Peter wrote:

>> OTOH (literally!) I don't see any real (readily available) alternatives
>> for the 10F's. Maybe Microchip should look down, not up.
> 
> But how low must one look before one starts having to use mask 
> programmed parts simply for lack of pins ? The 10F programming algorythm 
> is quite a piece as is.

I think the idea of using 10F parts as replacements for dedicated chips is
pretty attractive, but it hangs on two issues (and IMO none has to do with
programming the memory).

One is that there needs to be a variety of chips with the right on-board
peripherals for the job. To be cheap and small, they probably can't have
the whole selection of peripherals on-board, and so you need to be able to
get the one that you need. 

The other is that developing custom firmware is expensive. This could be
addressed by providing working modules for common applications. Not
necessarily something they would have to provide, but something they could
provide the infrastructure for it. If you're talking about replacing simple
(but maybe more expensive or bigger) hardware solutions, this is an
important part. Unless you're only looking at products that sell in the
millions.

Gerhard

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