Can anyone tell me the difference between the 16c73a and 16c73b chips?
There specs seem identical, but the 16c73b sells for 1/3 less.

Also, is the 16f873 readily available? It seems to be pin-compatible with
the 16c73a/b but with a 10-bit ADC.

I have been using the 16f84 chips, but now I have an application that needs
at least an 8-bit ADC (for a temperature measurement) and I'm also
attracted by the 16-bit timer included.

Is the serial I/O on these chips useful if I'm implementing a RS-485
multidrop line, or is it redundant?

Any help would be appreciated. I'm bewildered by the MicroChip product lines.

================================================================
Robert A. LaBudde, PhD, PAS, Dpl. ACAFS  e-mail: ral@lcfltd.com
Least Cost Formulations, Ltd.                   URL: http://lcfltd.com/
824 Timberlake Drive                            Tel: 757-467-0954
Virginia Beach, VA 23464-3239                   Fax: 757-467-2947

"Vere scire est per causae scire"
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