D. Jay Newman wrote:


> > if you wanted to look at that
> > look at the blackfin processors
> > $4 (1k qty) for a dual core 750 mhz cpu with DSP functions
>
> But the entire idea is to use *very* inexpensive microcontrollers.
>
> I'm thinking something cheaper. Someday. Of course, by then the
> cheap processors will be more powerful than they are today.

Or maybe manufacturers like MCHIP will wake up to the fact that they can put
several cores into one package to greatly increase performance with minimal
increase in production costs. Imagine a 40 pin  chip (like the 16f877) with
multiple cores inside it. Instant increase in program space, RAM, USARTS, PWM
etc. You could configure one with a really slow clock that could monitor the
outside world while the other cores were sleeping. Ah the possibilities :-)

Regards
Sergio Masci

http://www.xcprod.com/titan/XCSB - optimising PIC compiler
FREE for personal non-commercial use





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