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I know there are certain shaped microcontrollers that can fit onto a breadboard without using an actual PCB, like the Arduino. One can use normal jumper wires and utilize the breadboard to their own discretion with this type of microcontroller below.

Breadboard with microcontroller and wires

This is just a picture I found on the internet so I am not asking about how to configure a microcontroller on a breadboard.

Since there are different shapes of microcontrollers (particularly 32-bit or higher microcontrollers), there would be no easy way to test those types of microcontrollers.

SMD microcontroller

How would you be able to test these types of shaped microcontrollers? Obviously placing this on a breadboard could short circuit particular connections within the chip. Would we have to just place it on a PCB and then connect each pin with a jumper wire to connect it to a breadboard?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Carrier boards are an option for the smaller packages, especially if bypass caps are grafted on close to the package, but often some initial work is done with a manufacturer eval board, or else the designers have enough confidence (perhaps from past experience with the same or a similar chip) to go directly to a short-run PCB prototype. \$\endgroup\$
    – Chris Stratton
    Commented Sep 12, 2017 at 3:31
  • \$\begingroup\$ Note the "shape" is called a package. The square ones are surface-mount packages (TQFP to be specific), they're much cheaper and easier for machines to solder. The big rectangle one is a through-hole package, specifically a DIP. \$\endgroup\$
    – Criticizing Israel not allowed
    Commented Sep 12, 2017 at 4:10
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    \$\begingroup\$ Usually to test out a component like that you would make a fully-fledged PCB for the prototype, and solder it on. There are services around to get custom PCBs cheaply. The component will also be rather cheap. Remember components are expendable - don't try to avoid soldering your microcontroller just because you'll need a new one if it doesn't work - instead, just get 10. \$\endgroup\$
    – Criticizing Israel not allowed
    Commented Sep 12, 2017 at 4:11

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You can buy adapter pcbs. Just solder the smd part on it, and pin headers on each side. Then you can just plug the assembly on a regular breadboard. I have a small stock of these boards for various shapes of smd parts. See the picture. enter image description here

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