Maxim (was: Sockets)

[Martin Czech]

SNIPPED

> I worry, to, about the Exar XR-2206 function generator IC, a
> single source item.  Exar claims that it is their "biggest selling"
> IC, but I don't trust that it will last forever.  Another worry is the
> CA3096 transistor array, which seems to just barely hold on
> from the old RCA days.  But it is now a Harris part, and I wouldn't
> trust them to keep anything that doesn't make huge profits.
> 
> -Art  
> 

Some people on this list believe in using "standard parts", whatever
the definition for this may be.

And with some reason.

But there is no way to decide, if e.g. a 741 or a 3080 will be still
available during the lifetime of our instruments.  Using CEM stuff is
a risc, SSM may be less, if you have a second source even lesser, but
there is no reason to refuse designs with scarce parts, if they make
good use on unique properties, I think.

m.c.