CH341A bios chip wont fit 1.8v adaptor holder

[Simonc123]

Hi guys, I need a bit of help. I use a CH341A programmer, which is fine for 3.3v old-style bios chips. I need to reprogram some 1.8v chips, which are QFN type chips. I have the 1.8v adaptor for that slots onto the programmer, which does step the voltage down to 1.8v, but as you can see in the picture added, it doesn't fit in the IC holder.

Please see the 4th picture that shows what looks like what should work for the QFN IC (highlighted in red). The issue is that the 8 pads on the programmer are too long and short out the IC. Is it a case of putting kapton tape over the center ground pad or is there another way or a different adaptor that can be used? Any help will be appreciated

[Lisa Su]

I could be wrong, but I believe all the adapters in your pictures are designed for SOIC/SOP-style chips. Since you're working with a QFN/WSON package, those adapters won't fit properly.

To program your chip, you can try one of the following methods, ranked from easiest to hardest:

1. **QFN8/WSON8 to DIP8 adapter** – This allows you to insert your chip into an adapter with a locking mechanism (not sure of the exact term).
https://www.hklrf.com/DFN8-QFN8DIP8-...65mm_6329.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256803859586571.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7EbjMzgJD8

2. **QFN8/WSON8 in-circuit test probers/clips** – If these align properly and make good contact, this might actually be the easiest method.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xqNS8Y81t6k
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256804025518615.html

3. **QFN8/WSON8 adapter board** – Requires a hot air station for proper soldering.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/283267201287
https://www.amazon.com/sara-u-WSON8-.../dp/B081YZ8NJT
https://www.ebay.com/itm/296048639799

4. **Manual wiring to an SOP8 breakout board** – If you're in a hurry, you could solder thin wires directly from the chip to a breakout board. This is the hardest method but works if you’re comfortable with fine soldering.

P.S. I haven't personally tested these methods or products.

[Tend0]

Use soldering adapter like this

[Simonc123]

I could be wrong, but I believe all the adapters in your pictures are designed for SOIC/SOP-style chips. Since you're working with a QFN/WSON package, those adapters won't fit properly.

To program your chip, you can try one of the following methods, ranked from easiest to hardest:

1. **QFN8/WSON8 to DIP8 adapter** – This allows you to insert your chip into an adapter with a locking mechanism (not sure of the exact term).
https://www.hklrf.com/DFN8-QFN8DIP8-...65mm_6329.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256803859586571.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7EbjMzgJD8

2. **QFN8/WSON8 in-circuit test probers/clips** – If these align properly and make good contact, this might actually be the easiest method.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xqNS8Y81t6k
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256804025518615.html

3. **QFN8/WSON8 adapter board** – Requires a hot air station for proper soldering.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/283267201287
https://www.amazon.com/sara-u-WSON8-.../dp/B081YZ8NJT
https://www.ebay.com/itm/296048639799

4. **Manual wiring to an SOP8 breakout board** – If you're in a hurry, you could solder thin wires directly from the chip to a breakout board. This is the hardest method but works if you’re comfortable with fine soldering.

P.S. I haven't personally tested these methods or products.

Thank you for being so helpful its apreciated

[Simonc123]

Use soldering adapter like this

This adaptor in your picture won't work correctly as its not for QFN type chips. Its for ICs with legs, the ground pin on the bios IC is too big and shorts the connection. I have ordered one of these in the picture for anyone else who needs help on this subject. Its called a WSON8 To DIP8 Programmer Adapter Board QFN8/DFN8. Thanks for everyone's help