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--- findingparts:sampling [2014/03/13 15:01]
vaxquis
+++ findingparts:sampling [2016/01/28 18:05] (current)
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 It's hard to go wrong with free. Parts manufacturers are often more than happy to ship you, for no cost, a few samples of their merchandise. They often ship within the week, sometimes the next day, and with free 2-3 day FedEx/UPS.
-If you know other companies with sample program, feel free to [[http://www.ladyada.net/wiki/doku.php?id=sampling|edit the wiki page with this content]]!
+See also: <del>http://razorconcepts.net/samples.html</del> (very outdated compared with info below).
-See also: http://razorconcepts.net/samples.html
 note: since you can try getting samples from any distributor, to clear things up I'm <del>marking</del> unverified ones, those which require extensive sales team contact or those who just don't have an option to request samples on the webpage; also, I reordered and cleaned the list a bit - vaxquis
@@ Line 10: / Line 8: @@
 [[http://www.maxim-ic.com/samplescart.cfm?Action=Intro&ln=en|Maxim/Dallas Semiconductor]]
-DC-DC converters, serial line drivers, motor control, RF...Maxim specializes in "this part does one thing and does it they way you want it" chip design. If you want something analog, they've probably got it in stock. Login required, no hard limits on part amount/value (but be reasonable!).
+DC-DC converters, serial line drivers, motor control, RF... Maxim specializes in "this part does one thing and does it they way you want it" chip design. If you want something analog, they've probably got it in stock. Login required, no hard limits on part amount/value (but be reasonable!).
 >I order samples alot from Maxim and they never turned me down. And I order way more than once per 90 days and they have never turned me down. - koolkat
@@ Line 26: / Line 24: @@
 [[https://www-a.ti.com/apps/samp/basket.asp|Texas Instruments (National Semi)]]
-Great things come from TI. More analog, of course. DSPs, some logic, battery management. You can sample anything off their [[https://www-a.ti.com/apps/samp/pids.asp|big list]]. 5 different parts per order, with 1 each of the expensive stuff (like DSPs) and up to 3 each of the more common chips (as of 2013).
+Great things come from TI. More analog, of course. DSPs, some logic, battery management. You can sample anything off their [[https://www-a.ti.com/apps/samp/pids.asp|big list]]. 5 different parts per order, with 1 each of the expensive stuff (like DSPs) and up to 3 each of the more common chips (as of 2013). Sent through Digi-Key as of 2013/2014.
 Note: you can sample MOS from TI without any problem.
-> They shipped everything fast, without questions and absolutely free (2013) - Germanstudent
+> They shipped everything fast, without questions and absolutely free (2013/14/15) - Germanstudent
 > I got some samples from TI and I didn't get any calls... They have very fast shipping. - Vaati
@@ Line 43: / Line 41: @@
 >> REVIEWER COMMENTS :We do accept samples delivery for university student project ONLY via hands of university project supervisors (professors), and only USING THE UNIVERSITY EMAIL and DELIVERY ADDRESS. You can also order samples via our catalog distributors Farnell,DigiKey or Mouser
 > I used a company email after that, and was able to receive samples successfully after about a week of waiting (5 parts max; 3 pcs of common ones, 2 pcs of expensive ones and 1 pc of prototype circuits max), shipped by FedEx International Priority with package tracking [note: I later did that numerous times with different parts; TI never complained, but FedEx once made some trouble with customs on a high value order] (August 2013) - vaxquis
+[[http://www.intersil.com|Intersil]]
+Power, Data, Interface, Muxes and Timing chips, many of them in DIP packages. You can sample 8x 2pcs, most of the parts (with the obvious exception of MIL-class ones) are available for sampling. Most sent through Digi-Key with some parts forwarded by some mystery distributor (as of 2014).
+> I just got 10 HIP4081AIP chips from Intersil as samples.
+> The samples arrived without any problem. (March 2014) - vaxquis
 [[http://www.fairchildsemi.com/samples/index.jsp|Fairchild Semiconductor]]
@@ Line 64: / Line 67: @@
 [[http://sample.microchip.com/|Microchip]]
-The de-facto standard for annoying microcontroller design. Regardless, it's up there with the 8051 and AVR in popularity. It seems like you can get their more popular <$5 microcontrollers sampled. Also, of course, are their little eeprom memory chips, mid-freq RF chips and 'analog glue.' According to their [[http://sample.microchip.com/FAQ.aspx|FAQ]] (link is dead), you can get 3 of 4 different parts, twice a month, shipped via 3-day.
