> -----Original Message----- > From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu > [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf Of Byron A Jeff > > It's not really a foreign concept. The 68HC11 implemented a > bootstrap mode. Here's an app note describing it: > >Fundamentally it was a blank chip with a bootloader installed. If you do not want to talk about PIC, yes all the Freescale 68HC908 flash parts have a monitor ROM inside. Even the 8-pin MC68HC908QT1/2/4 have the monitor ROM inside. By the way, 68HC05/68HC11/68HC16 are no longer promoted by Freescale. Freescale promotes more the 68HC908/HCS08 and 68HC912/HCS12 family. I need to check out the Freescale USB part since I am not so familiar with the HC908 parts and I do not like its high active current consumption compared to PICs and AVRs. However the design of PIC MCU will not allow Microchip to install a bootloader inside without occupying programming space. Moreover many customers will not need the bootloader. And there are many bootloaders out there. Regards, Xiaofan -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist