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PinOut
View on Wikipedia| PinOut | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Mediocre |
| Publisher | Mediocre |
| Designer | Emil Bengtsson |
| Programmer | Dennis Gustafsson |
| Artist | Henrik Johansson |
| Composer | Douglas Holmquist |
| Platforms | Android, iOS |
| Release | October 27, 2016 |
| Genre | Pinball |
| Mode | Single-player |
PinOut is a pinball video game developed by the Swedish indie game studio Mediocre. It was released in October 2016 for Android and iOS.[1][2] The goal of the game is to propel a ball as far as possible before time runs out. After the first seven levels the endless mode begins. [2][3]
Gameplay
[edit]The game has the basic appearance of a conventional pinball game, with a rolling ball propelled upward on the play field by hitting it with flippers. However, unlike a conventional pinball game, the play field extends upwards endlessly. The display follows the ball as it moves. Multiple flippers are placed throughout the play field. There is no drain; play is limited by a timer. The challenge is to go as far as possible up the play field, within the available time.[2]
The player controls the flippers by tapping the left or right of the screen. The player can also hold the flippers to "catch" the ball, for a more precise shot.[3]
To gain additional time, the player can hit glowing dots with the ball, gaining 1 second per dot. If the time runs out, the game ends. There are ten checkpoints in the game. With an in-app purchase, the player can enable restarting from past checkpoints, restoring their progress to that point. Otherwise, players must start at the beginning.[2]
If the player makes it past the main play fields, there is an "Overtime" mode, where the player keeps playing the same course until time expires.[2]
Minigames
[edit]There are four different minigames (one of these is an easter egg referencing Does not Commute, another Mediocre AB game) which, upon losing the minigame, the resulting score will be added to the timer. These minigames appear in a small area at the top of the screen, reminiscent of the "video mode" minigames in hybrid electronic pinball games.[4]
Power-ups
[edit]Like the minigames, power-ups appear as colored orbs on the playing field, and are obtained when the ball touches the orb. The game then offers the player a choice between two of the following:[5]
- Slow Motion — slows the ticks of the timer.
- Time Freeze — stops the timer for 10 flips of the flippers.
- Motion Link — the timer ticks when the ball is in motion.
- Push — allows the player to move the ball in any direction.
- Warp — allows the player to skip part of a level.
- Time Doubler — makes the glowing dots worth 2 seconds instead of 1.
- Random — one of the other power-ups listed above is granted.
Reception
[edit]| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | 81/100[6] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Gamezebo | |
| Pocket Gamer | 9/10[3] |
| TouchArcade |
Metacritic gave the game an average score of 81 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[6] Gamezebo gave PinOut a rating of 4.5 stars, praising its graphics and soundtrack, while criticizing the timer as oppressive.[7] Pocket Gamer praised the originality, game-play, and aesthetics, but said it can be "a little tough".[3]
See also
[edit]- Smash Hit – another game from Mediocre involving balls
References
[edit]- ^ Funnell, Rob (2016-10-27). "Endless Neon Pinball Game 'PinOut' From the Developers of 'Smash Hit' Is Finally Available Worldwide". TouchArcade. Retrieved 2017-02-19.
- ^ a b c d e Kohler, Chris (2016-11-01). "Fantastic PinOut! Puts an Infinite Spin on Pinball". WIRED. Retrieved 2017-02-19.
- ^ a b c d Cowley, Ric (2016-10-27). "PinOut review - the pinball reinvention you never knew you needed". Pocket Gamer. Retrieved 2017-02-19.
- ^ Squires, Jim (2016-11-14). "PinOut is Pinball with an Endless Twist". Lifewire. Retrieved 2017-02-19.
- ^ Amaris, Lian (2016-11-01). "PinOut Tips, Cheats and Strategies". Gamezebo. Archived from the original on 2017-02-20. Retrieved 2017-02-19.
- ^ a b "PinOut! for iPhone/iPad Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 2017-05-14.
- ^ a b Amaris, Lian (2016-11-02). "PinOut Review: Play This Silver Ball". Gamezebo. Archived from the original on 2016-11-12. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
- ^ Musgrave, Shaun (2016-12-30). "'PinOut!' Review – A Pretty, Good Spin on Pinball". TouchArcade. Retrieved 2018-07-14.
External links
[edit]PinOut
View on GrokipediaBasics
Definition
A pinout refers to the specific arrangement, functions, and labeling of electrical pins or contacts on a connector, device, or integrated circuit (IC) in electronics.[6] It serves as a cross-reference that maps each physical pin to its intended electrical role, ensuring compatibility and proper interfacing in circuit design and assembly.[7] Pinouts for multi-pin connectors, such as plugs and sockets, describe the wiring configuration and signal assignments for each contact to facilitate reliable connections between cables or devices.[2] In distinction, pinouts for integrated circuits specify the functions of leads on the chip package, which connect the internal circuitry to external components on a printed circuit board.[8] The term "pinout" emerged in electronics documentation during the mid-20th century, superseding earlier nomenclature like "basing diagram" from the vacuum tube era, and aligning with the post-World War II standardization of semiconductor components for mass production.[9] Basic elements of a pinout include assigned pin numbers for location identification, signal names denoting functions such as input/output or clock, specified voltage levels for power supply pins, and ground references to establish common electrical potentials.[10] These components provide essential details for engineers to integrate devices without errors in signal integrity or power distribution.[7]Purpose
Pinouts serve a critical role in electronics by providing a standardized reference for the arrangement and function of pins on connectors and components, ensuring accurate wiring and connectivity that prevents short circuits, signal interference, and device failure. By clearly defining which pins handle power, ground, signals, or other functions, pinouts guide engineers in establishing reliable electrical paths, minimizing risks such as crosstalk or electromagnetic interference (EMI) through strategic placement of ground pins adjacent to sensitive signals.[5] This precision is essential in avoiding electrical mismatches that could otherwise lead to overheating or immediate component burnout during operation.[11] In circuit design, pinouts facilitate the matching of signals between interconnected devices, such as aligning data lines in high-speed interfaces to maintain integrity across frequencies up to the GHz range. For troubleshooting, technicians rely on pinouts to probe specific pins with multimeters or oscilloscopes, isolating faults like voltage drops or incorrect signal levels without disassembling entire systems. In manufacturing, pinouts inform automated assembly processes, including pick-and-place machines and soldering, by specifying pin orientations and tolerances to achieve consistent, error-free production runs that comply with standards like IPC for spacing and routing.[12] Pinouts are particularly vital for interoperability in standards-based systems, where predefined configurations—such as those for USB, HDMI, or Ethernet—enable seamless compatibility across vendors and devices, reducing integration challenges in multi-component setups.[5] Incorrect pinout usage, however, can result in severe consequences, including reversed polarity that forwards excessive current through sensitive semiconductors, causing immediate damage like diode breakdowns or PCB failures.[13] Such errors not only compromise functionality but can lead to costly rework in assembly or permanent hardware destruction, underscoring the need for rigorous verification against datasheets.[11]Terminology
Key Terms
In the context of pinouts, a pin refers to a conductive contact point within an electrical connector or integrated circuit package that establishes an electrical pathway between components, enabling the transfer of signals, power, or data with low resistance.[14] These contacts are typically metallic and designed to mate securely with corresponding sockets or wires.[15] A signal pin is a specific type of pin dedicated to carrying electrical signals for data transmission, control functions, or communication between circuit elements, distinct from power supply pins by focusing on information rather than bulk energy delivery.[16] In contrast, a ground pin serves as the connection to the circuit's reference ground, defined as a zero-voltage point that provides a common return path for current and a baseline for voltage measurements, ensuring stable operation and safety by preventing voltage buildup.[17] Ground pins are essential for referencing all other signals relative to this common potential.