David Blain wrote:

> On second look, the ECS X906-ND is not a Oscillator.  I must learn to read
> slower!  I need some information on creating a outside clock to control 2+
> PICS.

Most oscillators will be strong enough to drive several PICs.  They consume more
 than a
little current doing it, though.

We have had good luck with the CTS oscillators with the tri-state output.  We us
ed the
(digi-key part number) CTX185-ND part (4MHz, half-size, tri-state).  It costs <$
2.50 in
hundreds, just a few pennies more than the more generic oscillator (without tri-
state).

The normally unused pin 1 is an enable to tri-state the output.  This is especia
lly handy
when doing ISP as leaving the clock running while trying to program chips in-cir
cuit promotes
utter chaos and may even lead to eventual hair loss.  (8^o)

The ones we had were drawing about 15-17mA though.  In battery-powered apps, I w
ould think
about using a crystal and inverter chip ala the Microchip data sheets.

I'm no guru in this.  This was just my experience.  I hope it helps.

Michael

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When the way of the Tao is forgotten, kindness and ethics must be taught.
Men must learn to pretend to be wise and good.  --  Lao Tzu
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