+The de-facto standard for annoying microcontroller design. Regardless, it's up there with the 8051 and AVR in popularity. It seems like you can get their more popular <$5 microcontrollers sampled. Also, of course, are their little eeprom memory chips, mid-freq RF chips and 'analog glue.' According to their [[http://www.microchip.com/samples/FAQ.aspx|FAQ]] (link is dead), you can get 3 of 4 different parts, twice a month, shipped via 3-day.
 Note: you can sample MOS from Microchip.
@@ Line 71: / Line 74: @@
 >Atleast in Canada, your samples are sent FedEx to the local sales office, then sent to your address.
-> They ship through FedEx International Priority from Thailand, which is great in that you will generally get the samples some day around 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, but they require you to sign for the package or leave a door tag. - wilywyrm
 >You have to have a suitable 'company' address to get samples by registering. This could be an issue for a few people as you need someone@companyname.com or similar. - mowcius
@@ Line 85: / Line 86: @@
 [[http://www.atmel.com/forms/Samples.asp?family_id=607|Atmel]]
-Samples are shipped from distributors, but I've gotten chips successfully. I've even gotten engineering samples for unreleased chips!
+Ubiquitous microcontrollers, you can get engineering samples for unreleased chips. Sent through Digi-Key as of 2013/2014.
-> "Seems to be hard to obtain for a hobbyist." -jkx
 > "I got a good number of AVRs from a friendly distributor without a hassle." -Eriador
-> "If you use the sample form on the website, you will never receive the samples. So I emailed my local sales office and asked them for samples and they sent me some in about 2 weeks. - koolkat
 > "Just ordered the atmega328 so I can make me an arduino. Already shipped. Should be here Tuesday, according to UPS :D" -gtr_stitch
@@ Line 99: / Line 96: @@
 > "Just got shipping conformation on a few 1284s, 644s, and 328s.  Relatively easy if you fill the forms out like your actually from a company." -CoDLiNK (10/15/2012)
-> "APPROVAL DECLINED". Trying once again - "Order XXX from the Atmel Sample Center was shipped on Aug 16 2013 1:14PM via DHL WW EXPRESS." Got them in couple of days. You definitely CAN get those samples, you just have to be cool about what you request and in what amounts. I was able to get up to 2 pcs (eg 1 pc of 1284P and 1 pc of 324P) total, they always declined on >2 though. (August 2013) - vaxquis
+> "APPROVAL DECLINED". Trying once again - "Order XXX from the Atmel Sample Center was shipped on Aug 16 2013 1:14PM via DHL WW EXPRESS." Got them in couple of days. You definitely CAN get those samples, you just have to be cool about what you request and in what amounts. I was able to get up to 2 pcs (eg 1 pc of 1284P and 1 pc of 324P) total, they always declined on >2 though. (2013/2014) - vaxquis
 [[http://www.linear.com/|Linear Technology]]
@@ Line 106: / Line 103: @@
 > Got 2 LT1302CN8-5, shipped via post - Squeck
-> I've gotten samples a few days to a week after ordering samples. Ships by USPS first class - wilywyrm
 > Linear happily sent me 2 x LT1302CN8-5 to Australia via the local distributor. - tronixstuff
@@ Line 145: / Line 140: @@
 >I was finally able to find samples on ON just to notice I'd have to pay $15.99 for shipping and $5 for handling... ~$21 for an order; it's true you can sample products with value higher than that to offset it, but overall I don't find this price too appealing (2014) - vaxquis
+[[http://www.nxp.com/|NXP]] Formerly Philips Semiconductors, all kinds of logic, data, amp, discrete and uC stuff. While they *don't* generally offer sampling to individuals (they forward you to local distributors), they, from time to time, have sampling programs for new parts, i.e. browse through http://www.nxp.com/news/campaigns.html and try to find a campaign with "request free samples" option, e.g. Logic Portable Industrial (http://www.nxp.com/campaigns/portable-industrial/select-samples).
