>I'm trying to build a motor controller using a PIC16c54 to drive an
>H-bridge with some very low Rds HEXFETS (with heatsinks).
>The motor will be running at 24 volts, up to 30 amps continuous.
>
>My plan was to use a Unitrode L293 or equivalent chip between the
>H-bridge and the PIC, to prevent illegal gate-high combinations that
>might fry the HEXFETS.  I also think something like the L293 may
>be necessary to provide a high switching speed, since high switch
>rates with big FETs can require higher instantaneous gate currents
>than the 20 mA the PICs are rated for.
>
>The problem is, I cant find anyone who stocks the L293.   Does anyone
>have a source for the L293, or have a better idea for putting together
>a motor controller?
>


I recently used the L293D for a small project. I found it readily
available from SGS-Thompson. They can be found at www.st.com

Cheers,
larry