{"id":8264,"date":"2026-09-11T00:39:43","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T22:39:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scs.ch\/uncategorized-en-us\/when-the-microprocessor-is-discontinued\/"},"modified":"2026-09-20T07:38:42","modified_gmt":"2026-09-20T05:38:42","slug":"when-the-microprocessor-is-discontinued","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scs.ch\/en\/case-studies\/when-the-microprocessor-is-discontinued\/","title":{"rendered":"When the Microprocessor Is Discontinued"},"content":{"rendered":"

Initial Situation<\/h2><\/div>

In industry, the lifespan of systems is significantly longer than the availability of electronics, especially processors. If a processor is discontinued, a retrofit is necessary. Many manufacturers initially replace the discontinued processor 1:1 with a current model. Because this requires rewriting the software and adapting the electronics layout, development costs of several hundred thousand CHF can arise without providing any new function for the operator. Furthermore, the new processor may also be discontinued just a few years later. <\/p>\n<\/div>

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Project Overview<\/h3><\/div>

Area<\/strong>
Data & High Performance (Embedded Systems \/ Retrofit)<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Approach<\/strong>
System-on-Module with Linux<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Applications <\/strong>
Ticket machines, automated warehouse systems, and display and announcement systems<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Technologies<\/strong>
Linux, System-on-Module, legacy interfaces, reverse engineering<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Award<\/strong>
SCS retrofits awarded the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label (2020, 2023)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The SCS Contribution<\/h2><\/div>

For suitable retrofits, SCS relies on a System-on-Module with Linux. The application software is decoupled from the specific processor model, making subsequent hardware changes significantly easier. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Decoupled from Hardware<\/h4><\/div>
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The application software runs abstracted on Linux. Consequently, a later change of the System-on-Module does not automatically require a redevelopment of the application. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Reduced Vendor Lock-in<\/h4><\/div>
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Standardized interfaces and common form factors reduce dependency on a single manufacturer and facilitate the switch to compatible modules.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Legacy Interfaces Remain Usable<\/h4><\/div>
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Interfaces such as RS-232, LPT, IDE, or ISA can continue to be connected via Linux drivers. For proprietary interfaces, SCS develops a compatible implementation via reverse engineering if required. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Clean Separation of Real-Time<\/h4><\/div>
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Time-critical functions remain on a dedicated microprocessor, separate from application logic and external interfaces. This simplifies real-time and safety mechanisms and reduces the complexity of the safety-critical part. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Result<\/h2><\/div>

The retrofit creates a platform that can be further developed over the long term without having to completely redevelop the existing device. Modern interfaces such as Ethernet, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi enable additional functions, ranging from networking to operation via PC, tablet, or smartphone. SCS has already implemented this retrofit approach in numerous applications, including ticket machines, automated warehouse systems, and display and announcement systems. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

2020 & 2023<\/h3><\/div>

Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label for SCS retrofit solutions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

several 100,000 CHF<\/h3><\/div>

potential costs of a classic 1:1 redevelopment, which the retrofit approach avoids.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Services Provided<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Embedded Systems<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Retrofit<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Data & High Performance<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"A<\/div><\/div>

Your Contact Person<\/h2><\/div>
Michael Rusterholz<\/div><\/div>

AI & Robotics
+41 43 456 16 00<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

Speak with the responsible specialist<\/span>Speak with the responsible specialist<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div>

For questions regarding retrofits, embedded systems, and the replacement of discontinued hardware.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Further Case Studies<\/h2><\/div>