--- In
ComputerVoltageSources@yahoogroups.com, "Gary Chang"
<gchang@...> wrote:
> ...
> Hopefully, if this group succeeds, we may see many encarnations of
> devices that utilize microprocessors in dedicated duties in modules -
> not just programs that utilize generalized interfaces that we need to
> reprogram each time that we go to do something. ...
Yes, indeedy! Having said that, just because the PSIM-1 is
reprogrammable doesn't mean that you can't dedicate it to certain
functions. One question is, how much [extra] does it cost for this
programmability?
This raises what I see as the big decision: Which microprocessor to use?
I've been programmaing for over 25 years but I admit to confusion over
the array of MPUs available. PICs, Basic Stamps, AVRs, BasicATOMs, oh
my!
One major factor that I see is this: Is a development kit required to
program the MPU? I gather that PICs are really cheap but they require a
dev kit/programmer. The BasicATOMPRO needs no such kit but it costs
much more than a typical PIC.
One has to decide (i.e. make a guess at) how many of these puppies s/he
will be using. If the answer is a very small number then the no-dev-kit
units are more attractive. Beyond a certain number, though, and the dev
kit pays for itself. This is why cheap little PICs are great for
production devices (including small volume "cottage" production); one
programming device yields many programmed PICs.
Of course there's also the performance issue. The BasicATOMPRO blows
away the PIC, there.
I'm as confused as ever. ;-)
--
john