+>Just received 150 SMD logic gates. It took them a while, and also a local distributor called me with "please meet me and talk about the project" after sending the request, but they came, shipped with DHL (March 2014) - vaxquis
 [[http://www.cirrus.com/dispatch/setlang/en/forms/sup/sreq/sinfo/SinfoController.jpf|Cirrus Logic]]
@@ Line 164: / Line 162: @@
 [[http://www.allegromicro.com/|Allegro Microsystems]]
 A smaller manufacturer of mostly DC/DC converters, you can sample from their website. Samples are sent via distributors, and they usually contact you before. (And sometimes refuse)
-[[http://www.nxp.com/|NXP]]
-(no info)
 <del>[[http://www.cypress.com|Cypress]]</del>
@@ Line 178: / Line 172: @@
 >I've been trying to get anything from them for a long time; definitely DON'T sample expensive parts (even if they DO have sample option), DON'T use student/hobby emails, and be prepared for LONG waits and MANY requests before anything happens. I've sent three or four requests throughout last 4 months, and only gotten a single reply (after almost a month), stating that the parts are too expensive to actually sample them, despite the option on the page. No response to my follow-up email at all. (August 2013) - vaxquis
-[[http://www.us.liteon.com/opto.prdct.form.html|Lite-On]]
-Appears to do samples of LEDs/optoelectronics.
-[[Http://www.intersil.com|Intersil]]
-> I just got 10 HIP4081AIP chips from Intersil as samples.
 [[http://www.sensirion.com|Sensirion]]
@@ Line 190: / Line 177: @@
 [[http://centralsemi.com/|Central Semi]]
-Apparently also does samples, but I have no myself with it.
 > Got call from sales rep, had to convince them to send, through local distributor.  Got 10 each of 4 different diodes, though. - foobar
+> Tried to sample, got some follow-up mail but no further actions despite my repeated attempts. I'd call it a no-no, you may have better luck (albeit that's unlikely IMO) (2013) - vaxquis
 [[http://www.zilog.com/|Zilog]]
@@ Line 208: / Line 197: @@
 Did another order with them, they are now offering up to 3 on 1 part.  Took three R5F562N8BDFB this time (same controller, 144 pins instead of 100).
-====== Passives / Discrete Semi ======
+====== Passives / Opto / Discrete Semi ======
 Note: for MOS parts, you can try TI or Microchip (see above)
@@ Line 218: / Line 207: @@
 > Got 10 yellow LEDs for free shipped with UPS Saver - Squeck
-> Nothing from these guys. Every time I try to submit a sample, it goes to a confirmation page with my contact information saying "Your Sample Request can not be processed at this time. Please locate a Sales Contact in your area for further information." - wilywyrm
 > I've gotten a number of samples from Vishay (diodes, LEDs, crystals), but often it takes a long time (weeks and weeks, with no shipment notice or other status) and they come from a (relatively) local sales rep. - foobar
@@ Line 230: / Line 217: @@
 I got the requested parts after a month's wait, without follow-ups - so you definitely *can* get those passives from them (August 2013') - vaxquis
+[[http://www.bivar.com/|Bivar]]
+LED and other similar optos.
+>I was able to get a handful (4x5pcs) of UV/IR LEDs from them after contacting the local distributor and a couple of polite email/phone reminders. Overall the time wasted on this was about the value of the parts, but you may be more lucky. (August 2013') - Vaxquis
+[[http://www.us.liteon.com/opto.prdct.form.html|Lite-On]]
+Appears to do samples of LEDs/optoelectronics.
 ====== Connectors ======
@@ Line 235: / Line 230: @@
 [[http://www.tycoelectronics.com/|Tyco Electronics (TE) / AMP]]
 A similar range as to Molex's, plus heat shrink tubing, passives, switches, all kinds of things. You can request samples by navigating to the product's page and clicking on the corresponding button.
-> Some parts come from international sampling rooms and will take a couple more days (Through UPS Saver) than domestic samples. Those go through USPS First Class and they don't ask questions. - wilywyrm
 > They maintain order history, and send shipping notices.  It can be hard to find samples of certain things, because they have "request sample" links for all products, but samples are not stocked for many products (though they will suggest alternatives). - foobar
@@ Line 246: / Line 239: @@
 [[http://www.samtec.com/|SamTec]]
 "They ship samples quite quickly, and I've never been pestered with followup calls."
