----- Original Message ----- From: "Olin Lathrop" > Kenneth Lumia wrote: >> I've found that the best overall strategy is to attempt to avoid >> new parts if possible, > > OK, so where can I source the truckload of 12AX7A to make my ethernet > MAC/PHY with time tested technology? I didn't say you should "always avoid". For the record, I have a ENC28J60 / PIC18F4620 / SD Flash card project happily running on my bench right now (designed the hardware this past December). Obviously, selection of really old parts is also bad as manufacturers can "phase 5" the parts and then you're also up the proverbial creek. It is also possible (probable) that newer parts typically are more "integrated" than the collection of older parts that can do the same function and are therefore a less expensive solution. The problem with brand new parts is that vendors promise availability on certain dates, and then, after they are designed in, the schedule slips or the production ramp up is longer than expected and the parts go under allotment. Design is always a balance between risk and reward. Ken ________________________________________ "Well that never happened in any of the simulations" klumia@adelphia.net -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist