8051 derivative 2nd sources

george_d wrote:

> Hello Erik,
> 
> Thanks for the reply.
> 
> We where actually considering ARM for our new generation product's
> MPU, but we thought that the processing power is way overdoing it, so
> were back to 8051.

Correct, if you don't _need_ the power, then stick with the 8051.

  8 bit uC are not going away, but there is a overlap-shift
at the top end ( code size, pin count ), so for a project
that you know needs more than 64K code, or extended peripherals,
or 64+ pins, then the ARM's can now compete with 8 bit.

  That said, you cannot find a socketable ARM, nor anything
under 32 pins (excluding smart cards).
  There are also no ARMs with 24 bit ADCs.....

  In the industrial sector, 80C51 dominate, with companies like
Infineon [new 866/886/888], AnalogDevices, BurrBrown, Philips
all doing 80C51 devices, and all with long records of sourcing.

  Philips are extending their LPC family, up to 64KFlash
- even though they also have ARMs 'down-to' 8KFlash.

  In the ARM sector, there are now ARM9's showing with FLASH,
and doubtless there will be some rationalise of the ARM7
devices...

-jg