[sdiy] selecting a semiconductor manufacturer

[Tom Arnold]

On Tue, May 17, 2005 at 03:21:16PM -0500, rkmoore at memphis.edu wrote:
> I know that many common IC's and transistors are produced by several 
> makers.  Fairchild, Vishay, STmicro, NTE, and TI seem to have a pretty 
> good amount of overlap.  Do any of these companies outshine the 
> others?  Do any need to be avoided?  I know that NTE seems to be 
> unreasonably expensive, otherwise I'm kind of in the dark.  Please 
> share your opinions/experiences.

First thing, NTE doesnt make anything.  They buy parts from a variety of
sources and put their own label on them.  Thats why most parts from them
have a kind of chalky surface, its left over from sanding off the original
part number.

I usually buy based on price and available package, unless one manufacturer
has a known issue with a part ( for example, LM566's dont work as well as
NE566's ).  As much overlap as there is, it usually starts to overlap less
when you look at packaging.

All that being said, I have a soft spot in my heart for Fairchild and lean
towards Fairchild then TI then whoever else has the part I want...

-- 
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 - Tom Arnold       -  Free Synth DIY webspace http://www.sdiy.org 
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