Where do I get PICs on reels in small quantities? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2011, 12:42:48 am
content: Hello, I have designed a very promising product. The problem is that I'm only familiar with PIC's since they are the only micro-controler sold on my country (the Dominican Republic).Now I have been having trouble finding a way to buy QFP PICs on reels in small quantities. As my product is very specialized I plan to do just a few units. I'm a student and I don't have time or equipment to assemble a hundred boards full of SMD's at home. So I want them assembled in China by pick and place machines.According to Dave I should only get components on reels or tubes, but PICs on reels come inhugequantities and most PICs, specially the ones I'm considering, are not available in tubes of smaller quantities.Some companies like Digi-Key offer reeling service for small quantities at fee, but they only seem to be available for the 10F and some 12F and 16F series.What can I do?If the only option is to get them in trays, then the assembler company will transfer them to reels, but they will charge me. How much would cost that fee for ˜50-100 chips?EDIT: I just noticed some manufacturers can handle trays, which sites like Digi-Key sell. The problem is that the seem to have a very low stock for me to rely on. (D-K has 600, Microchip has 21). Any other supplier suggestions?, or I will have to keep my eye on the stock of 5 sites every time I plan to make a batchThank you.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 11, 2011, 06:40:12 am
content: maybe a chinese board maker and assembler can provide the pic's ?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2011, 09:06:35 am
content: ISTR Microchip Direct's programming service will re-tape programmed parts at very low cost, so you may solve two problems in one go by getting them pre-programmed (even if it's only a bootloader ).I don't know if they offer this for QFPs but I've used them for SO8's before.

author: tnt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2011, 09:57:44 am
content: Digikey has the "DigiReel stuff" where you can have custom quantities on a reel IIRC.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2011, 11:50:20 am
content: I think that Having somebody find the chips over in China is not an excellent idea for my hard-to-find PICs, also I'm afraid of getting parts from the gray market.Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on April 11, 2011, 09:06:35 amSounds reasonable, I hope the cost is not higher than $1 per part. Those piece of silicon are already expensive.Can I do it without having to start a company? If so, where do I get a quotation?ThanksQuote

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2011, 12:43:38 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on April 11, 2011, 09:06:35 amhttp://www.microchipdirect.com/programming/FAQNew.aspxI just looked up pricing for a random QFP PIC24 part - these prices are US$Qty 0-500 program 0.13 re-reel 0.02 inkdot 0.01 label 0.08There is a 1-time setup charge of $30 and a minimum production order of $60 (not clear if this is the value of just the programming or the parts+programming).This includes them sending you a sample programmed part for verification.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2011, 03:17:48 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on April 11, 2011, 12:43:38 pmThanks for the cost information, that was very useful.And thanks to all for your time.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2011, 07:48:12 pm
content: Quote from: ivaneduardo747 on April 11, 2011, 11:50:20 amIf you're worried about that then you should be asking yourself whether you trust the company assembling it for you?If they're the kind of company to rip you off by fitting fakes then you really shouldn't be using them in the first place.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2011, 08:15:00 pm
content: Quote from: Hero999 on April 11, 2011, 07:48:12 pmOK, you convinced me to ask them.

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2011, 12:58:35 pm
content: If your buying more than $50-100 worth of PIC chips, you'd be silly not to buy from MicroChip directAlso note that MicroChip have different variations of the same chip. Some are industrial rated for a higher temp range. voltage range etc. Some times they'll only have limited stock of the specialized versions (T models etc) but they'll have literally 1000's of the regular one which is fine for most purposes.