Seeed Studio XIAO Now Available in Tape & Reel

You might ask, “We already have XIAO Pre-Soldered, 3-Pcs Packs, and Plus boards — what’s the value of a Tape & Reel version?” The answer lies in efficiency, scalability, and production-readiness. Tape & Reel packaging is an industry-standard method used for automatic assembly, where each module is securely seated in a continuous carrier tape wound on a reel. Let’s explore why this matters for developers and manufacturers who use XIAO boards as modules in their PCBA designs:

1. Automatic Assembly-Friendly
   Tape & Reel packaging is designed for pick-and-place machines used in automated assembly lines. Each XIAO board is precisely positioned in a cavity, allowing machines to feed, pick, and solder them at high speed without manual handling. For developers shifting from prototypes to small or large-scale production, this means faster, cleaner, and more consistent assembly.
2. Reduced Setup & Downtime
   With Tape & Reel, operators no longer need to load individual strips or align loose boards by hand. Instead, a full reel can be loaded once into a feeder and left to run for extended cycles. This significantly cuts setup time, minimizes human error, and maximizes production uptime — ideal for those scaling up from lab prototypes to pilot manufacturing.
3. Better Protection & Storage
   Each XIAO board in a Tape & Reel package is housed in its own pocket, offering superior protection against physical damage, moisture, or electrostatic discharge during handling and transport. Beyond protection, this packaging also simplifies logistics and inventory management — reels can be labeled, stored, and tracked easily, ensuring your production stays organized.
4. Scalable for Production
   Whether you’re building ten units or ten thousand, Tape & Reel streamlines production. It bridges the gap between individual prototyping and automated manufacturing, giving small-scale innovators and growing startups access to the same efficient packaging used by large electronics manufacturers. It’s the perfect step forward for those ready to take XIAO into real-world products.
5. Compatibility with Industry Standards
   Tape & Reel follows global EIA standards for electronic component packaging, including carrier tape width, sprocket hole spacing, and reel diameter. This ensures that XIAO boards fit seamlessly into existing pick-and-place systems without modification — making them drop-in ready for virtually any professional assembly line.