At 08:09 20.8.1999 -0700, you wrote:
>   I fully understand the need for smaller packages and the dwindling market
>for DIPs but I would be willing to pay for DIP samples for evaluation. It's
>getting to the point where you have a hard time finding even low frequency
>analog chips in DIP packages... I recently requested a voltage reference
>sample and I received four samples in a TSOP package even though it was
>suppose to be available in a DIP...

The lack of DIPs is really a problem. But I can say, that it is possible
(and funny sometines) to do prototyping on SMDs. Couple of months ago, I
almost converted to SMDs and I can say that I am happy now, because I do
not need to drill holes in PCBs or buy expensive universal boards. When I
am prototyping, I firstly make a design in Eagle, that I make fast (not
optimized) PCB for SMD components. I print the PCB on laser printer, etch
it either in my company or at home (in bathroom) and I am ready to solder.
The only thing which I bought specially for it is a hot air solder/desolder
station (around 1000 USD). With the hot air, it is possible to change parts
with different values very quickly. When I need to add ICs, I simply solder
thin teflon isolated wires on SMD parts and I can than solder those wires
directly to PCB traces.
For really small parts, like uMAX and TSOP, I am using small PCB rectangles
with etched traces and I am soldering wires to the traces.

Best regards

PavelK
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