Usually there are several options on how to connect an in-circuit emulator to a target hardware. If the microcontroller (MCU) or microprocessor used is in a standard package such as DIL or PLCC, the easiest way is using an appropriate socket.

For QFP style packages sockets are not always available or sometimes require a slightly different PCB layout. In any case it is a good idea to consider the adaptation when doing the PCB layout. For QFP packages the following adaptation methods are the most popular:

PressOn Adapter

This adapter is pressed onto the soldered-in microcontroller. It only requires a minimum of space around the MCU.

Emulation Sockets for QFP Packages

A socket is soldered onto the target instead of the MCU. Either the MCU or the emulator can be plugged into the socket.

ICEconnect / QuadConnect

With the correct header rows in the target hardware, the adaptation probes can directly plug into these header rows.

Replacement Adapter

This kind of adapter uses the same footprint as the MCU. It needs to be soldered into the target hardware instead of the MCU. Usually the board can only be used with the emulator as there is no way to put the MCU into the socket.