OK - if the cost of the different PIC parts actually tracked the number of pins, there might be some reason to use the S-R. AS it is, the cost of a PIC chip doesn't change that much from 8 to 18 to 28 to 40 pins. And, as you said, lots fewer parts and an easier programming job. I usually use a 40-pin PIC for anything more complicated than a logic chip replacement - it is surprising (not!) how often those extra pins find uses on future projects, Roy J. Gromlich ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jason S" To: Sent: Monday, April 12, 2004 7:57 PM Subject: [PIC:] Is it better to use Shift Registers or lots of I/O? > I'm working on a project that will need a couple of inputs and around 16 > outputs. The outputs will change at a few hertz at the fastest. Is it a > better design to use an 8-pin PIC and send the outputs serially to a couple > of shift registers or a 28 pin PIC and use the outputs directly. > > It seems like the shift register solution is better design because it just > feels wrong to waste so many IO pins on something that simple, but the > larger pic means less components, less soldering, and simpler software. > > Jason > > -- > http://www.piclist.com hint: The list server can filter out subtopics > (like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics -- http://www.piclist.com hint: The list server can filter out subtopics (like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics