Re: Will SoC completely replace generalized microcontrollers?

Jim Stewart wrote:
> Telenochek wrote:
>
>> I am wondering if the SoC (ARM/AMBA architecture) (where a
>> whole system with upgradeable hardware modules/ IP cores can be stuffed
>> inside a single chip) will make all kinds of generalized
>> microcontrollers (like PIC) obsolete.
>
> You're talking apples and oranges.
>
> The PIC excels at simple jobs where the development
> time is measured in days. Hang some stuff on the
> I/O's and write some quick code. The parts cost
> is measured in cents.

IMHO most of embedded devices do not live up to >1k quantities, there is
probably plenty of system integration teams that care about the budget
and do not have the comfort of own ASIC or spending hundreeds on
universal SBCs with volumes of 10-100. If they do not find required
device off shelf, or if

device_price * expected_volume > 2-4 weeks_of_development

they choose to create their own. There is advantage of higher control
over functionality and bugs and subsequent needs for the device can be
fullfiled for the price of parts and labour.

We have all these specialized embedded devices being designed and
produced in 1-2 digit quantities each year. I tend to agree with OP that
there is a need for highly reconfigurable highly integrated ~30 MIPS SoC.
.