Tough PIC

[Demon]

The biggest danger when overclocking a PC cpu is overheating. I don't see why it would be any different with a PIC.

Maybe we should liquid cool a PIC and see how fast it can run?

Robert

[Art]

You could cool one with a peltier device, but I doubt you could run it fast enough to get it hot.
PC CPUs don't have to read internal memory.
Pics are more than a CPU, but certainly Do go screwy when the outside environment heats up...

I have a 16F84A running in a vehicle that goes haywire in the heat every time (digital speedometer),
but resumes as normal when the vehicle cools down without needing any reset.
The 16F877A does not seem as fragile though (so far).

I'm still guessing it's the internal interface between it's core and internal memory that would fail.
Not that my theory could be tested. It's not like the CPU can be isolated to do anything without
using it's program memory.

[Demon]

CPUs do read internal cache, that may be technically equivalent to ram.

If I'm not mistaken, isn't the A series for automotive applications?
EDIT: Nevermind, I think it's low voltage programming.

Robert

[Art]

I meant flash memory where the program is stored in a pic.
The 16f84 I have had running a speedometer in a car for a few years always goes batty if the cab gets hot.
The chip is running, but the value displayed is all over the place.
This isn't any sort of proof that the chip is failing to read it's program memory though.
It could be any number of things like the program counter jumping all overt the place, but flash is still my guess.