Does PLCC count as a through hole package? (With sockets in mind)

[technix]

While the chip by itself says no - PLCC is a surface mount package and when directly mounted on a PCB it is intended to be soldered mounted on the surface, what about when it is socketed? PLCC is likely the only surface mount chip package type that has cheap sockets available (as in dime a dozen sockets flooding Shenzhen market) and a lot of boards do socket their PLCCs, and one of the socket options is through-hole. So, does PLCC count as through hole package, especially if socketed?

[DaJMasta]

They make sockets in both through hole and surface mount varieties, so I suppose it's both until you decide on a way to mount it.

[David Hess]

It still counts as surface mount.  I which more parts were available in the PLCC package for ease of prototyping.

[bson]

Depends on who is counting, doesn't it?

For example, for assembly since it can't be reflowed a TH socket would not be an SMD device, as it would incur additional work and cost to populate.

[David Hess]

Depends on who is counting, doesn't it?

If I go to Mouser or Digi-Key and look for PLCC parts, they are only going to be found under surface mount.

[bson]

That makes perfect sense.

[technix]

Depends on who is counting, doesn't it?

For example, for assembly since it can't be reflowed a TH socket would not be an SMD device, as it would incur additional work and cost to populate.

Maybe not if the board is otherwise THT-only.

Depends on who is counting, doesn't it?

If I go to Mouser or Digi-Key and look for PLCC parts, they are only going to be found under surface mount.

That is those chips by themselves. What about when socketed?

[DaJMasta]

Is your socket through hole or surface mount?  Both are available.  If you get a through hole socket, it's a through hole part as far as labor and design considerations go, if you get a surface mount socket it's a surface mount part...... seems straight forward to me.