> So why are the MDT parts called clones, fakes and pirates while the
> binary compatible, directly interchangeable Scenix parts were an
> example of American ingenuity ?
> 
> Steve.

Several reasons:

1.  The Scenix parts are NOT intended to replace PICs.  I suspect they
used the PIC instruction set as a matter of convenience, a "feature" to
attract those of us accustomed to using it.  Think about it: a minor
change in their core, different mnemonics and I wouldn't be typing this.

I also don't believe that they are pin compatible, but that I could easily
be wrong about.

2.  A clone and a fake/counterfeit/pirate are different things.  A clone
is either licensed or has sufficient differences to be considered a
different product, even if it is functionally identical.  A fake/counterfeit/
pirate is marked and marketed as the product it is taking the place of.
If you order a PIC16F876, and get anything which is labelled as such
but isn't, that part is a counterfeit (or labelling error).

Bottom line: clones good, counterfeits bad.  Think about it:  if you
were an American company who ordered 2 million units from a
Chinese manufacturer, who specced PICs but then used inferior
quality counterfeits, and you had a terrible failure rate in one year,
would you use a PIC in your next product the next year?  No, you
wouldn't.  But you might use the same manufacturer, because
AFAYK, they got bad product from Microchip.

Mike H.
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