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 ENTERTAINING–Sophistication and Skill

LOW COST–Product cost, Recurring Engineering

EASY TO MANUFACTURE IN VOLUME

EASY TO SERVICE–Self-diagnostic Capability

FLEXIBLE–Design Changes

New Designs

Game Options (Difficulty factor)

(Number of Players)

(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