[18] The designation NC (No Connection) indicates a pin that has no internal electrical linkage to the device's die or circuitry, rendering it functionally unused and typically left unconnected externally to avoid unintended interactions.[19] Active pins, such as those labeled VCC for positive power supply, are those with defined operational roles, actively conducting power, signals, or control voltages during normal use.[16] Reserved pins, however, are allocated but left undefined in current implementations, often preserved for potential future expansions, compatibility across revisions, or manufacturer-specific purposes without current functionality.[20] The pin function describes the directional role of a pin, categorized as input (receiving signals from external sources), output (driving signals to external loads), or bidirectional (capable of switching between input and output modes based on configuration).[21] Bidirectional pins, in particular, use tristate logic to enable shared bus communication, allowing multiple devices to access the same line without conflict.[22] Pin tolerance, often specified as voltage ratings, refers to the maximum electrical stress a pin can withstand without damage or malfunction, such as 5V-tolerant inputs on a 3.3V device that handle higher voltages safely.[23] These ratings ensure reliability under varying conditions, with tolerances like VDD + 0.3V common for input pins to prevent latch-up or breakdown.[24] Terminology related to pinouts has evolved through international standards to promote uniformity in documentation and design. The IEC 60617 standard, first published in 1973 and updated through editions to 2025, defines graphical symbols for electrotechnical diagrams, including representations for terminals, connections, and pin interfaces that facilitate consistent labeling and interpretation across global engineering practices.[25] This standardization replaced earlier fragmented national symbols, incorporating refinements for modern electronics like integrated circuits while maintaining backward compatibility.[26]Pin Numbering
Pin numbering in electronic components follows established conventions to ensure consistent identification of pin positions across devices and packages. For integrated circuits (ICs) in dual in-line packages (DIP), the standard system assigns numbers starting from pin 1, located adjacent to an orientation indicator, and proceeds counterclockwise around the package perimeter when viewed from the top. This counterclockwise progression covers the pins sequentially along one side, across the opposite end, and back along the other side.[27][28] To facilitate identification, pin 1 is typically marked on physical components with a notch in the package body, a small dot or circle molded into the plastic near the pin, or a beveled edge (chamfer) on one corner. These indicators align with JEDEC Standard SPP-002, which specifies the location of the pin 1 mark at a corner adjacent to the lead, oriented counterclockwise for board mounting.[29][28] Variations in numbering occur based on package type. Surface-mount small-outline integrated circuit (SOIC) packages adhere to the same counterclockwise convention as DIP but with a narrower body and gull-wing leads, where pin 1 is often indicated by a dimple or an extended tab at one end. In contrast, through-hole transistor outline packages like TO-220 employ a linear numbering system, with pins assigned sequentially from left to right (pin 1 on the left) when the component is oriented with the metal tab facing away from the viewer and leads downward. These JEDEC-defined outlines ensure compatibility in IC designs.[30] For connectors, the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) standards prescribe linear pin numbering, typically starting from one end of the connector and proceeding sequentially to the other, as seen in D-subminiature connectors where pins are numbered from 1 to 25 or more along rows. This differs from the circular logic of IC packages and supports straightforward mating in cabling applications.[31][32]Representation
Diagrams
Pinout diagrams provide graphical representations of the physical arrangement and electrical functions of pins on integrated circuits (ICs) and connectors, facilitating visual comprehension in electronic design. For ICs, these diagrams typically employ top-view schematics that depict the package as a rectangle with pins extending outward as lines or small circles, numbered counterclockwise starting from pin 1, which is often indicated by a notch or dot on the package edge.[33][34] In contrast, connector pinouts favor side or end views to illustrate the linear or circular array of contacts, such as in DB-series or USB ports, where pins are shown as aligned circles or segments to reflect their mating geometry.