recommend connecting signals to NC pins on our devices, I can help you make an informed decision if considering doing so.  Each NC pin, as this is an SOIC-8 package, is connected to an internal portion of the pin/leg inside the package as it would for a normal 8-pin IC.  This portion of the pin/metal is not bonded (via wire) to the IC die for these three NC pins.  The five signal pads on the die are bonded-out to the leadframe pins.

    As the die is not wire-bonded or electrically connected to either of the three NC pads, which are themselves isolated from one another, the NC pins are not part of any circuitry on the die.

    You may take this information and make your own decision about what is best practice of connecting or not connecting NC or NIC (not internally connected) pins.  In the case of the OPA365, these NC pins are not internally connected.  TI's stance is to leave NC pins not connected.

    If you need more support or want to consider a different OPA365 or TLV365 package, I would be happy to support you.

    Best,

    Alec

  • Hello Alec,

    Thank you for the additional information to make a better decision on the NC pins which I appreciate.

    I did see that there is a 5-pin package without no-connect pins that I could use in a new design. I appreciate the support you offered for additional assistance and will reach out if I have further questions.

    Sincerely,

    Peter

  • Hello Peter,

    Thank you for giving an update; please reconnect and update with further questions.  If you feel this thread is resolved for now, you can mark it as "resolved" and open a "Ask a related question" thread later if you would prefer.

    Best,

    Alec