Lpc2000

At 10:17 PM 3/1/04 +0000, you wrote:
>words, it is perfect for an application that is always connected to
>power

Let me make sure I've got this straight.  It's perfect for creating a 
device that flashes 12:00 when the power comes back on? :^)

>or to measure "work-hours" for what ever kind of machine.

How can it be well suited to measure work hours if it loses track of time 
when it loses power?  In fact how is it any better than simply counting 
using one of the existing timers?

I have implemented such a feature before and I don't understand why you 
would want to complicate it by introducing an RTC.  I have seen RTCs that 
provide this as an additional feature but using an RTC just to implement it 
seems like overkill.

>We are aware that we need to chance this. It will be implemented (both
>counter inputs and 32-khz input on a device coming in fall 2004.

The counter sounds good.  Would it be too much to hope that it won't 
require large pinouts in order to get a counter?

I rather envision the RTC as a Dilbertian feature foisted upon the design 
by a marketing checklist.
    (  - We need an RTC
       + It won't give us any more capabilities
       - We need an RTC
       + The implementation we have won't be very useful
       - We need an RTC
       + OK, OK
       - We are getting complaints about the RTC
       + The sound of gritted teeth }


>Our team is very greatful for all the questions asked (and answered!)
>here in this forum and rest assured that some of the answers are also
>from us ;-)
>
>Best regards from the Philips Apps Team.
>p.s. I intend to post more "official statements" on this group in the
>future.

Good to hear from you.  If you are taking suggestions, might I suggest 
ditching the RTC in favour of other peripherals (more and more flexible 
timers as a for instance) :) ?

BTW, don't take too much of the above to heart but the implementation of 
the RTC on the LPC has always struck me as rather pointless.

Robert

" 'Freedom' has no meaning of itself.  There are always restrictions,
be they legal, genetic, or physical.  If you don't believe me, try to
chew a radio signal. "

                         Kelvin Throop, III