Hi David (and Jim),

Why SiLabs? There are other cpu manufacturers with devices more compatible than the SiLabs devices.

You will probably find that the SiLabs device is going to be a whole lot faster and delays with NOP's will require significant adjustment. SiLabs are likely to be more expensive because of their higher performance specifications.

The C2 interface that SiLabs uses means you will need a SiLabs USB Debug Adapter. SiLabs IDE will accept Intel HEX files.

You will learn about assigning the pin functions of the SiLabs devices with the Crossbar (i.e. route certain functions to certain pins). Set up oscillator options. Potentially program pin configurations (i.e. a pin can be configured as a high impedance input, push-pull output, quasi bi-directional, etc.).

I suggest that you look at package compatible options such as the 12C5A60S2 from STC or the AT89S52 from Atmel (Sorry Erik).

Regards,

Bert