Samples (free parts)
Company Name (Link) Information
Texas Instruments (TI)
  • Select "Get Samples". (May have to pay for shipping.)
  • Processors, op amps, electronics (digital and analog), motor controllers
  • National Semiconductor
  • Electronics, Motor Drivers, etc.
  • Uncomfirmed Rumor: They will not accept samples requests from ufl.edu email.
  • STMicroelectronics
  • Sensors, accelerometers
  • Maxim
  • Select "Samples"
  • Assorted chips
  • Freescale
  • Select "Order Samples"
  • Accelerometers, assorted chips
  • Analog Devices
  • Select "Order Samples". May need to call for certain samples.
  • Gyros, assorted chips.
  • Atmel
  • Microcontrollers, memory, ...


  • Other Sources
    Company/Link Information
    Atmel AVR parts from DigiKey
  • We can get DISCOUNTED Atemel AVR parts from DigiKey. Use the procedure descibed here.
  • Jameco
  • Electronic parts
  • DigiKey
  • Sparkfun
  • Acroname
  • McMaster-Carr
  • EVERYTHING mechanical
  • Newark
  • Mouser
  • AVRFreaks
  • BDMicro
  • Marvric-II, an Atmel's AVR ATmega128 (8-bit microcontroller) board
  • Lynxmotion
  • Motors, wheels, robots, etc.
  • Front Panel Express
  • Get flat panels (platforms) cut with ingraved printing (with color infill), holes, etc. Can get alumnium (anodized, if desired) or plexiglas.
  • Advanced Circuits, $33 Student Special for PCB
  • $33 Student specail for PCB (real cost ~$50, incuding shipping). You will get a 2-layer board, with silk screen on both sides, solder mask, and through-hole plating. The lead time is 5 days, which may mean 5-10 days.
  • BareBones PCB Special, shipped in 1-Day! from Advanced Circuits
  • These boards do NOT have solder mask or silk screen, but can be shipped in ***1 DAY***. The cost is still pretty low, about $50 before shipping for a 4inx4in board. You get 2-layer boards and through-hole plating.
  • EEL 5666 Website
  • More sources for parts.
  • Last Updated by Eric M. Schwartz