A three-dimensional finite element model of a 20-pin plastic dual-in-line package(PDIP) plugged into a PCE has been developed by using the finite element code ANSYS. The model has been used for thermal characterization of the package during its normal operation under natural convection cooling. Temperature distributions in the package and PCB are obtained from numerical analysis and compared with experimentally measured data. Various cases are assumed and analyzed to study the effects of package and PCB materials on thermal characteristics of PDIP with and without aluminum heatspreader. Thermal dissipation capability of PDIP is greatly increased due to copper die pad/lead frame and heatspreader. However, thermally induced stresses in the package and fatigue life of chip are improved for PDIP with Alloy 42 die pad/lead frame and no heatspreader. It is also found that the role of PCB on thermal characteristics of PDIP is very imporatant.