IEEE Industrial Electronics Conference 2003: development process for replacement of an obsolete microcontroller

Tarleton State University and FMCTI worked jointly to develop a combined education and technology solution to the problem of impending parts unavailability in a mature product. The rapid evolution of microcomputer technology has brought many new features, added speed and better-cost performance ratios for use in computer automation of industrial systems. However, this rapid change in technology presents a challenge for owners of stable systems with embedded processors when older parts are scheduled to be phased out. This paper covers the evolution of one such product with an emphasis on the decision-making process and the major steps involved in implementing the new product design. Of particular interest was the cooperation between a university and a local industrial partner in creation of educational resources in support of the general knowledge base required by the new technology chosen.