Texas Instruments Free Sample Program A Comprehensive Guide For Electronics Enthusiasts And Engineers

Oct. 16, 2025, 12:21 p.m.

Texas Instruments (TI), a leading semiconductor manufacturer, offers a free sample program for design engineers and professionals to support new product designs and qualify TI devices in existing designs. This program allows eligible participants to request complimentary integrated circuits (ICs) for evaluation and testing purposes. The following article provides detailed information about TI's sample program, including eligibility requirements, application processes, limitations, and troubleshooting common issues.

Overview of TI's Sample Program

Texas Instruments provides free samples of its electronic components to qualified professionals who are developing products or evaluating components for potential use in commercial applications. This program serves as a marketing strategy where companies hope that engineers who design with their samples will ultimately specify TI components in commercial products.

According to TI's official resources, the sample program is intended specifically for design engineers working on new product designs or qualifying TI devices in existing designs. The program is not available to the general public but rather to professionals and businesses engaged in electronics development.

How to Find and Request Samples

TI has implemented a new system for finding and ordering samples through their website. The process begins with searching for the specific part of interest on TI.com. Once a part is located, users will be directed on how to request samples if the device is eligible for the program.

The official process for requesting samples involves: 1. Searching for the desired component on TI.com 2. Locating the "Order now" tab for that specific device 3. Selecting the "Request sample" option

It's important to note that not all devices are eligible for sampling, and limits apply both to specific devices and to overall sample orders. The availability of devices for sampling changes frequently as products are added to and removed from the program.

Eligibility Requirements and Application Process

First-time users of TI's sample program must go through an approval process before they can place sample orders. To apply for program access:

Applicants must use a corporate email domain associated with their myTI account
TI does not allow the use of free email domains (such as Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) for sample orders
Companies may be required to provide application and end equipment information
Applicants must enter their address information in English for IC samples
TI reserves the right to approve or decline any company into the sample program

The application process requires completion of a request form, although some users have reported difficulties accessing this form through the TI website. When attempting to access the sample program request form, users may encounter broken links or other technical issues that prevent successful submission.

Limitations and Restrictions

TI's sample program includes several limitations and restrictions that applicants should be aware of:

Sample limits: Both per-device and overall order limits apply
Availability constraints: Not all TI devices are available for sampling
Corporate requirement: Only businesses and professionals with corporate email domains are eligible
Geographic restrictions: While not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, TI's sample program likely has geographic limitations
Approval process: New applicants must be approved before they can request samples

Some users have reported experiencing frustration with the program, noting that parts may show as in stock but become unavailable at checkout. In such cases, samples may be available, but only to those who are already approved for the sample program.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Users attempting to access TI's sample program may encounter several challenges:

Broken links: Some users have reported that the sample program request form link on TI's website does not work
Application delays: The approval process may take time, with no guarantee of acceptance
Stock inconsistencies: Parts may appear available for purchase but become unavailable during checkout
Declined applications: Some applicants report being declined for the sample program without clear explanation

For users experiencing these issues, TI recommends: - Verifying that all links are correct and current - Using the official TI.com website for the most up-to-date information - Ensuring that application information is complete and accurate - Contacting TI customer support for assistance with technical issues

Alternative Sources for Free Electronics Samples

While the provided sources primarily focus on Texas Instruments, they also mention other semiconductor companies that offer free samples:

Maxim-Dallas Semiconductors: Provides free sample chips through their website
Microchip: Offers free samples of their electronic components

These companies, like TI, use their sample programs as a marketing strategy to encourage engineers to specify their components in commercial products.

University Student Eligibility

One FAQ listed in the source materials addresses whether university students can order IC samples. While the question is included in TI's FAQ section, the provided sources do not contain the specific answer to this question. Students interested in obtaining TI samples should consult TI's official resources directly for information about student eligibility and application procedures.

Shipping and Carrier Options

The source materials do not provide detailed information about shipping options for TI samples. However, one FAQ question asks whether users can choose their own carrier for sample orders, suggesting that TI may have specific shipping policies for sample requests. For detailed information about shipping options and policies, applicants should refer to TI's official sample program documentation.

Conclusion

Texas Instruments' free sample program offers design engineers and professionals the opportunity to evaluate components for potential use in commercial products. The program has specific eligibility requirements, including the use of corporate email domains and an approval process for new applicants. While the program provides valuable resources for electronics development, users should be aware of its limitations, including sample limits and device availability constraints.

For those interested in participating in TI's sample program, the recommended approach is to visit the official TI website, search for specific components, and follow the outlined request procedures. Applicants should be prepared to provide accurate information about their company or organization and to potentially address questions about their intended applications of the samples.