Longevity
Started by
victorf
, Oct 06 2010 06:47 PM
1 reply to this topic
#1
Posted 06 October 2010 - 06:47 PM
Back in the early '90s I designed, build and successfully marketed a product with an embedded micro.
I discontinued the product around 1997 because some of the ICs became obsolete. However, I recently
found out that the micro was still being sold in its original design.
I have recently had a series of inquiries that lead me to believe that there might still be a market for my original
idea. I asked myself how I would go about redesigning the original product with modern components. Since most
of the effort will go into the software, it is important that the micro I select have some longevity. There are
quite a few choices today for a viable platform. However, I am not knowledgable enough to forecast the long-range
availability of any of my choices. History shows that I happened to make the right choice 20 years ago, but I do not
delude myself that it was a wise choice, but meerly a lucky choice.
If I am still lucky, I would like to pick a platform that will remain viable for no more than 10 years. I am asking those
of you who a certainly more knowledgeable of the subject to suggest what platforms might still be around in 2020!
I do NOT wish to be in the microcomputer/controller design/development business. I just wish to be able to have a
complete design that I can buy off-the-shelf and plug into my produce today, tomorrow and throughout my time-line.
Vic Fraenckel
KC2GUI
windswaytoo ATSIGN gmail DOT com
Vic Fraenckel
KC2GUI
windswaytoo ATSIGN gmail DOT com
#2
Posted 06 October 2010 - 07:10 PM
Hi victorf,
The Atmel MCUs have a 5-10 year lifecycle. We have long-term plans for Netduino.
As far as 2020, we could be using 64-bit MCUs. Or light-based communication. You never know
Chris
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