Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!apple!rutgers!mcdchg!motmpl!ron
From: ron@motmpl.UUCP (Ron Widell)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.m68k
Subject: Re: 68332 with MMU
Message-ID: <1873@motmpl.UUCP>
Date: 16 Nov 90 17:17:43 GMT
References: <11249@goofy.Apple.COM> <16849@netcom.UUCP>
Reply-To: ron@motmpl.UUCP (Ron Widell)
Organization: Motorola Semiconductor, Minneapolis, MN.
Lines: 47

Dave Mc Mahan (mcmahan@netcom.UUCP) writes:
> 
> It was designed due to the automotive applications market, but it is also
> [...] 
The advantage here to the rest of the world is that automotive applications
require huge volumes and low prices. So when the production volumes start,
we'd better be able to build these things profitably.
> 
> I think this part does have a TPU, but it as only 8 seperate channels instead
> of the 16 channels provided by the 332.  It seems that Motorola is pushing 
> [...]
Nope, it's more like the timer in the HC11 MCU's; a couple of 16-bit free-
running counters with 1 9-bit prescaler, 3 input catures, 4 output compares,
1 input cature/output compare (SW selectable), 1 pulse accumulator, 2 PWM
outputs, and an optional external clock input. Much simpler than the TPU and
requires < 25% (I don't remember the actual number, probably ~10%) of the
die area. For those who don't need everything the TPU provides, the 68331
may be a viable, cost-effective alternative.
> [...]
You folks know as much as (probably more than) I do in re. current prices.
I'm not authorized to talk pricing, only functionality (although, when pushed
I can come up with some 'order-of-magnitude' guesses).

> inflated.  The other complaint I have is that you have to buy a minimum of
> one tray.  A tray is 36 parts.  Quite a large cash outlay for prototype work.
> If you want to do volume surface mount production, a tray of parts is no
> big deal.  For designing the product, though, it's a bit steep.  I was told
> [...]
Our AOQ (average outgoing quality) is high enough that a significant ( > 10%)
proportion of quality/reliability problems are directly attributable to the
handling of devices (test, mark, package, ship). The MPQ (minimum packaging
quantity) of 36 units (one tray) is an effort to minimixe the handling, thus
reducing the failure rate. This, in turn, reduces our manufacturing cost and our
pricing for production volumes. There is special packaging (and a special part
number) which allows you to get these parts modulo 2, rather than modulo 36.
You do, however pay at the single-piece pricing rate.

I apologize if this just sounds like a sales pitch, there are times when
knowing the reasons for a policy make it easier to understand, accept, or
tolerate.

Regards,
-- 
Ron Widell, Field Applications Eng.	|UUCP: {...}mcdchg!motmpl!ron
Motorola Semiconductor Products, Inc.,	|Voice:(612)941-6800
9600 W. 76th St., Suite G		| I'm from Silicon Tundra,
Eden Prairie, Mn. 55344 -3718		| what could I know?