[En-Nut-Discussion] Vintage Ethernut 1.1 documentation

[Rick Collins]

At 03:10 PM 2/26/2006, you wrote:
> > better processor that is compatible, have you considered using the newer
> > ARM based Ethernut?  The ARM version should not be any more expensive (at
> > least not because of the processor) and will have a lot more capability.
>I considered that, but I read too many problems in compiling and handling
>this new Nut. And the TCPIP hangups are not fixed yet (not in the old AVR
>versions and therefore not in the new one, I think) and this is not fixed I
>will not spend money in a new one. I have two Ethernut 2.1 laying around
>here, beside the old 1.1 version, which should be used in my company, but as
>they crash every now and then, even with the http demo, I cannot usem them
>there.

There was a recent post here about the latest versions of the software 
having problems and Harald replied, "Ich habe schon Pferde kotzen sehen", 
which seems to mean something like, "they have seen the impossible" by 
referencing an act that is impossible by a horse.  So certainly Harald 
thinks the software is pretty well debugged.


> > I have been working on an evaluation chart for various ARM MCUs and I was
> > surprised to find out that the Philips ARM chips have versions with 32 kB
> > of Flash for $2.50 and less!  Versions with 128 kB of Flash run about
>$5.50
> > compared to $7.50 for the ATmega128.  I think it is time for 8 bit
> > processors to be relegated to microwave ovens and digital thermometers.
>And can you buy these parts somewhere for hobby use, in low quantities? And
>do the come in housings that can be handled by a hobbyist? These are the
>main drawbacks today, I think.

I believe you can get most of the ARM devices in the same sort of QFPs that 
the ATmega128 comes in.  The pin pitch may be a bit finer... but that 
should not be a show stopper.


> > BTW, if you are interested in the chart I prepared, I have added it to the
> > www.gnuarm.com web site.  Go to the main page and select Resources, then
> > scroll down to the ARM Chips section and select "ARM device comparison
>I will have a look.

Let me know what you think, especially if I have missed a significant 
manufacturer or made a mistake in the data.