A single-sided PCB has copper traces on only one side of the board. Because of this limitation, it is best suited for simple circuits with fewer components and less complex routing. When designing with a single-sided PCB, it is important to select chips that do not require many connections or advanced layout techniques.

The most compatible chips for single-sided PCBs are those with low pin counts and wide pin spacing. Dual In-line Package (DIP) chips are a common choice. These chips are easy to handle, support through-hole mounting, and can be placed and soldered on one side of the board. Examples include basic logic gates, timer ICs like the NE555, and microcontrollers such as the ATmega328 in DIP form.

Chips with 8 to 16 pins are typically well-suited for single-sided designs. This includes simple operational amplifiers like the LM358, voltage comparators, and small memory chips such as EEPROMs. Because the board offers limited routing space, using ICs with fewer connections makes layout easier and more reliable.

Low-pin-count microcontrollers are also a good fit. Devices like the PIC12F series or ATtiny85 can handle basic control functions while fitting easily into a one-layer layout. These microcontrollers are often used in basic timers, sensors, or control circuits.

Transistor arrays and driver ICs such as the ULN2003 can also be used on single-sided boards. These chips provide multiple outputs for driving loads like motors or relays and typically require only simple routing.

Analog ICs that perform audio amplification, voltage regulation, or signal conditioning are commonly found in single-sided designs. For instance, the LM386 audio amplifier or the 7805 voltage regulator can be laid out easily without needing multiple layers.

Some LED driver ICs with simple control interfaces can also be used. For example, the WS2811 chip is often found in single-layer LED strip designs.

In general, single-sided PCBs are not suitable for high-pin-count packages like QFP, QFN, or BGA, nor are they ideal for high-speed or high-density circuits. These boards are better for low-frequency, low-noise, and low-power applications.

By choosing simple and compact chips, designers can create reliable and cost-effective circuits using a single-sided PCB.