----Original Message-----
From: Tjaart van der Walt <tjaart@wasp.co.za>
To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU <PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU>
Date: Tuesday, 12 August 1997 15:08
Subject: Re: New PICs and Architectures

<snip>

>Check out http://www.parallaxinc.com I think Microchip are going
>see some healthy competition. I hope I don't get sued, but here's a
>snippet form their claim :
>
>Rocklin, California, August 6, 1997 - Parallax, Inc. announced the
>"SX Key", an integrated development system which significantly
>advances development tool technology. The development system was
>designed for use with Scenix Semiconductor's new SX 8-bit
>microcontroller. The new low cost micro is EEPROM based and, at
>50 MIPS, holds title as the fastest 8-bit micro in the world.
>
>Note : EEPROM based *AND* 50 MIPS! Wow! From the rest of the
>anouncement it seems as if there is an on-board ICE (like Motorola)
>and Zero programmer components (I could be wrong).

Roll on the 22nd!

>
>It remains to be seen if the Scenix vapourware has more substance
>than the Microchip vapourware...

I did a search on Scenix in the usenet.  Turns out they were hiring in June
last year -
<<
A Very Successful Venture Financed Start-up Company in Santa Clara CA is
looking
for TOP Notch Engineers. Currently the Company has the following Engineering
openings: Design Engineer----------------------You will be responsible for
logic
and verification, as well as some circuit design and place and route for
functional units of a mixed-signal chip.Position requires a background in
logic
design, circuit design and computer architecture.Experience with
Verilog/VHDL,
programming in C and/or Place and Route experienceis a plus. An MSEE or
equivalent is required. Fresh graduates are welcomed to apply.Principal
Design
Engineer--------------------------------Will be a leading member of the team
designing a high performance mixed-signal chip fromlogic design through
circuit
design and layout/place and route.Position requires experience in logic
design,
circuit design and a background in computer architecture. The ability to
make
detailed logic and circuit tradeoffs for performance and power is key.
Experience with Verilog/VHDL is a must, programming in C and/or Place and
Route
experience is an advantage. Responsibilities will include identification of
critical paths in the logic design, creation andtiming of gate and
transistor
level models, and investigation of logic and circuit designalternatives to
meet
performance goals. Candidate should have 5+ years of industryexperience with
microprocessor/microcontroller development experience. A strong background
in
circuitsand physical design understanding to make tradeoffs is required.
MSEE or
equivalent is required.Mask Designer------------------You will be
responsible
for mask design of a mixed-signal chip.Position requires experience in
standard
cell and digital logic layout.Experience with EEPROM, FLASH, EPROM, ROM,
RAM,
and ANALOG layout is a  plus.Candidate should have 1+ years of industry
experience.
>> - found using DejaNews, keyword Scenix, using 'old' database

Look sort of familiar for a PIC clone?

>
>Perhaps we will see a "The truth about Scenix" section next to
>the "The truth about the AVR" section on Microchip's homepage.
>How very, very, very immature.

Haven't they heard that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? <g>
Seriously, the extra competition (Atmel and Scenix) has to be good for us,
both in terms of innovation and cost.

MikeS
<mikesmith_oz@relaymail.net>