In a message dated 97-05-16 08:00:13 EDT, you write:

<< > There is a good house in Ripon, CA that will be
 > able to handle 0402 in about three weeks as
 > they are adding new SMT equipment.  Where are you
 > ........

 >Sorry for my ignorance, but what is 0402?

> Regards,

>Andres

Andres,

0402 refers to the dimensions of chip resistors and multilayer chip
capacitors.  An 0402 refers to a chip with the size .040 inch by .020 inch.
Common sizes are 0402, 0603, 1206 etc.  Usually PCB fab houses need
specialized equipment to auto-assemble smaller than 0603.
My company makes equipment that makes chip capacitors.  We are starting to
see a industry wide interest in 0201 parts!  These things are like a grain of
salt!
Hope this helps
Dave Duley
V.P. DreiTek Inc.