arduino atmega 328 dip28 future?

[linux-works]

anyone have any clue as to how long the 'classic' arduino atmega 328 skinnydip thruhole chip will be current and buyable?

I am thinking it won't go away anytime soon, but curious if anyone heard otherwise?

[Ian.M]

Now Microchip own Atmel, I would expect they'll be available for a very long time.  Microchip still sell the PIC16C54  which was released in 1989, and over 25 years later there's still 5000+ qty pricebreaks, and reasonable stock levels at MicrochipDirect.   Microchip prefer not to retire anything that's not fatally flawed as long as they have still got a line that can handle the process.  They do however tend to charge boutique pricing for the less popular legacy parts.

Edit: corrected PIC

[linux-works]

thanks.  I'm hoping they keep the skinnydip version going for a long time to come.  I have a board designed for the smd version of the 328 but since its a DIY oriented kit, I am strongly thinking of converting over to the easier to solder version, the .1 spaced thruhole part.  takes up more room on the board but less hassles in soldering it.

plus, I can bootloader it in a standard socket and not have to hassle with the smd part and the 6pin isp connector.

[AlxDroidDev]

I believe it will still last for some years. Atmel/Microchip is still making quite some profit from it, so there's no need to stop manufacturing them.

[Ian.M]

There should be *just* enough room to put a footprint for the 28-MLF package part, skewed 45 deg to make routing easier within the SPDIP package footprint.  Supply the kit with the SPDIP part and a turned pin socket, but if you ever have supply problems, you've got an alternative - even if you have to reflow it onto the board before shipping.

N.B. if you extend the pads and put a large PTH hole in the centre ground pad,  it can be hand-soldered by anyone who really wants to