1. Purpose of the gate
Engineering samples start the customer's own evaluation, which for power devices often takes a long time because customers build prototype inverters or chargers around them. Sampling early helps win design-ins, but samples that surprise customers damage trust. The gate makes sure samples go out with honest documentation.
Samples are not qualified parts. The preliminary datasheet should show which values are measured, which are typical and which are still targets, and the limitations should be written plainly: for example ratings not yet guaranteed, packages not yet final or gate drive recommendations still being refined.
The gate criteria are a preliminary datasheet released to sampled customers, known limitations documented and shared, and sample quantity and packages tracked. No key decision is frozen here.
Sampling also shapes the customer relationship for the product's life. Automotive and industrial customers remember which supplier gave them accurate data and fast answers during evaluation. The review therefore checks the support plan: who answers technical questions, how quickly, how customer findings are logged and fed back, and how datasheet updates will be communicated to every sampled customer.
Allocation needs care when sample material is scarce, as it often is for new silicon carbide devices. Product management should state which customers receive samples first and why, linking the choice to design-in opportunities and the target applications agreed at Application requirements agreed, so that scarce samples are not spread too thinly to support any evaluation properly.
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