ComputerVoltageSources

--- 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