1237a59f5278
tech



Hello Scott - 

SL>>> cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain, and quicker to
SL>>> program. 

CA>> Do you mean easier to write code for? 

SL> Less need for low level programming languages, optimised
SL> code, audits or result validation. 

Sorry. I don't understand how use of an 8086 would accomplish
this. 

SL>>> and cost a few hundred thousand dollars. 

CA>> Hammers cost $1000 at NASA. 

SL> My point exactly - they have to be designed to function
SL> properly in space. 

My comment was in jest. 

CA>> Just the thought that four XT's are guiding a 178,000
CA>> pound flying brick at MACH 25 falling from orbit to land
CA>> at over 200 mph using 400k of code tickles me to no end.
CA>> :-) 

SL> 400k of (I assume compiled) code is a LOT of code when you
SL> don't have any overheads to deal with. 

Again, another poor attempt at humor on my part.

CA>> Maybe the new design will use Z80's with only 100k of code
CA>> or 8080's or ... who can tell? Government contracting must
CA>> be a real hoot. 

SL> A new design will likely use another modified mass-produced
SL> processor.. logically a low powered RISC chip from IBM, but
SL> maybe something like a P4-M if NASA want to reuse old
SL> code/stick  with what they know. Only Intel and IBM would
SL> have the facilities to produce hardened chips, so it's
SL> unlikely they'd use something from the smaller
SL> manufacturers. 

Since you seem to want to be serious about this. I was thinking
that Gamma particles in space could be hitting the CPU and too
thin/small a trace within the PNP of the chip itself could be
literally disconnected while the larger trace used on older
designs could withstand multiple strikes? 

SL> And they'll be sure to buy a few thousand spares so they
SL> don't have to go trawling Ebay for replacements this time :) 

Aha! You're attempt at mild humor. ;-) 

>
>        ,                                        ,
>      o/      Charles_Angelich  - DOS Ghost       \o       ,
>       __o/
>     / >  www.undercoverdesign.com/dosghost/faf/  < \   __\__
 

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