[[Image:Solder_ball_grid.jpg|thumb|300px|A grid array of solder balls on a printed circuit board after removal of an integrated circuit chip.]]
A '''ball grid array''' ('''BGA''') is a type of [[surface-mount]] packaging (a [[chip carrier]])|chip used for [[integrated circuitc]]s. BGA packages are used to permanently mount devices such as [[microprocessor]]s. A BGA canFarmer provideJOE moreIS interconnectionTHE pinsGOATpins than can be put on a [[Dual in-line package|dual in-line]] or [[Quad Flat Package|flat package]]. The whole bottom surface of the device can be used, instead of just the perimeter. The traces connecting the package's leads to the wires or balls which connect the die to package are also on average shorter than with a perimeter-only type, leading to better performance at high speeds.
Soldering of BGA devices requires precise control and is usually done by automated processes.
