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From: root@sbcs.sunysb.edu (root)
Newsgroups: comp.misc,comp.arch
Subject: Re: Writable Microcode: programmable gate arrays
Summary: Cost effective?  I guess it depends on who applies the technology
Message-ID: <1299@sbcs.sunysb.edu>
Date: 25 May 88 03:57:47 GMT
References: <2006@sugar.UUCP> <53583@sun.uucp> <2223@ncr-sd.SanDiego.NCR.COM> <11645@mimsy.UUCP>
Organization: State University of New York at Stony Brook
Lines: 22

In article <11645@mimsy.UUCP>, chris@mimsy.UUCP (Chris Torek) writes:
> For that matter, the Vax 8600 is largely a bunch of gate arrays controlled
> by ECL RAM.
> 
> I suspect the biggest problem with this is that it tends not to be
> cost-effective.  (How much are 8600s going for these days :-) ?)

	Xilinc has a rather convincing cost analysis that basically
	concludes that people can cost effectively (relative to gate
	arrays) apply their parts.  Of course, the parts cost are
	really only a small component of the pricing of any electronic
	product.  I think I've read somewhere (Bell architecture book?)
	an estimate that DEC costs at around a 5:1 list:parts ratio.
	Draw your own conclusions whether it's the gate arrays that
	are the *real* cost of an 8600 :-).

> -- 
> In-Real-Life: Chris Torek, Univ of MD Comp Sci Dept (+1 301 454 7163)
> Domain:	chris@mimsy.umd.edu	Path:	uunet!mimsy!chris

					Rick Spanbauer
					SUNY/Stony Brook