Chapter 01
Page 3
How to select the right Microcontroller for a project
These are just a few reasons:
- It should have enough memory to store the application program and data
- It should have enough speed (4MHz or 20MHz or even higher)
- It should be cost effective
- Only a few external components should be required.
- Development tools must be easily available, such as IDE, C-language cross-compiler, debugger, software libraries
- Communication protocol support (so that it can communicate with other devices) Protocols like USB, TWI, I2C, RS232, SPI
- Inbuilt features like ADC: Analog to digital converter (if analog input is required in the project). Analog voltage signals from sensor inputs for: Heat, Light, Pressure, Humidity, sound/vibration (microphone)
- Analog output (DAC: Digital to Analog Converter)
- Number of digital inputs to be connected. Example: sensors like switch
- Number and type of digital output devices to be connected
- Working voltage and power consumption are important for battery operated devices
- Easy availability in the current market
- Architecture: RISC/CISC processor based (The great debate!)
- Availability of advanced options as ReadLock (to prevent software piracy)
- Watch Dog Timer and other inbuilt features
- Data retention duration
- (Support for remote firmware/bootloader up gradation, though it depends on other reasons)
- Time Tested, Reliablity, User-base, Market acceptance.