I have been using a part from TI, the TPIC6595, that takes serial in, 8
parallel out, and can be chained in series. I think a lot of folks on
the list will like this part.

It has 8 open drain outputs, and each FET has a zener back to the gate.
That way, when back EMF comes along, it turns itself on long enough to
absorb the pulse and then it goes off again. No diodes across inductive
loads!

Good for leds, relays, whatever. You can even mix the high side voltage
on the devices (ULN200X had to have one voltage)

And digikey carries it!!

Chris~

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