ENTERTAINING–Sophistication and Skill
LOW COST–Product cost, Recurring Engineering
EASY TO MANUFACTURE IN VOLUME
EASY TO SERVICE–Self-diagnostic Capability
FLEXIBLE–Design Changes
FLEXIBLE–New Designs
FLEXIBLE–Game Options (Difficulty factor)
FLEXIBLE–Game Options (Number of Players)
FLEXIBLE–Game Options (Coins, etc)
RELIABLE–Low Down Time
FIG. 1 DESIGN GOALS FOR GAMES
LOWERS COST
Development, Production, Recurring Engineering
REDUCES COMPONENTS
Firmware replaces hardware
Fewer PC boards, holes, solder connections, sockets
connectors, wiring, support circuits
Less power, heat dissipation
Simpler packaging, assembly, spare parts inventory, purchasing overhead, maintenance
INCREASES FLEXIBILITY
Firmware easier to change than hardware
Sophistication and intelligence is function of firmware
LOWERS COST OF NEW DESIGN
Basic hardware designed
Reuseable software subroutines
SIMPLIFIES DESIGN CHANGES
Change "firmware" (ROM/PROM) rather than hardware
SIMPLIFIES MAINTENANCE
Self-diagnostic testing
Increased reliability
FIG. 2 MICROCOMPUTER DESIGN ADVANTAGES
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