Avoiding dead-end designs: choose your chip suppliers carefully

One of the most promising trends in embedded computing today is the increasing use of PC-compatible processors. The standardization on PC technology that has unified the office environment promises to revolutionize the world of embedded computing as well. A survey made last year by the firm Embedded Systems Research (Corvallis, OR) revealed that 20% of embedded systems designers are embedding PC-compatible processors today, growing to 34% within 2 years. Several components vendors, Intel and RadiSys included, have recognized this trend and are making specific PC-compatible product announcements aimed at the embedded computer market.