At 12:08 AM 10/7/99 PST, you wrote:
>um, dont you need special permission from microchip to use pics for
>medical devices or military use?

I always wondered about this . . .
It seems like all IC manufacturers have similar warnings-- you can't use
their parts "as critical components in life support systems" without
"express written approval by Microchip."

I know this smells of lawyers. . .but does anyone ever really get this
permission?  Would they give it if asked?

I always assumed no one actually did seek permission, but that this was
supposed to form a legal shield for Microchip et al.  If a part failure
does kill someone, and they are sued, they can claim the use was
specifically unauthorized.

Anyone here ever try to get this permission?  Or know of any lawsuits where
this was the defense?