Re: Maxim parts and lead times.

From: dmm (dmmilne_removethis__at_ozemail.com.au)
Date: 06/26/04 

Date: Sat, 26 Jun 2004 08:21:24 +1000

On Fri, 25 Jun 2004 21:24:42 +0200, Anton Erasmus <nobody@nowhere.net> wrote:

>On Thu, 24 Jun 2004 23:20:15 GMT, "Michael Anton"
><manton@nocompusmart.spamab.ca> wrote:
>
>[top posting fixed]
>>
>>
>>"Mike V." <valemike@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>>news:8188616d.0406140821.8deadd3@posting.google.com...
>>> I've used Maxim parts in the past - e.g. writing E1 and T1 device
>>> drivers in a past telecom job.
>>>
>>> They have a lot of nifty stuff - e.g. signal line debouncers/ESD
>>> protectors (MAX6818), iButton, etc.
>>>
>>> When I request samples, I usually get them in a week or so. But I see
>>> that their lead times are anywhere from 10-14 weeks -- heck, even a
>>> common MAX232 chip takes two months to purchase! you can get similiar
>>> max232 chips elsewhere next day air by the thousands.
>>>
>>> Is Maxim just simply overwhelmed with orders? Or do they have a
>>> manufacturing problem?
>>
>
>>As I understand it, Maxim is a FABless semiconductor house,
>>so they are just using other companies excess FAB capacity, which
>>would explain much of the problem.
>
>Maxim bought Dallas Semiconductors. Did they also not have any
>manufacturing capability ?
>When maxim first started, they were easy to get in small quantities.
>Nowadays it seems almost impossible to get any of their parts in small
>quantities, except if places like RS Components and digikey happen to
>stock them.
>
>Regards
> Anton Erasmus

Maxim have purchased a wafer fabrication facility in San Antonio, Texas recently.
In the latest Maxim Engineering Journal (Volume 51), Jack Gifford, Chairman, President,
and CEO states that in the next 6 months there could be a shortage of high-performance chips,
but their currecnt production facilities, plus the new aquisition should be able to meet
their customers requirements in most areas. They've also accelerated the schedule
for production in San Antonio in order to cater for their customers demands.