Jesse Lackey wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I think the time has come to leave the 18F realm and jump into the
> big(ger) leagues.  The 18F isn't going to cut it for the latest project
> and rather than "work my way up the ladder" with 80Mhz 16-bit parts etc.
> etc. I think I'll make something that can eventually run linux and use
> gcc/gdb and all that good stuff.
>
> The ARM architecture seems pretty ideal for embedded work.  This atmel
> arm 9 part:  AT91RM9200-QI-002-ND  is 200Mhz 32-bit with MMU, $16.25 qty
> 25 @ digikey, and consumes all of 30mA!  A pretty amazing combination.
>
> And most significantly it is available in PQFP.  A *lot* of *very
> little* pins, but solderable without the big-bucks (? so it seems) BGA
> equipment.
>
> Before I head down this path, and building the toolchain and becoming
> intimitely familiar with the ARM architecture and on and on - a year
> long undertaking - I was wondering what else it out there.
>
> x86 has the appeal that its everywhere, but anything even near this
> performance is BGA and consumes lots of power.  Not usable for most
> battery powered projects.
>
> Intel's xscale stuff - couldn't get much hard details on price, but as I
> recall it was BGA for anything interesting.

there are some companies that sell modules with the computer already
mounted on a PCB, with contacts all around so that it's very easy to
plug into your project


> Anywhere else I should look?
> My requirements are ...
>
> C/C++ compiler that costs no more than $500 and has source breakpoint /
> stepping debugger.

a C / C++ compiler exists for all those fun platforms, it's called GCC ;D

> Can be cut down to make cheap designs, i.e. $40 in support chips and a
> 4-layer board minimum to get a blinking LED is no good.
>
> Can be run offa a 9V battery for hours.  400mA current draw is
> unacceptable.
>
> MMU so that linux or some other memory-protecting type OS can be run.

eCos is also fun, real time, and doesn't require MMU


> PQFP or anything else that isn't ball-grid type.  It has to be
> solderable by humans (me) and not require anything more than a toaster
> oven.

agreed BGA is great, but totally unuseable

> Any ideas / suggestions?
>
> The jump to the world of BGA will wait until next year.  The gear seems
> really pricey and I don't understand all the necessary items /
> procedures, you often need 6+ layer boards (yet more $), and I'm not
> sure my schematic/pcb software is really up to the task (Eagle 4.11) in
> a being-reasonably-productive sense.

according to my friend Mark at digium, you need X-ray equipment to check
if all the balls are melted the same ....

> Thanks!
> Jesse

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