> > Handling the flyback pulse could be interesting as well. Can we spell
> > CMOS latchup?
> > I think that FET would be well advised.
>
> The OD PIC pin can switch a coil at 5V Vdd without the latchup becoming
> dangerous (of course you use a zener or diode to limit it just in case).

Is this specified, or just something that seems to work?

> There are several schematics of special purpose DC/DC converters built
> with PIC16C71/711s, with four channels each and serial control. Need I go
> on ?

I didn't say it couldn't be done, just that I've not seen it done. SMPS
I mean, not servo control for a motor. There are strong similarities
though.

> As long as we talk small, a PIC output can drive a small VFET (like a
> BSS175 etc) directly properly and this leads to outputs of the order of
> 0.8 A per channel. Driving VFETs too fast without a reason is painful in
> the RFI domain. You almost always end up trying to slow it down
> afterwards.

Easier to slow down than to speed up. Excessive dV/dT is always bad
though.