I tried to source these parts with the DIP package through Mouser and Digikey. Mouser says it is obsolete with this packaging. I'm not really wanting to use the surface mount type. Even the ST site does not show a DIP package for this part. Where do you get these?

Unfortunately yes, they're going away. We have a small supply only. There are several compatible chips, on the bright side. The STP16CP05 and STP16CPS05 are also OK, as well as the A6279 and (I think) the STP16C596B1R. For the moment, it seems that only the A6279 is available. We may need to eventually move our kits to use the surface mount chips, either with a plug-in module or with those chips pre-soldered to the boards.

That's not so good. Digikey has about 4100 left, but this will be the last.("Part will become a non-stocking item when stock is depleted"
The other ST parts are not available anywhere I could find they all report obsolete.
I guess surface mount is the only option
I should order a kit now eh?

It seems to be a conspiracy... Even the 16bit TI drivers don't come in DIP anymore! But there are still 8bit DIP ICs all over.

I'd hate to think what Meggy the Third would look like with a stack of those crammed under the matrix.

I personally don't mind using SMD (in fact, I like them) but I sure hate when people take away my options. And they're not something I'd ask new builders to start with... So sad.

Have a look at IR2D07 at Mouser. It is not physically compatible since it is a 28pin SDIP, but it looks circuit compatible. The pin order is also identical aside from 4 extra P-GND pins in the mix. I haven't checked if the logic is the same, but seems likely.

Surface mount just aren't very hobbyist friendly.

>And they're not something I'd ask new builders to start with... So sad.

Our point exactly. Again, if we (when) we do go surface mount for the LED drivers, we still won't ask beginners to solder that part.

I didn't compare all the numbers (ADD FTL ), but they seem logically identical - but the max current is lower on the Sharp IC. Which seems shameful to me, since those extra grounds are apparently separate from logical ground, just for the current-sinking.

What is the current situation? I was thinking of using the STP16DP05 for some new design, but I cannot find any replacement. I don't want to use two 74HC595 and 16 resistors if I can help it...

What is the current situation? I was thinking of using the STP16DP05 for some new design, but I cannot find any replacement. I don't want to use two 74HC595 and 16 resistors if I can help it...

That chip is discontinued in the through-hole form, so it's obviously not a good choice for a new design if you need a through-hole part.

Also, the 74HC595 is not a direct substitute, as it's 8-bit, cannot handle anywhere near those current levels, and so on. If you want to use the '595, you should use it to drive eight resistors that go to the bases of eight small signal transistors, and thereby switch eight LEDs, each connected to a load resistor.

Also also, if an eight-bit solution is acceptable and you need through hole, the STP08DP05B1 is still available.

I bought some MBI5026 chips and from what I can see they are similar enough to be a drop in replacement. (please let me know if I'm wrong as I am building my own off board Peggy)

I was able to find these on ebay, 5 pieces for $15 shipped (to Australia). I haven't been able to find anything similar from any Australian suppliers and the overseas suppliers either wouldn't ship it to Aus or it was VERY expensive.

The DIP type don't seem to be on there all the time but I have seen them there time to time.