Dear Texas Instruments,
I'm about a third of the way through developing a product on the LM3S9D96 and need to make a decision at this stage between:
1) Get assurance from Texas Instruments that the LM3S9D96 will be "available" for the next 10 years (yes, long product life)
2) Do a life time buy of LM3S9D96 devices (going to be hard to convince management on this one)
3) Use an upcoming Tiva chip with integrated PHY (but this would need to be out within 4 months)
4) Make the switch to STM32F4 devices (relearning, but then maybe best in the long run)
My preferred option is Number 1, so I'm seeking assurance from Texas Instruments that the LM3S9D96 will be "available" for the next 10 years. I know that Texas Instruments have stated that the LM3S devices will continue to be produced as long as there is demand, but that is a useless statement. The price can increase dramatically or the lead time become prohibitive. Not only will this kill off demand, but make it makes the micro effectively not available even when it is "available".
So, here are my direct questions to Texas Instruments regarding the "availability" of LM3S9D96 devices:
1) Will the LM3S9D96 continue to be sold for the next 10 years?
2) Will the price remain as it is today (or up to a maximum of twice as expensive as today)?
3) Will the lead time remain below 6 weeks for the duration of the 10 year period (barring any unforeseen circumstance like a tsunami hitting the factory)?
All three would have to be a YES for me to be able to continue with the LM3S9D96. If I haven't heard from Texas Instruments in a week I'll assume that at least one of the questions would have to be answered in the negative and will then purchase a STM32 development board and make the transition. The STM32F4 Discovery looks good at first glance, even if I do need to add an Ethernet PHY chip.
I'm asking this question in a public forum since many others are facing the same dilemma. It will also be interestign to see the level of interest in this question.
Regards,
Vito