Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:04Francesco,
I can understand how things are getting harder for hobbyists, but the industry has really left DIPs behind when it comes to microcontrollers and microprocessors (unless you're talking about smallish things like PIC controllers).
Another problem is that there are only two packages of the uPSD3200 series available: 52-pin, and 80-pin, so even if these were offered in a DIP, they certainly wouldn't be pin compatible with a DIP40.
There are ways to get around this package problem, however, for hobbyists and experimenting. For instance, a few companies (Emulation Technologies, Ironwood Electronics, Tokyo Eletech) make adapters to convert from a surface mount package to a ''prototyping'' pinout. Usually this means that they provide 0.1'' spaced pins on the bottom. The difficulty for you is that they will rarely be in a DIP configuration, but rather in a PGA-style footprint. This means that you'd end up using wire-wrap posts and a perf-board for prototyping since these wouldn't work with a solderless breadboard.
A final option is always to make your own PCB, as well. Prices for small prototype PCB's have fallen to the point where one can usually get a 2-layer board with solder mask and silk screen for around $33. If you don't have access to PCB layout software, one particular company (www.expresspcb.com) will even provide you with some to use (which of course can only be used to order boards through their company). They advertise 3 small boards for $51, but I'm sure those boards don't include solder mask and silkscreen.
Hope some of that helps.
