Newsgroups: comp.sys.transputer
From: "Peter Ross" <ims@dircon.co.uk>
Subject: Processor sought to replace transputer network
Organization: IMS
Date: 8 May 98 09:04:34 GMT
Message-ID: <01bd7a60$403c88c0$3713c8c3@imshq.ftech.co.uk>

Hello everyone,

Due to the imminent demise of the transputer I am being asked to redesign
our embedded controller product using different microprocessor technology.
I am therefore seeking views and experiences (good or bad) on migration.

Our current product uses a 25Mhz T805 to implement a motion control state
machine programmed in C. In addition to this we have a network of T225s for
peripheral interfacing and numerical processing in Occam 2. 

My prime concern at present is to identify a replacement for the T805 which
can potentially deliver a significant increase in performance whilst
retaining the ability of concurrent programming. I would wish to do this
using readily available tools. I do not want to do fundamental research
into progamming techniques. Processors which I currently intend to
investigate are: PowerPC, ARM, i960 and Sharc. A processor which is easily
interfaced to PCI bus would also be of interest. Finally good product
support, availability of high quality tools and commitment to the product
from the manufacturer are important (something which I have found to be
sadly lacking from SGS-Thomson in transputers and micro-controllers). 

Additionally if there are processors and compiler suites out there which
can compete on performance with a small network of T225s running efficient
Occam 2 processes then I would also be interesed to learn of these.

Any contributions to these or related issues will be gratefully received.


Regards


Peter Ross