Comment by 0xTJ
2 months ago
A fun read, but I do find it a bit odd that in 30 years the author doesn't think that we would have reverse-engineered making CPUs, or at least gotten as far as the mid-70s in terms of CPU production capabilities.
Also, the 10k years lifespan for MC68000 processors seems suspect. As far as I can see, the 10,000 figure is a general statement on the modelled failure of ICs from the 60s and 70s, not in particular for the MC68000 (which is at the tail end of that period). There are also plenty of ICs (some MOS (the company, not the transistor structure) chips come to mind) with known-poor lifespans (though that doesn't reflect on the MC68000).
Agreed. It is a whole lot easier to recreate something you know is possible than to create something you don’t know is possible.