At 02:08 AM 5/19/2010, Moreira, Luis A wrote: >The best option here is probably stacking, but I am not sure in terms of >the servicing. The other big problem is, if one of the chips in the >stack dies what are the implications. Question for you, Luis. Are all 6 inverters in the existing 4049 being used? If not, it may be easy to simply do a little 'cut and patch' wiring to parallel the unused gates with the one that needs the extra drive. You could also do this: parallel the inputs, connect the outputs to the LED via the same value of current limiting resistor that is currently being used. The advantage of using multiple inverters within the same package is that they are usually closely matched; the advantage of using separate current limit resistors from the output of each inverter is that matching doesn't matter. I'm making the above suggestion because you mention having to rework the board anyway - to change the current limit resistor. dwayne -- Dwayne Reid Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd Edmonton, AB, CANADA (780) 489-3199 voice (780) 487-6397 fax www.trinity-electronics.com Custom Electronics Design and Manufacturing -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist