I have had on two occasions, one on a volume production situation, had a processor which would not start if supply rise time was too slow, even though the data sheet said it should. Once Vdd had passed above a certain level and non-starting had happened (it was an "even" which could be observed) the processor would not start until the Vdd had been cycled to a very low level - probably under about 0.2V. The system was powered by human action (exercise bike) so slow start of the actual raw supply voltage was not preventable. The only solution that worked for me was to make a supply starter which isolated the processor Vdd and then applied power rapidly when adequate voltage was available. I think the sartup circuitry used 2 or maybe 3 jellybean transistors and a few passives and diodes. Probably cheaper in production than a "power good" capable regulator. Russell --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .