Re: microprocessor based fire alarm systems

On Jan 28, 8:49 am, "a_edwards" <eecod...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

can someone tell me what processor is typically used in this central unit?
eg 8bit,16 bit, motorola etc?

i have tried contacting manufacturers of such devices but none reply to
me:(

I'm not surprised. There is no pipeline directly to the engineering
department of such a company. (I work for one). You would be surprised
what micros are used in these devices. I won't talk specifics, but
_current_ products on the market are mostly based on very ancient 16-
bit chips. There is a slow migration to ARM but since it takes years
just to get the relevant approvals (after all the engineering is
done), it's a _REAL_ slow migration.

I'm not aware of any company using an MSP430 for a fire control panel;
the MSP430 is a new kid on the block, and anyone investing the time to
design a new panel right now would choose a 32-bit part. However the
MSP430 is widely used in peripheral applications, mostly those powered
by a primary battery, due to its attractive low-power modes.

.