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.