November 1998, Issue 100

Smart Rocket

THE NEED FOR SPEED

In my opinion, the ideal vehicle for our dart-and-weave stoplight-to-stoplight jousting is a motorcycle. Now, a bike isn’t suitable for everything—certainly not big jobs like hauling the brood around or moving furniture.

I also understand the objections from those of you who live in colder climes. And, there’s the danger factor, though two-wheel advocates argue that slow mummification behind the wheel isn’t a real pleasant way to go either.

I rode a bike years ago when I was a commuter for the same reasons I give today. They’re relatively inexpensive to own and operate, they’re allowed to use the carpool express lanes, and you can always find a parking space.

But, the most compelling advantage is speed! At the time, my 750 was faster off the line than practically any car on the road.

The inspiration for this thread is the appearance of the SX MCU from startup Scenix Semiconductor. Like a bike, it’s small, relatively inexpensive (under $4 in small quantities), and most important, fast. I’m talking close to 50 MIPS, which is a good 10–50 times faster than typical 8-bit MCUs.