Tom Handley wrote:
>
> re: Fairchild ACE comments from Eric, Tjaart, and Dmitry
>
>    Well, just to make an `absolute fool' of myself... A local rep who
I somehow doubt that :)

> normally provides me with Lattice Semiconductor and Dallas Semiconductor
> data and samples, recently asked me take a look at the Fairchild ACE line.
> My recommendation was that it is not suitable as a replacement for the PIC
> in similar applications. I went on to say that the 68x, PIC, AVR, Z8x, and
> 80x processors dominated this market in the USA.
>
>    My question to you folks (whom I have the greatest of respect), is what,
> in the ACE product line, would motivate you to commit to new development
> tools and how much `faith' do you have in Fairchild's commitment? While
> Fairchild is `legend', in recent years, it has been `tossed around'. They
> certainly have access to production capacity but what if they run into
> financial trouble? I'd suspect, ACE would go before logic...

Both models look good. The 1k device could actually replace
a 16C505 that I have just designed into a product. The only
thing keeping me from changing is the price. The 16C505 OTP
is *slightly* cheaper than the Flash ACE. The code will be
simple, so I don't foresee changes to it.

I saw this device this week for the first time, so I haven't
had the chance to give it the time it deserves. It seems
the stack is 8 deep, and that you can actually get to it.
Nice. The current consumption is also good.

I've heard a birdie whistle about nice dev tools for these
new low-end devices. I don't know anything more. I do know
that the chances of me spending on new dev tools for Mchip
are, uuuhm, slim.

As to the question of them being tossed around, they listed
this month, they will probably push very hard to sell devices.
I am hoping for a price war. CHeck out the announcement :
http://www.fairchildsemi.com/news/1999/9908/ipoannounce.html

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