-> These guys are great. I've ordered a couple of connectors and USB cables from them and they all shipped the next day with FedEx next day air. There's apparently some value limit to the items/quantities they'll ship as samples and some parts require "approval" (Special ethernet cables), but nothing unreasonable. - wilywyrm
 > ditto. I got it in 2 days by UPS, without a slightest problem. Note that won't be able to sample some common cables/connectors, but if you find it on their page with sample option, you're 99% getting it ASAP. Sometimes they give the items in bulk amount, sometimes only single ones or two pieces, YMMV (May/August 2013') - vaxquis
@@ Line 253: / Line 244: @@
 [[http://www.mill-max.com/|Mill-Max]]
 Connectors and IC sockets. They seem to ship quickly at no charge (US only?).
->They shipped my sample with no problems, just with a notice that one of them was bought on a reel and couldn't be sampled. - wilywyrm
 >They send me 10 connectors 4 free without questions via USMail (2013) - Germanstudent
@@ Line 268: / Line 257: @@
 >so it seems to be difficult if you're not from North America.
 >update: I contacted one of their distributors in Europe (WDI AG) and their representative agreed to broker a sampling request to Mill-Max. I received the samples today. Took a couple of polite mails and about two weeks in total. Not for the faint-hearted. (August 2013) - vaxquis
+[[http://desco.descoindustries.com/|Desco / Charleswater]]
+Grounding/static protection and some simple ESD-proof connectors.
+>received some (dozens of simple alligator clips etc) samples after email verification (December 2014) - vaxquis
 <del>[[http://www.molex.com/|Molex]]</del>
@@ Line 294: / Line 289: @@
 [[http://www.memoryprotectiondevices.com/morecorp.shtml|Memory Protection Devices]]
 Connectors and battery holders. Sends by UPS Ground.
-> After I sent off the form, a sales rep emailed me asking what I would be using the samples for. Nothing hard or poky. After answering, I got samples (3 units of each) though UPS a couple days later. - wilywyrm
 [[http://www.norcomp.net/Navpages/sample.htm|Norcomp]]
@@ Line 324: / Line 317: @@
 > Distributors like Mouser Electronics are capable of shipping out single items.- August 2013, vaxquis
-<del>[[http://www.hammfg.com/|Hammond Manufacturing]]</del>
+[[http://www.okwenclosures.com|OKW Enclosures]] - Imports enclosures from [[http://tekoenclosures.com/service/sample_form.html|Teko Enclosures]], which has a bit more selection that you can also sample. OKW's selection is like Serpac's, but the enclosures are usually only available in black, gray, or white. Only one unit of up to 6 sample parts can be sampled and the "Get a Sample" link must be present on the left sidebar to be eligible. Ships via UPS Ground.
-[[http://www.serpac.com|Serpac]] - Offers many different project enclosures, from heavy toolboxes to tiny remote control style cases. Many cases offer clear or IR transparent front plates as well as AA and 9V battery holders. Just send them an email and they'll ship right away.
+>Ordered an enclosure from OKW (Back ordered but was informed it will ship when they come in) I have yet to try the electronics division.
+> They called me and told me that they have shipped the enclosure samples. But I have to pay for them if I want them. -fubar
+> they forwarded the request to local distributor, which (thankfully) sent me (for free) most of the samples requested after a phone call. (August 2013) - vaxquis
+[[http://www.serpac.com|Serpac]] - Offers many different project enclosures, from heavy toolboxes to tiny remote control style cases. Many cases offer clear or IR transparent front plates as well as AA and 9V battery holders. Offers many different project enclosures, from heavy toolboxes to tiny remote control style cases. Seems to be sending 2-5 of up to 2 parts, and there is a sliding 30-day window, in which you can order 3 times.