[35] These visual formats emphasize the spatial layout, distinguishing them from textual descriptions by capturing the three-dimensional orientation of components. Key elements in pinout diagrams include numerical labels for each pin, functional annotations (e.g., "VCC" for power or "GND" for ground), and orientation markers like notches, dots, or beveled edges to ensure correct insertion and prevent misalignment during assembly.[28][36] Color-coding is occasionally applied to differentiate signal types, with conventions such as red for power lines, black for ground, and other hues for data or control signals, drawing from standard wiring practices to enhance quick identification.[37] These features collectively map the pin assignments to their roles, aiding engineers in tracing connections without relying solely on abstract lists. Diagrams are created using specialized tools, including computer-aided design (CAD) software like KiCad for generating precise schematic symbols and footprints that incorporate pinout visuals, or Autodesk Eagle for PCB layout where pin arrangements are defined during component library development.[38][39] In datasheets and preliminary designs, simpler hand-drawn sketches may supplement these, particularly for custom or prototype components, though modern production favors digital rendering for accuracy.[40] The primary advantages of pinout diagrams lie in their ability to convey spatial relationships, especially for complex 3D packages like ball grid arrays (BGAs) or quad flat no-leads (QFNs), where bottom-view illustrations reveal hidden pin grids that tabular data cannot.[41] This visual approach supports physical alignment during soldering or socket insertion, reducing errors in prototyping and manufacturing by allowing designers to mentally simulate component orientation and interconnection.[42]Tables
Pinout information can be presented in tabular format as a structured, text-based method to organize pin details without relying on visual layouts. These tables commonly feature columns such as pin number, pin name or label, type (e.g., input, output, power, ground, or bidirectional), voltage specifications if relevant (such as supply voltage or signal levels), and notes for additional context like alternate functions or restrictions.[4][43] In electronic component datasheets, pinout tables serve as a compact reference tool, enabling engineers to rapidly identify pin roles during design or troubleshooting, often supplemented by footnotes to address package variants or operational exceptions.[4][44] For instance, the Texas Instruments LM741 operational amplifier datasheet employs such a table to enumerate its eight pins, as shown below:| Pin | Name | I/O | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Offset Null | I | Used for offset voltage adjustment |
| 2 | Inverting Input | I | Inverting signal input |
| 3 | Noninverting Input | I | Noninverting signal input |
| 4 | V⁻ | — | Negative power supply |
| 5 | Offset Null | I | Used for offset voltage adjustment |
| 6 | Output | O | Amplifier output |
| 7 | V⁺ | — | Positive power supply |
| 8 | NC | — | No connection (leave floating) |
Interpretation
Reading Pinouts
To read a pinout effectively, begin by identifying pin 1, which serves as the reference point for numbering the remaining pins in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction depending on the component type. This pin is typically indicated in datasheets by a visual marker such as a dot, notch, or beveled edge on the physical package, allowing users to orient the component correctly relative to the diagram.[43] Once pin 1 is located, trace the signals by consulting the accompanying pin description table, which details each pin's function, such as power supply (VCC), ground (GND), input, output, or no connect (NC). For instance, follow the path from input pins to output pins to understand signal flow, ensuring alignment with the intended circuit design. Verify compatibility by confirming that power and ground pins match the system's voltage requirements and that signal pins are appropriately paired to avoid mismatches in logic levels or impedance.[43][46] Cross-referencing multiple sources is essential, as pinouts may vary between datasheets and simplified diagrams; always prioritize the manufacturer's official datasheet for accuracy. Account for revisions, such as those in USB connectors where earlier versions like USB 2.0 use four pins for data and power, while USB 3.0 adds extra pins for higher-speed differential signaling, potentially altering compatibility if not verified.[43][47] For verification, employ tools like an oscilloscope to probe signal pins and confirm waveform integrity, timing, and voltage levels under operation. Use a continuity tester or multimeter in continuity mode to check electrical connections between pins and traces, ensuring no open circuits or shorts.[48][49] Best practices include always checking connector orientation to align pin 1 correctly and identifying gender—male connectors with protruding pins mating to female receptacles with sockets—prior to wiring to prevent reversal or incomplete connections. Pinouts are commonly represented in diagrams for visual layout or tables for textual details, providing complementary views for analysis.[50][43]Common Errors
