Electronics Project Sources

A Microcontroller Development Module for USD 4.30 ?

2010-12-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

This is not breaking news but I have to post it here.

TI has released a low cost microcontroller development kit for USD 4.30.
No hidden charges.

http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/MSP430_LaunchPad_%28MSP-EXP430G2%29?DCMP=launchpad&HQS=Other+OT+launchpadwiki

The only problem is the kits are running out fast.

Visti TI's website for more information.
www.msp430.com

GSM Module

2010-05-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

For those working on SMS based systems , there is a low cost GSM Modem from BenQ .
The M23A features logical and UART I/O and 115,200 baud rate in 58X40 mm form factor.

Specifications can be downloaded here.

For order, please visit any of the following links.

http://www.e-gizmo.com/KIT/MODEM.HTM

Voltage Regulators

2010-02-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

Most electronic projects require a voltage regulator.

The following is a list of available voltage regulators you can sample for free.
All are packaged in TO220,TO92 or DIP.

POSITIVE Voltage Regulators

Texas Instruments

TLV2217-33KCSE3 (+3.3V)
TL750L05 (+5V)
TL750M10CKCSE3 (+10V)
TL750M12CKCSE3 (+12V)
TLV1117CKCSE3 (Variable)

Micrel
(+3.3V)
(+5V)
(+12V)

NEGATIVE Voltage Regulators
LM337KCSE3 (variable)
LM2990T-12 (-12)

TI's MSP430 Microcontroller

2009-10-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

If you need a microcontroller for your projects I suggest Ti's MSP430F2013.

Order it here:

http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/msp430f2013.html#MSP430F2013IN

You can order a low cost programmer from TI.

http://focus.ti.com/docs/toolsw/folders/print/ez430-f2013.html

Micrel LDO

2009-08-05T17:35:00.000-07:00

Micrel's adjustable voltage output low drop out regulator in TO-220-5
package is available for sampling.

MIC29502WT

Visit:

http://www.micrel.com/index.do

You will need to register.

Micrel RF Module

2009-07-16T03:07:00.000-07:00

Micrel's radiowire modules can be connected directly to an mcu for
RF data transmission.

MICRF620Z TR

http://www.micrel.com/RadioWire/micrf620.pdf

Try requesting sample from Micrel's website.

www.micrel.com

LM34 Temperature Sensor

2009-07-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

National Semiconductor's Farenheit scale temperature sensor is available for sampling.

http://www.national.com/mpf/LM/LM34.html
http://www.national.com/mpf/LM/LM34.html#Availability

PCB Design Software

2009-07-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

If you need to design the PCB for your projects and don't have access to Orcad or don't want
to use it for your single or 2 layer boards, try the following alternatives:

1. Eagle
http://www.cadsoft.de/download.htm
There is a freeware version that should work well for your needs.

2. 123 PCB
http://www.pcb123.com/
This is absolutely free and provides an option for a direct PCB order. Nice.
(I guess they are giving this software away with the hope that you order a prototype PCB )

Freescale Pressure Sensors 2

2009-07-02T06:33:00.000-07:00

I recommend the following pressure sensors from Freescale.

MPX10DP
MPX53DP
MPXM2053DT1

These parts are available for sampling. You can try requesting samples here.

https://www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/overview.jsp?nodeId=010984007869597059286929489

Iron Cores from Micrometals

2009-06-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

If you need iron cores for your magnetics in electronic projects.
Try requesting few samples from Micrometals.

Browse the product lines and request samples using this form.

http://www.micrometals.com/samples_index.html

You will have to wait for shipment though as they send it via regular mail.

Pressure Sensor from Sensirion

2009-06-22T05:17:00.000-07:00

Sensirion will send 1 pc free sample for their SDP610 pressure sensor.

Click here.

http://www.sensirion.com/en/04_differential_pressure_sensors/06_freesampling/00_freesampling.htm

Samtec Power Connectors

2009-06-22T05:05:00.000-07:00

I recommend trying out Samtec's power cables and connectors .

The MPS series with its mating connector MPT series.

http://www.samtec.com/sudden_service/current_literature/power.pdf

You can request samples and Samtec will quickly deliver up to 5 units each.

Samples request form here.

http://www.samtec.com/sudden_service/samples_sql/sample_form.aspx

Remember:Samtec means sudden service.

DC to 5Ghz Attenuator with evaluation PCB

2009-06-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hittite Microwave Corporation provides samples for their line of standard
RF and Microwave ICs.

I just requested a 5Ghz attenuator and a sales guy confirmed they are on the way.

HMC541LP3
https://www.hittite.com/content/documents/data_sheet/hmc541lp3.pdf

You have to register here:

https://www.hittite.com/shop/register.php

And request samples here:

https://www.hittite.com/sample_request

There are a lot of forms to be filled up so be patient.
You may write "research" or "evaluation" in the applications section.

Hittite has a wide range of RF and Microwave ICs from VCOs, Amplifiers,
Filters ,etc. Although, they usually are in surface mount package , they come with
an evaluation PCB so it is easy for you to make connections.

They don't however sample the non standard parts, designers kits and assembly modules.

