Greetings:

> Why not use 74HC164/74HC165 for I/O.  They provide 8 bits each (one
for
> inputs(164) one for outputs(165)).  There is also a 565 (I think) that

> latches the outputs.  You can drive as many as you need using 3
(Latch,
> Clock, Data) PIC I/O pins.
>
> Norm

>I agree, but don't think you can use the terminology I/O expander
>for this application. Its more like O-only expander, since this
>option only allows you more output pins, but not more input pins.  If
>you really want to have a true I/O expander, you should consider
>something like the Phillips Remote 8-bit I/O expander for I 2 C-bus,
>namely the PCF8574 IC.

        You may wish to consider the 74HC299 Universal shift register
which according to the specsheet should provide bidrectional I/O.

Very Best Regards,

Thomas M. Alldread