Rikard Bosnjakovic wrote: > On 03/04/2008, Bob Axtell wrote: > > >> It is a very nice chip; too bad it is made by Maxim. >> > > I've always thought Maxim as the "good guys" and National Semi as "the > bad guys". Is there something I've missed? > > Yes, you have it wrong-way round. National ALWAYS has devices. 90% of the time, Maxim has let me down on any volume over 500 pcs. Maxim also has a habit of creating "odd" devices, such as mains-powered regulators, eliminating charge-pump caps etc, that actually don't work. The last item kept my PCB from passing FCC part 15, yet they STILL sell these(?). The mains-regulators were a serious fire hazard. > OTT, it looks you build yourself a nice solution. Is the "big PIC" > battery powered too? What is its purpose? For the project, I mean. > > It just handles routine stuff, such as motor controls, etc. Its the typical application. Yep, its battery powered, too. The problem with the temperature converter in the DS1822 is that it takes FOREVER to make and convert a measurement (If I used 12-bit mode, it takes 800mS to convert the temperature). This would tie up the BIG PIC for too long a time, so I am using the little guy to actually perform the DS1822 1-Wire interface, then pass it over in less than a mS. I use 4 12V NiMH packs to makeup a reliable 48V system. --Bob Axtell -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist