Richard H. wrote:
Interesting that everyone focuses on transistors rather than more
integrated solutions. An interface chip I use a lot is the NC7WZ17P6X
dual buffer in a 6 pin SC70 package, about 2 mm square. It will drive
24 mA at LVCMOS levels and will handle up to +-7 volts on the input.
With 5 volt Vcc it will drive up and down at 32 mA. I don't think you
can touch the density with transistors and we are only paying $0.06
each or $0.03 per driver.

I recently removed a bunch of SOT23 transistors from my design and
replaced them with these, some to drive LEDs.

rickman wrote:
Thanks! Half the battle seems to be finding these bargains when you
need them. The other half seems to be getting distributors to talk with
a small guy (even if you're willing to buy a reel).

I agree with you on using arrays where possible, and this package
certainly seems small. I'll give it a look. Small PCB size is
important to this project, so discretes are attractive because they can
be squeezed into small spaces (even though the overall density is worse).

So far, I've found a discrete 2N7002 MOSFET with great specs (overkill,
actually) at $0.04 in a similar tiny package; at this price, I could
afford to buy a reel if I can't find a disti that'll do cut tape.

We got a few hundreds spare 2N7002 (100mA). If you can't find what you
need, we can send you some. Shipping is probably more than the cost
anyway.

linnix wrote:
Thanks - I really appreciate the offer. What mfr & package type do you
have surplus in?

Digikey has the "larger" SOT-23 in cut tape, but at least for ON's part#
they don't stock the smaller SC-75 package. More digging is in order
with alternate disti's and other manufacturers.

I had to chuckle that ON would sample 10 for free, but charges $11
shipping. I'd pay for more to make the S&H worthwhile, but they don't
offer that option. More vendors should follow Microchip's model of
offering all their parts direct; they can offer better selection than
the disti's and charging a small premium will keep the disti's happy.

Richard H. wrote:
Keep in mind that the NC7WZ17P6X has *two* devices in this small
package and you can get cut tape from Digikey.

Richard H. wrote:
We have the SOT-23. I think they are Phillips.

We can send you 50 for $10, including shipping.