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
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
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
MIC2940A-3.3WU (+3.3V)
MIC29150-5.0WT (+5V)
MIC29150-12WT(+12V)
NEGATIVE Voltage Regulators
LM337KCSE3 (variable)
LM2990T-12 (-12)
Read more...
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'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'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
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
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 )
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
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.