One frequent error in interpreting pinouts is misidentifying pin 1 on integrated circuits, often by overlooking physical indicators such as a notch, dot, or beveled corner on the package, which designates the starting point for counterclockwise pin numbering.[28] This mistake commonly arises from variant package differences, where through-hole dual in-line packages (DIP) and surface-mount device (SMD) variants of the same component may have altered physical layouts or marking positions, leading designers to apply the wrong pin mapping.[51] Another error involves swapping power and ground connections, typically due to reliance on outdated or incorrect datasheets that fail to reflect revisions in pin assignments for newer revisions of a component.[52] Ignoring the bidirectional nature of certain pins, such as input/output (I/O) ports on microcontrollers, can also occur when treating them as unidirectional, resulting in unintended signal conflicts during circuit operation.[53] These errors often stem from environmental factors in assembly, such as inadequate visibility during manual placement, which obscures subtle markings on small components, or from incomplete design files that do not specify package-specific pinouts.[54] For instance, using a schematic symbol mismatched to the actual package variant can propagate pinout discrepancies from design to fabrication.[52] The consequences of such mistakes are severe and can include immediate electrical shorts when incompatible voltages are applied across pins, leading to trace burnout or solder joint failure on the printed circuit board.[54] Data corruption may arise from bidirectional pin mishandling, where conflicting signals disrupt communication buses and cause erratic logic states in digital circuits.[53] Permanent damage is particularly common with power/ground swaps or overvoltage on input pins, as internal protection diodes forward-bias and conduct excessive current, potentially shorting the pin to the supply rail or destroying the input buffer entirely.[55] To prevent these issues, engineers should cross-verify pinouts against multiple authoritative sources, including the latest manufacturer datasheets and package drawings, before finalizing schematics.[52] Utilizing electronic design automation (EDA) software with built-in design rule checks (DRC) and connector pin verification tools can automate detection of mismatches, such as inverted mating pinouts or unconnected bidirectional ports.[56] Additionally, incorporating clear fiducials and enhanced markings in PCB layouts aids visual confirmation during assembly, reducing reliance on manual inspection alone.[28]Examples
USB Connector
The USB Type-A connector serves as a foundational example of a digital interface pinout, widely used for connecting peripherals to hosts in computing and consumer electronics. Standardized by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) since the initial USB 1.0 release in 1996, it features a rectangular plug design measuring approximately 12 mm by 4.5 mm, with metal shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference and protect the internal contacts. This layout ensures reliable mating with corresponding receptacles, supporting both power and bidirectional data transmission in a single cable.[57][58] For USB 2.0, the Type-A connector employs a four-pin configuration that integrates power delivery and differential data signaling. Pin 1 supplies VBUS at +5 V for device powering, typically up to 500 mA. Pins 2 and 3 handle D- and D+ signals, respectively, using differential twisted-pair transmission to achieve data rates up to 480 Mbps in high-speed mode, enabling robust communication with reduced noise susceptibility. Pin 4 provides GND for return current and signal reference. This arrangement allows simultaneous power and data transfer without separate lines.[59][59][60]| Pin | Name | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VBUS | +5 V power supply |
| 2 | D- | Negative data line (differential signaling) |
| 3 | D+ | Positive data line (differential signaling) |
| 4 | GND | Ground |
PS/2 Connector
