Hi, I tried this question on retro-comp mailing list but no response. Thought I'd try again here

Is there a difference between the General Instruments CTS256A-AL2 and Microchip CTS256AL2 text-to-speech chips?

As I recall, Microchip purchased General Instruments and continued selling their products relabeled under the Microchip brand.

Something similar happened with Dallas Semiconductor and Microchip. Some of the old DS parts are still available from Microchip.

If there is a difference, can anyone explain what it is? Are they pin compatible? Can they be distinguished in software?

Would like to hear some expert advice on this topic. Thanks, Andrew Lynch

PS, I have the GI CTS256A-AL2 datasheets. These are the parts Radio Shack/Archer used to sell. I think they may have sold the Microchip parts at some point as well but I don't recall. I cannot find datasheets for Microchip CTS256AL2