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.