samples

**Yes, we provide engineering samples** for **qualified customers and evaluation purposes** — delivering packaged and tested units to support proof-of-concept, system integration, customer demonstrations, and investor presentations with flexible sample programs tailored to your development stage and business needs. **Sample Programs Available** **Prototyping Samples (New Designs)**: - **MPW Program**: 5-20 die from multi-project wafer runs - **Cost**: $5K-$50K depending on process node and die size - **Deliverables**: Bare die or packaged units (QFN/QFP/BGA) - **Timeline**: 10-16 weeks from tape-out to delivery - **Includes**: Basic electrical characterization, preliminary datasheet - **Best For**: First-time tape-outs, proof-of-concept, technology validation **Small Batch Samples (Dedicated Runs)**: - **Quantity**: 100-1,000 packaged and tested units - **Cost**: $50K-$200K (includes design support, fabrication, packaging, testing) - **Deliverables**: Fully tested units with characterization data - **Timeline**: 12-18 weeks from tape-out - **Includes**: Full electrical characterization, datasheet, application notes - **Best For**: Customer evaluation, system integration, pilot production **Production Samples (Existing Products)**: - **Quantity**: 10-100 units from production inventory - **Cost**: $10-$100 per unit (nominal cost, not free) - **Deliverables**: Production-quality units with full documentation - **Timeline**: 1-2 weeks from stock - **Includes**: Datasheet, application notes, reference designs - **Best For**: Design-in evaluation, competitive evaluation, customer demos **Evaluation Kits**: - **Contents**: Sample chips, evaluation board, software, documentation - **Cost**: $500-$5,000 per kit depending on complexity - **Deliverables**: Complete working system for immediate evaluation - **Timeline**: 1-2 weeks shipping from stock - **Includes**: Hardware, software drivers, GUI, example code, user guide - **Best For**: Fast evaluation, software development, customer demonstrations **Sample Request Process** **Step 1 - Initial Contact**: - Email: [email protected] - Phone: +1 (408) 555-0160 - Online: www.chipfoundryservices.com/samples - Provide: Company information, application description, quantity needed **Step 2 - Qualification**: - **Company Background**: Legal entity, business model, funding stage - **Application Description**: What will you use the samples for? - **Technical Requirements**: Performance specs, interface requirements - **Timeline**: When do you need samples? Project timeline? - **Volume Potential**: Projected annual volume if successful - **NDA Execution**: Mutual NDA required before sample shipment **Step 3 - Approval**: - **Review**: 1-3 business days for sample request review - **Approval Criteria**: Legitimate business purpose, technical fit, volume potential - **Rejection Reasons**: Competitive analysis, no clear application, unrealistic requirements - **Notification**: Email approval or request for additional information **Step 4 - Sample Agreement**: - **Terms**: Sample use restrictions, no reverse engineering, return or destroy - **Payment**: Invoiced for sample cost (not free, but subsidized) - **Shipping**: Customer pays shipping and customs/duties - **Lead Time**: Confirmed delivery date based on availability **Step 5 - Delivery**: - **Packaging**: Anti-static packaging, moisture barrier bags, proper labeling - **Documentation**: Datasheet, handling instructions, application notes - **Support**: Technical support contact information - **Feedback**: Request for evaluation feedback and results **Sample Qualification Criteria** **We Provide Samples To**: - **Legitimate Businesses**: Registered companies with real applications - **Qualified Engineers**: Technical teams capable of evaluation - **Volume Potential**: Path to production volumes (1K-1M+ units/year) - **Strategic Fit**: Applications aligned with our target markets - **Funded Startups**: Seed to Series B with clear development plan **We Do NOT Provide Samples For**: - **Competitive Analysis**: Competitors reverse-engineering our technology - **Hobbyists**: Personal projects without commercial potential - **Resale**: Samples intended for resale rather than evaluation - **Unclear Purpose**: Vague applications without technical details - **No Volume Path**: No realistic path to production business **Sample Costs and Terms** **Prototyping Samples**: - **Cost Structure**: Amortized NRE + fabrication + packaging + testing - **Typical Cost**: $5K-$200K for 10-1,000 units - **Payment Terms**: 50% at order, 50% at delivery - **Lead Time**: 10-18 weeks depending on process node **Production Samples**: - **Cost Structure**: Unit cost + handling fee - **Typical Cost**: $10-$100 per unit (minimum 10 units) - **Payment Terms**: Net 30 days - **Lead Time**: 1-2 weeks from stock **Evaluation Kits**: - **Cost Structure**: Hardware cost + software + documentation - **Typical Cost**: $500-$5,000 per kit - **Payment Terms**: Credit card or Net 30 - **Lead Time**: 1-2 weeks shipping **Sample Support Services** **Technical Support**: - **Email Support**: [email protected] - **Phone Support**: +1 (408) 555-0161 (business hours) - **Response Time**: Within 4 business hours - **Scope**: Application questions, design-in support, troubleshooting **Documentation**: - **Datasheet**: Electrical specifications, timing diagrams, package information - **Application Notes**: Design guidelines, reference circuits, layout recommendations - **Software**: Drivers, example code, configuration tools (if applicable) - **Reference Designs**: Schematics, PCB layouts, BOM (for evaluation kits) **Design-In Support**: - **Application Engineering**: Help integrate our chip into your system - **Design Review**: Review your schematic and layout - **Troubleshooting**: Debug issues during evaluation - **Customization**: Discuss custom features or specifications **Sample Success Stories** **Startup Success**: - **Challenge**: Seed-stage startup needed samples for investor demo - **Solution**: Provided 50 packaged units from MPW run in 12 weeks - **Result**: Successful investor demo, raised Series A, now in production (100K units/year) **Enterprise Design-In**: - **Challenge**: Fortune 500 company evaluating our chip vs competitor - **Solution**: Provided evaluation kit with reference design and support - **Result**: Design win, 500K units/year production contract **University Research**: - **Challenge**: Professor needed samples for research project and publication - **Solution**: Provided 20 units through academic program (50% discount) - **Result**: Published paper, 3 students hired by semiconductor companies **Sample Request Tips** **Increase Approval Chances**: - **Be Specific**: Detailed application description, not vague "evaluation" - **Show Volume**: Realistic volume projections with market analysis - **Demonstrate Expertise**: Technical team capable of evaluation - **Provide Timeline**: Clear development timeline and milestones - **Explain Value**: Why our chip is right fit for your application **Expedite Process**: - **Complete Information**: Provide all requested information upfront - **Execute NDA Quickly**: Don't delay NDA review and execution - **Flexible Quantity**: Accept available quantity rather than custom - **Standard Packaging**: Accept standard package rather than custom - **Pay Promptly**: Quick payment accelerates sample shipment **Common Sample Questions** **Q: Are samples free?** A: No, samples are subsidized but not free. Prototyping samples cost $5K-$200K (amortized development cost). Production samples cost $10-$100 per unit (nominal cost). **Q: How long to get samples?** A: Production samples ship in 1-2 weeks. Prototyping samples take 10-18 weeks (includes fabrication). **Q: Can I get samples without NDA?** A: No, NDA is required for all sample shipments to protect our IP and your application. **Q: What if samples don't work?** A: We provide technical support to troubleshoot. If manufacturing defect, we replace at no charge. **Q: Can I buy more samples?** A: Yes, additional samples available at same pricing. Volume discounts for larger quantities. **Contact for Samples**: - **Email**: [email protected] - **Phone**: +1 (408) 555-0160 - **Website**: www.chipfoundryservices.com/samples - **Process**: Submit request → Qualification → NDA → Payment → Delivery (1-18 weeks) Chip Foundry Services provides **engineering samples to support your evaluation and design-in process** — contact us today to request samples and accelerate your product development with our proven semiconductor solutions.