AVR-Chat

On 15 Apr 2007 04:29:42 -0700,15 Apr 2007 04:29:42
-0700,Sun, 15 Apr 2007 07:24:01 -0400
 Bob Paddock <bob.paddock@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> On Sunday 15 April 2007 04:13, Alex Gibson wrote:
> 
> >Usually avoid using maxim parts because they can be
> quite
> >hard to get ...
> 
> I have worked at two companies where the use of Maxim
> parts is out right band.  Even the Big Name Distributor's
> here
> in the "Rust Belt Region" as Maxim views us, try their
> best to *prevent* their customers from designing in
> Maxim parts.  The issues is always availability.
> 
> The Distributor's customer designs in a Maxim
> part, then it becomes the Distributes fault
> when they have to redesign their product,
> because they didn't listen to the Distributer
> in the first place about not using the Maxim
> parts, when they are quoted six *month*
> lead times.
> 
> At my previous company a fellow from Maxim
> came to the company, I don't recall why.
> The dozen or so of us setting around the
> conference room table where *not*
> impressed when the Maxim fellow
> walked into the conference room
> and said "I rarely  make it out here
> to the Rust Belt Region...".
> 
> Admittedly we don't do the glamorous things
> in this part of the world, like design Cell Phones.
> We do things like sewage treatment plants,
> and fire fighting equipment, for example:
> http://www.designer-iii.com/Duracell
> 
> In the end which is more important to you,
> that you can play PacMan on your Cell Phone,
> or when you flush it goes away?
> Cell Phones appear to be more important to
> Maxim.
> 
> On paper Maxim has the best selection of parts
> on the planet, but they are totally useless
> because you can never get them.
> 
> So, are you allowed to use Maxim parts
> in your company?  What has been
> your experience with Maxim?
> 
> Maybe we should send this thread to the Maxim
> CEO?
> 
In several recent jobs, we have used Maxim parts, but not
willingly. Once something gets into manufacturing, you can
manage the lead times. Its during early production, where
you are trying to ramp up, that it is hard.

Yes, Maxim looks good on paper. Yes, their "real" business
focus seems to be cell phone technology. But, there is a
lot of good stuff that they seem to be the only suppliers.

Here is the Pacific North West, I have not seen a Maxim rep
for ages. And there is a Maxim plant just up the road, so
to speak.

Wish it were not so.

Jim
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