Bob Ammerman wrote:
>
> > So why would microchip damage their profitability, by selling you 20 MHz
> > chips at 4 MHz prices?  (unless they had to, because they ran out of 4 MHz
> > chips)
> >
> > If all the chips are 20 MHz, then why not just drop the lower speed grades
> > from the product lineup?
> >
>
> It doesn't cost as much to make a chip that will go 20MHz if you don't test
> it to 20MHz.
>
> For example: Mchip could have determined that any chip that runs at, say,
> 8.12MHz (just to pick a number) at Vcc = 5V and Temp = 25c will also run
> fine at 4MHz across temp and voltage.
>
> Now they just have to test at 8.12Mhz and be done with it!
>
> On the other hand, they may have to do multiple tests are various voltages
> and temps to ensure 20Mhz operation across temp and voltage.
>
> Less testing, less cost, even if the die is in actuality a 20Mhz capable
> part!


I think there is a lot of truth in that, we bulk buy 16F84 PICs,
and the 16F84A -20P is cheaper now than the -4P or -10P believe
it or not. Something to do with the new factory making them.

What's the bet that they are all -20P now anyway, just re-labeled
as -4P etc to suit orders from older customers. Doesn't matter
a pinch to me, we only buy the 20's as they are the cheapest anyway!
:o)
-Roman

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