The PS/2 connector, also known as the mini-DIN-6, is a circular 6-pin interface standardized for connecting keyboards and mice to personal computers, serving as a legacy standard for input devices before the widespread adoption of USB. It uses a round plug with pins numbered clockwise from the external key notch, following the convention for circular connectors where pin 1 is adjacent to the notch. Introduced by IBM in 1987 with the IBM PS/2 computer series, the connector facilitated a simple serial communication protocol and became a de facto standard in PCs throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, though it is now largely obsolete in modern systems.[63] The pin assignments for the PS/2 connector are the same for both keyboards and mice:| Pin | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Data | Bidirectional serial data line for transmitting commands and responses using the PS/2 protocol. |
| 2 | NC | Not connected. |
| 3 | GND | Ground return. |
| 4 | +5 V | Power supply delivering approximately 5 volts DC to the device. |
| 5 | Clock | Clock signal line for synchronizing data transmission at frequencies around 10-16 kHz. |
| 6 | NC | Not connected. |
4017 Decade Counter
The CD4017B is a CMOS integrated circuit functioning as a decade counter and frequency divider, featuring ten mutually exclusive decoded outputs that sequentially go high in response to each rising edge of the clock input, cycling from output 0 to 9 before resetting.[64] This design allows it to count or divide input signals by ten, making it suitable for applications such as frequency dividers, pulse counters, and sequential LED drivers in digital circuits.[64] As part of the 4000B-series CMOS logic family, originally developed by RCA and commercially introduced in the early 1970s, the CD4017B offers low power consumption and a wide operating voltage range of 3 V to 18 V, enabling compatibility with various supply levels in battery-powered or mixed-voltage systems.[65][64] In its standard 16-pin dual in-line package (DIP), the CD4017B employs a typical pinout for 4000-series ICs, with the ten decoded outputs (Q0 through Q9) occupying most pins to facilitate direct connection to loads like LEDs or relays. The clock input drives the counting sequence, while control pins for reset, enable, and carry-out provide flexibility for stopping, restarting, or cascading multiple devices. Power connections are at pins 8 (GND) and 16 (VDD), supporting the chip's CMOS operation. The following table summarizes the pin assignments:| Pin | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Q0 | Decoded output 0; goes high on first clock pulse. |
| 2 | Q1 | Decoded output 1; goes high on second clock pulse. |
| 3 | Q2 | Decoded output 2; goes high on third clock pulse. |
| 4 | Q3 | Decoded output 3; goes high on fourth clock pulse. |
| 5 | Q4 | Decoded output 4; goes high on fifth clock pulse. |
| 6 | Q5 | Decoded output 5; goes high on sixth clock pulse. |
| 7 | Q6 | Decoded output 6; goes high on seventh clock pulse. |
| 8 | GND | Ground connection for power supply. |
| 9 | Q7 | Decoded output 7; goes high on eighth clock pulse. |
| 10 | Q8 | Decoded output 8; goes high on ninth clock pulse. |
| 11 | Q9 | Decoded output 9; goes high on tenth clock pulse. |
| 12 | Carry Out (CO) | Output that pulses high after the tenth count; used for cascading counters. |
| 13 | Clock Inhibit (Enable) | When high, inhibits clock pulses to halt counting; low for normal operation. |
| 14 | Clock (CLK) | Input for clock signal; rising edge advances the count. |
| 15 | Reset (MR) | Active-high reset; returns outputs to initial state (Q0 high, others low) when asserted. |
| 16 | VDD | Positive supply voltage (3 V to 18 V). |
LM741 Op-Amp
The LM741 operational amplifier serves as a foundational example of an analog integrated circuit pinout, featuring an 8-pin configuration commonly housed in dual in-line package (DIP) or TO-99 metal can formats.[4] Introduced by Fairchild Semiconductor in 1968, the LM741 became a standard for general-purpose amplification due to its internal frequency compensation, short-circuit protection, and wide applicability in analog signal processing. Its pinout emphasizes balanced differential inputs and dedicated supply rails, enabling high open-loop gain typically exceeding 100 dB for precise voltage amplification.[4] The pin assignments for the LM741 in its standard 8-pin DIP or TO-99 package are as follows:| Pin | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Offset Null | Connection for external potentiometer to adjust input offset voltage for DC balance. |
| 2 | Inverting Input | Negative terminal of the differential input stage. |
| 3 | Non-Inverting Input | Positive terminal of the differential input stage. |
| 4 | V– (Negative Supply) | Ground or negative power supply connection (typically -5 V to -18 V). |
| 5 | Offset Null | Second connection for offset null adjustment, often tied to Pin 1 via a 10 kΩ potentiometer. |
| 6 | Output | Amplified output signal from the op-amp. |
| 7 | V+ (Positive Supply) | Positive power supply connection (typically +5 V to +18 V). |
| 8 | NC (No Connection) | Left unconnected; no internal function. |
