Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!ncar!gatech!mcnc!alvin!canovai
From: canovai@mcnc.org (1993])
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: cheap microcomputer chips for gadgets
Keywords: CMOS microcomputer chips gadgets
Message-ID: <7991@alvin.mcnc.org>
Date: 25 Jun 91 17:40:26 GMT
Sender: Chris Canovai [248-1993] <canovai@alvin>
Reply-To: canovai@mcnc.org.UUCP (Chris Canovai [919 248-1993])
Organization: MCNC; RTP, NC
Lines: 29


	I have several electronic gadgets which I have built using 
	hardwired logic. I am interested in redesigning them using 
	microcomputer chips in order to give them more functionality. 
	I used to work with the MCS-48/51 (Intel) series of microcomputer 
	chips (back several years ago) but have been out of touch with 
	the developments in this area since then (the MCS-51 was the 
	best thing going at that time).

	My question is; is there a better family of microcomputer
	chips available today for small gadget applications?

	My primary concerns are:

		* Low power consumption (must be CMOS) - for solar cell power
		* Low cost (>$10? each) - potential for mass production
		* speed is least essential		

	Of course I could (and will) do much researching of this 
	myself but I was hoping that someone, who has already evaluated
	the now numerous options available today, could point me in the
	right direction. 

	Also, what is the least expensive way to program these chips
	now? Are there inexpensive programing software and hardware
	setups/kits for pc's? ...are there service companies which will
	take your code and do EPROM programming for a reasonable cost?

	Any experienced help would be appreciated.