IC Sockets and SMD Adaptor Boards are available in a wide variety of pin spacing, row spacing, contact finishes, pin length and package material. Often these sockets and adapters are used for part replacement without soldering, part testing or for programming an IC without having to solder the IC to a board.
Types:
IC (Integrated Circuits) Sockets
• DIP (Dual Inline Package)
• ZIF (Zero Insertion Force)
• Transistor
• Package Specific
SMD (Surface Mount Device) Adaptor boards
• SMD to DIP
• SMD to PGA
• SMD to SMD
Here is another post that talks about some of the packages that SMD adapters are available in.
Bob Haring