 > confirmed ordered 2 enclosures with battery holders - shipped right away  - mrramsey
 > Ordered 3 enclosures. Shipped via USPS international. One enclosure was incomplete and totally broken. -fubar
 > Serpac is FABULOUS! I ordered one sample late at night. The next morning I received a very friendly and cheerful response. Fast forward a week or two later and a large box with THIRTEEN assorted enclosures showed up! Serpac4Life! -Anonymous Coward
-[[http://www.okwenclosures.com|OKW Enclosures]] - Imports enclosures from [[http://tekoenclosures.com/service/sample_form.html|Teko Enclosures]], which has a bit more selection that you can also sample. OKW's selection is like serpac's, but the enclosures are usually only available in black, gray, or white. Only one unit of up to 6 sample parts can be sampled and the "Get a Sample" link must be present on the left sidebar to be eligible. Ships via UPS Ground.
->Ordered an enclosure from OKW (Back ordered but was informed it will ship when they come in) I have yet to try the electronics division.
+> no reply from them after repeated attempts; I seriously doubt if the samples are still available from them (2013/2014) - vaxquis
-> They ship next day with a notice, no pestering about annual units, application, anything! They also have an electronics component site called [[http://www.okwelectronics.com|OKW Electronics]] that imports stuff like LEDs, switches, and radio thingies. Still, I haven't gotten anything yet from this division. - wilywyrm
-> They called me and told me that they have shipped the enclosure samples. But I have to pay for them if I want them. -fubar
+[[http://www.hammfg.com/|Hammond Manufacturing]]
+They are high quality, inexpensive and apparently they'll send you free parts if you call them up. No direct sampling option available on the webpage.
 ====== Switches ======
@@ Line 347: / Line 345: @@
 >Requested samples, but Mouser explained that NKK does not do samples anymore, but you can still get the parts from mouser. ~ stepstools
-> Tyco also sells switches, and they have all different kinds. - foobar
+<del>[[http://www.e-switch.com|E-Switch]]</del>
+>Has plenty of interesting switches but unfortunately want you to buy them through their
+distributor. Note that Lambind.com directs you to the same site.-Brosiman
+>They forwarded me to local distributor, the distributor largely ignored me (phoned me once and then, despite an actual case of needing the samples for a project, ignored me completely after that, even after my further calls/mails). (2013) - vaxquis
-[[http://www.e-switch.com|E-Switch]]-Has plenty of interesting switches but unfortunately want you to buy them through their
-distributor.Note that Lambind.com directs you to the same site.-Brosiman
 ====== Others ======
@@ Line 395: / Line 396: @@
 [[https://www.avx.com/RequestSample.asp|AVX Corporation]] Capacitors, inductors, and resistors. Put up to 5 part numbers into the form and off you go.
-> Sample requests go through their representatives at Ammon and Rizos and ship from a distributor through UPS or FedEx 2-day usually. - wilywyrm
 [[http://www.koaspeer.com/order-samples/|KOA Speer Electronics]] Capacitors, inductors, resistors, etc. Their form allows for up to 10 samples and 100 Currently seems to be sending 2-5 of up to 2 parts, and there is a sliding 30-day window, in which you can order 3 times.  Microchip is great about sampling microcontrollers; they're much easier to get than Atmel ones. - foobar
- Due to the number of inquires we are no longer able to send samples for free. There is a $40 minimum order policy to   cover order processing. Please increase your order amount to proceed to checkout.  - Copy from their site, 6-21-2008 - Seth
+ Due to the number of inquires we are no longer able to send samples for free. There is a $40 minimum order policy to cover order processing. Please increase your order amount to proceed to checkout.  - Copy from their site, 6-21-2008 - Seth
-[[http://www.hammfg.com/|Hammond Manufacturing]]
-I don't particularly like their enclosures, but they are high quality, inexpensive and apparently they'll send you free parts if you call them up.
-[[http://www.serpac.com|Serpac]] - Offers many different project enclosures, from heavy toolboxes to tiny remote control style cases. M Currently seems to be sending 2-5 of up to 2 parts, and there is a sliding 30-day window, in which you can order 3 times. - foobar
-still no reply from them - vaxquis
 [[http://www.ctparts.com|Central Technologies]]
 Plenty of passives like inductors and ceramic chip capacitors. They even offer free evaluation kits on some items. They check each order with a sales contact.
-> Because they check each address and have their sales reps put everyone into a database, I've gotten squat from them. But it still seems like a good place to get inductors and kits if you can get them to send it. - wilywyrm
 [[http://www.delevan.com/support/sample|API Delevan]] Inductors, transformers.  Sample form allows up to 5 different part numbers.

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