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--- guides:selecting_microcontrollers [2013/08/11 13:32] – [Arduino] mbrejza
+++ guides:selecting_microcontrollers [2014/06/19 15:22] (current) – [PIC] leobodnar
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-(not finished, I got distracted by TV then went to bed)
+===== Overview of the Different Options =====
 ==== Arduino ====
@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 ==== AVR ====
 pro: comes in a nice set of packages, software unlimited and for linux, nice step from arduino
-cons: annoying to debug, not as many features as others, more expensive than others
+cons: annoying to debug, not as many features as others
 Program in c/c++
 ==== PIC ====
-similar to AVR, blaa....
+''        .asciiz   "some text here"''
 ==== MSP430 ====
+A £3 dev board/programmer is available to get you started.
 ==== ARM ====
+ARM licence the core to companies which produce the final microcontroller, and so as a result there is a much wider range available than other options.
+The two most suitable options for a basic tracker are the M0 and M3 cores. These are the lowest performing and lowest power options in the ARM range (but still out perform other options).
+The learning curve is higher for ARM microcontrollers compared to other parts, and so not as suitable for complete beginners. Most come in surface mount packages
+Pros: Very wide range available, with the options of very extensive peripherals, and for very low cost. Cheap development boards are also available to aid prototyping before committing to a PCB
+Cons: The most complex option available, most are surface mount only
 ==== PICAXE ====
 While it might seem like a very simple and easy platform, once you try to do anything reasonably complex youll be crying in the corner
@@ Line 34: / Line 43: @@
 ==== Parallax Propeller ====
 eww. Just use a raspberry pi
 Note: I am aware that you can program the above in ASM rather than c, but if you intend to do this, you're not really the target audience of this guide
+===== Part Comparison Table =====
+^Part ^ RAM ^Flash ^ Core ^ GPIO (max) ^ GPIO Interrupts ^ UART ^  SPI ^ I2C ^ ADC ^Timers ^ Supply range (V) ^ Program/debug ^ Other ^ Packages ^ Cost (farnell) ^
+| ATMega328 | 2kB | 32kB | 8bit 20MHz | 23 | 2 independent, 1 maskable on each port | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10bit | 1x16;2x8bit | 1.8-5.5 | UART bootloader; SPI ISP | Cannot debug via ISP | DIP, QFP, QFN | £2.00 |
+|CC430F5135/7 | 2/4kB | 16/32kB | 16bit 20MHz | 30 | 1 maskable on each port | 1 | 1 | 1 | 12bit | 2x16bit; RTC (32bit) | 1.8-3.6 | 2-wire interface | Integrated radio; DMA; flexible clocking | QFN | £3.99/£4.14 |
+|STM32F100C4/8 | 4/8kB | 16/64kB | 32bit 24MHz | 37 | 16 mapable | 2/3 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 12bit |10x16bit; 1x24bit; RTC | 2.0-3.6 | 2-wire interface;JTAG | DMA; DAC | QFP, BGA | £1.42/£3.30 |