Zilog Microcontroller

2009-06-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

I just requested Zilog's classic Z80 microcontrollers .

http://www.samplecomponents.com/scripts/samplecenter.dll?zilog

Industry Standard 12 bit ADC

2009-06-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

If you need a basic 12 bit ADC you can request samples for
Maxim's MAX174 .

http://www.maxim-ic.com/quick_view2.cfm/qv_pk/1368/t/or

Freescale's 8 bit Microcontroller

2009-05-04T07:12:00.000-07:00

With its Motorola Semiconductor origins , Freecale is one of the
top Microcontroller manufacturers.

If you are looking for 8 bit controllers you can try Freescale's S08 series.

https://www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/overview.jsp?nodeId=010984007869597059286929489&tid=FSH

The parts are available in DIP package.

I have requested samples for MC9S08QA4CPAE and have received them
in 2 weeks.

Just register, log-in and request sample.
Easy!

Transistors

2009-05-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

ST Micro has sent me transistor samples.

http://www.st.com/stonline/domains/buy/samples/index.htm

Expect a phone call from a sales agent.

Tip: Just be nice and give a good explanation what the samples are for.

Plastic Enclosures

2009-04-21T05:17:00.000-07:00

If you need plastic enclosure for your project you can try to request samples from OKW enclosures.

http://www.okw.co.uk/

I requested one from them and it arrived in about 4 weeks.

Sample LED's

2009-04-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, LED's!

I have requested LED samples MARL and have pictures to show it.

Visit the link below and click the "sample" button in the lower left part of the web page.
http://www.leds.co.uk/contact

You will receive the LEDs in about 3 weeks or so.

Op Amps from Texas Instruments

2009-04-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

www.ti.com

TI is currently one of the biggest IC manufacturers.
And the fastest in providing free samples at that. Samples are shipped out immediately via Fed-Ex without you being pestered by phone calls.

I have listed below few of TI op amps that I recommend . Try requesting samples for evaluation. All of these are available in DIP package.

OPA137P
OPA2336PA
OPA4137PA
TLC252CP
TLC272CP

Based on my experience, TI is very reliable in providing samples quickly.
But do not abuse this sample service as you might get banned!

Austria MicroSystems

2009-04-14T01:01:00.000-07:00

I just received free IC samples from a new company Austria Microsystems.
Thanks guys!
http://www.austriamicrosystems.com

They have a few selection of parts but most of them are available for samples.
Click below for the the product pages. A "sample" button can be seen on the right of each part number available.

Audio Amplifier ICs
Op-Amps
ADC's and DAC's
Comparators
DC-DC Converters
Low Drop Out Regulators

You will be asked to register prior to sample check out. The process is not tedious and I only registered with my gmail account. I was surprised to receive the samples in less than 2 weeks!

However , all their parts as of writing are surface mounted components.

Post a comment when you find a thru hole part from their selection.

National Semi LM60 temperature Sensor

2009-04-07T02:02:00.000-07:00

National Semiconductor will provide free samples of LM60 temperature sensor with free shipment if you register with a corporate or educational email account.

Click here.
http://www.national.com/mpf/LM/LM60.html

There are 2 packages available ; SOT23 and TO 92. Choose LM60CIZ for TO-92 packaged part.

A variant LM61 is also available for samples.

Microcontroller - Maxim

2009-04-02T17:58:00.000-07:00

Although Maxim is not well known for MCUs , they do provide samples for 8051 compatible units.

I just ordered 2pcs of DS89C450 FREE samples in DIP package!

The delivery time is not as quick as when you order analog IC samples from Maxim. Nevertheless, it is still better than other manufacturer's sample programs.

This is probably the reason why most engineers specify Maxim analog ICs no matter how cheap the competition is.

Order Maxim MCU samples here:

http://www.maxim-ic.com/quick_view2.cfm/qv_pk/4078/t/or

Click on the "Sample" button. You might be asked to register first.

Watch out for the package type. Maxim is the best in providing sample parts in DIP so that you can use them in your projects.

Pressure Sensors - Freescale

2009-04-02T03:30:00.000-07:00

Freescale (ex Motorola Semicon)will provide samples for many parts including free shipment if you register with a corporate or educational email address such as professor@university.edu.

I just ordered 3 pcs of MPX999D pressure sensor and they are on the way as confirmed by Fed-ex.

http://www.freescale.com/files/sensors/doc/data_sheet/MPX5999D.pdf?pspll=1

If you register with email addresses such as you@yahoo.com or me@gmail.com
you will be asked to pay some amount for "handling" and "shipping".

Order the samples from Freescale here.

https://www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/overview.jsp?nodeId=010984007869597059286929489

Note you will need to register first.

Connectors - Samtec

2009-04-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

You can get connector samples from Samtec.

http://www.samtec.com/sudden_service/samples_sql/sample_form.aspx

They will ship it quickly without bothering you with a lot pf phone calls.
Just remember never to abuse this service.

Stepper Motors

2009-03-31T05:41:00.001-07:00

A good source of stepper motors are old printers. Tell people around you that you are interested with this "piece of junk".

Usually there are 2 motors inside.

One is the print head stepper and the other is the roller stepper.

RF modules sources

2009-03-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

Try the following sources for RF modules.

Laipac
http://www.laipac.com/easy_434_eng.htm