Picaxe in SMD format

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Craftybytes

Senior Member
I am aware that the PIC uprocessor chips that the various Picaxe chips use as their basis are available in SMD packages, so is there any moves for the near future from Rev-Ed for us 'humble' picaxe-phytes to see our favourite beasties come out in suitable SMD packages for those of us who would like to be able to design "very small" footprint circuits with the venerable Picaxe profile - and enable us to get the most BANG-FOR-BUCK from our efforts ?
 
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ylp88

Senior Member
From my point-of-view, I think it would be a great idea; and with the cost of the SMD versions of the plain PIC being pretty much equal to that of the DIL verions, it alos seems feasable. On the contrary, the PICAXE system is for those people who are small-time "prototyper" (apologies to anyone who believes that they do not fit into this category) and it is extremely difficult to work with SMD parts unless you have some basic experience and a good pair of eyes!

The difficulty in getting some younger (an perhaps, some older) constructors to use SMD versions instead of DIL versions is probably great, and thus is most likely not feasble from Rev-Ed POV.

Otherwise, despite this, I believe that it would be a great idea and I would most certainly buy some. I think that Rev-Ed mentioned that they are prepared to do this so long as you order a large quantity (100's???).

ylp88
 
Technical

Technical

Technical Support
Staff member
08M, 18X and 28X will be available in SOIC format as standard ex-stock items from the end of April.
 
C

Craftybytes

Senior Member
SOIC is an excellent way to go with the 08M, 18X & 28X chips - will give those of us Picaxe-phytes who want to dabble with coming up with 'smaller' outline PCB's & usefull circuits - I'm thinking more of the ROBOT croud and maybe those who are into using picaxe's for communications (especially the RF ISM types). Maybe when the SOIC packages finally appear some good soul could maybe design a suitable PCB interface adapter for use on existing PCB's or 'prototyping' systems that schools & other small-time prototyper's presently use and then they won't miss out on this great advance in our Picaxe usage.
Good one Rev-Ed.
 
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manuka

Senior Member
SOIC = Small Outline Integrated Circuit =bravo! But any idea on PRICE (& freight?!)
See a SOIC-8 => http://www.skyworksinc.com/uploads/images/products/soic-8.jpg

Lots of adaptors & small breakout PCBs already around for these (some costly), but "Surfboards" are popular => http://www.weisd.com/store2/1790LIST.html
Stan

Edited by - Stan. Swan on 4/21/2005 7:00:50 AM
 
hippy

hippy

Ex-Staff (retired)
Those &quot;SurfBoards&quot; look neat. I'm sure an enterprising individual ( or a company selling SOIC's - <i>hint ! </i> ) could churn out something like this ...

http://www.weisd.com/store2/CAT9161.jpg

with 0.1&quot; pitched holes for molex pins or direct wire instead of edge pads for just a few pennies / cents / tenths of euro.
 
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manuka

Senior Member
Surf's up! Given that even their bare bones pinless 8 lead offering (http://www.weisd.com/store2/CAT9081.html )is ~US$2.50, there's certainly scope for a poormans version! Of course, for lower profile work, a regular Picaxe can just be carefully squashed so that it's pins splay out like a flattened spider, allowing even classic DIY PCBs to be used. A major reason why SOIC etc are used relates to pick &amp; place mass production - not really a Picaxe educational need ( yet!) Stan
 
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