SV: Embedded processors for DIY projects ?

[Karl Helmer Torvmark]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Paul Perry <pfperry at melbpc.org.au>
To: <synth-diy at node12b53.a2000.nl>
Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2000 2:47 AM
Subject: Re: Embedded processors for DIY projects ?


> Aaron J. Grier says:
> >MC68HC811E2 is still listed as active part in 3rd quarter selection
> >manual.  2K EEPROM.  just dig around at http://www.mot-sps.com/ and
> >you'll find it.
> 
> What they *DONT* make any more, isthe DIP version, which is used in 
> the quad midi-cv convertor I manufacture. BASTARDS! BASTARDS!
> 
> (I am a buyer for these, as you can imagine)
> 
> paul perry (Frostwaveanalog fx) Melbourne Australia
> 

Some manufacturers are worse than others in this regard (Motorola, Harris, etc. are/were
especially bad). Part of the reason Intel ended up winning against Motorola in the computer
processor race was probably that they took care of their customers (backward compatibility),
while Motorola axed them off at the knees (68000->PowerPC pretty much killed off every
computer based on 68K except the Mac).

Just take the reputation of the manufacturer into consideration when you do your design. Of course,
they may axe it anyway, but often they will at least have an upgrade path ready.

I heard something about Maxim promising they'd never discontinue a part without having some
(pin-compatible) replacement, anybody know if this is true?

---------------
Karl H.