[sdiy] LM394 vs. MAT02 vs. ?

[Metrophage]

--- larry at unicode.com wrote:

> I have been looking for LM394's for use in the CGS VCO module and
> found a couple of sources at just over $5US each.  I noted from
several
> articles that the MAT02 might be usable as an alternative, however
I've only
> found a few at $15US each!  Is there any significant difference
between these
> two parts?  At there any substitutes that would work just as well but
be
> more available and cost less?  Should I jump on either of the parts
at the
> indicated prices?
> 
> Larry T.

Well, I never see LM394's anywhere. I have tried MAT02's with excellent
results on my ASM-1 VCO clone as well as on my (unfinished) real ASM-1.
Word on the street is that the MAT0x and THAT units are the best
matched. I am not very knowledgable about transistors yet, bet these do
seem a lot better than, for instance, the 3046 arrays.

I don't know if you need these to be a certain pin format for a PCB, or
if you are wiring it yourself - but there are some decent, inexpensive
transistor pairs out there.

2SC1583		- dual NPN, 5-pin SIP, common emitter, Mitsubishi
2SA798		- dual PNP, 5-pin SIP, common emitter, Mitsubishi
2SA1349		- dual PNP, 7-pin SIP, Toshiba
2SC2291		- dual NPN, common base
2SC3381		- dual NPN, 7-pin SIP, Toshiba

These can often be found in price ranges from less than a dollar, to
two dollars each. I know I have seen them on the pages of MAT
Electronics (PA), and electronix.com (OH). Maybe not as accurate and
low-noise as the $15 units, but probably still consderably better than
the RCA arrays or hand matched (same substrate). If you are interested,
there are datasheets online. For years I had no idea that these
existed!

$5 for LM394 is probably quite good. Some places still carry the Analog
Devices SSM2210 matched NPN pair for a comparable price.
CJ


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