Wanted: Embedded Processor Suggestions
Wanted: Embedded Processor Suggestions
(OP)
Looking for any/all suggestions for embedded processors to use for a new project. Here's a list of desired characteristics, but by no means all-encompasing, nor is every item strictly necessary (I'll try to make appropriate notes whenever possible).
1) Inexpensive (Let's say under $15 for a high-MIPS unit)
2) High MIPS (let's say 30+ MIPS, the higher the better, especially if it can be done at low clock speeds, i.e., 1 MIP/MHz)
3) Free software tools (IDE, C compiler, etc.) -- a few hundred dollars is acceptable if the package is powerful. Windows is HIGHLY preferred over UNIX (I'm just not that comfortable with UNIX and don't have a machine built with it).
4) Low-cost hardware tools (JTAG or other in-circuit programmer). Don't really NEED a hardware debugger, but I won't turn one down. Build-it-yourself circuits are completely acceptable.
5) Peripherals MUST include at least one UART and (obviously) a JTAG port (or other programming interface). An ADC would be quite nice, but not a necessity.
6) Generic I/O pins, something in the area of 20+ would be a minimum.
I'm currently working with dsPICs, maxing out at 30 MIPS. Other architectures seem to offer a few more niceties (hardware looping, etc.) for the MIPS, but there's so many to choose from (ARM, MIPS, etc. etc.). I don't need specific part #s, I'm looking more for chip family suggestions... I'll gladly do the research, but I want to make sure I'm not missing out on a good family.
Thanks!
1) Inexpensive (Let's say under $15 for a high-MIPS unit)
2) High MIPS (let's say 30+ MIPS, the higher the better, especially if it can be done at low clock speeds, i.e., 1 MIP/MHz)
3) Free software tools (IDE, C compiler, etc.) -- a few hundred dollars is acceptable if the package is powerful. Windows is HIGHLY preferred over UNIX (I'm just not that comfortable with UNIX and don't have a machine built with it).
4) Low-cost hardware tools (JTAG or other in-circuit programmer). Don't really NEED a hardware debugger, but I won't turn one down. Build-it-yourself circuits are completely acceptable.
5) Peripherals MUST include at least one UART and (obviously) a JTAG port (or other programming interface). An ADC would be quite nice, but not a necessity.
6) Generic I/O pins, something in the area of 20+ would be a minimum.
I'm currently working with dsPICs, maxing out at 30 MIPS. Other architectures seem to offer a few more niceties (hardware looping, etc.) for the MIPS, but there's so many to choose from (ARM, MIPS, etc. etc.). I don't need specific part #s, I'm looking more for chip family suggestions... I'll gladly do the research, but I want to make sure I'm not missing out on a good family.
Thanks!
Dan
Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com





RE: Wanted: Embedded Processor Suggestions
Should have 4k+ of FLASH memory for updates (easier to program), 1k+ of RAM.
8-bit is OK, would be nice to find a 16-bitter, though.
Dan
Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Wanted: Embedded Processor Suggestions
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
RE: Wanted: Embedded Processor Suggestions
macgyvers2000, Moto Coldfire maybe? Some Mitsibishi micros might reach up to that realm.
RE: Wanted: Embedded Processor Suggestions
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
RE: Wanted: Embedded Processor Suggestions
I never realized the AVR series reached so high in their capabilities. The AT91FR4042 looks quite interesting, even though it's slightly higher than my listed price range (that's acceptable considering the performance from it). I will look into this one... if it's a 1 MIP/MHz chip, that's a real winner. 512k Flash, 256k RAM, 2 UARTs, running at 70 MHz... higher external clock than I would want, but if I get 70 MIPS out of it, I'll be careful with the layout for the power.
I've never even seen Forth code, and I'm not a fan of learning a new language for one project... but I'll consider it. How are you programming them? In-circuit JTAG, external programmer, serial cable? I absolutely need some sort of in-circuit connection.
smoked, I'll look into the Coldfire. Moto tends to have really overprices DSPs for their power level, so I'm leary from the get-go. Hopefully they've done better with the micro stuff.
Dan
Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Wanted: Embedded Processor Suggestions
Dan
Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Wanted: Embedded Processor Suggestions
I know that a company I onced worked at switched a new model Z80 (Hitachi) over to the ColdFire for more umph and they seem to like it.
Digikey is way over priced for low quantities. Single CPUs have no price logic for production. In fact a lot of PICs you could buy directly from Microchip for less on their web site.
Yes BGA/s suck for design. Getting one or two done is no problem if you have an assembler you run 200 bds a month thru, otherwise you must beg.. and they act bothered. :(
Thanks for the link.
Yes Skogs, few understand the pure beauty of Forth. Ah, runs shivers down my back just typing the word.
RE: Wanted: Embedded Processor Suggestions
I did try one of them 11 pin device with 8kb flash and
256bytes ram. So I did turn internal clock to 24 -30Mhz
and was able to transmit and receive 115 kbaud manchester
(real data rate was 230kbauds) encoding and decoding all firmware. That litlle chip kicks ass. So you can get 50Mhz and even 100Mhz version of thouse guys. If your application transmits data in packets 250 long try old proven acelerated 8052 of SILABS. It will crunch floating point arithmetic for you. Development kit is $100 with JTAG. Plus you will get KEIL evaluation IDE with C and debugger for windows.
RE: Wanted: Embedded Processor Suggestions
Ultimately, I decided upon the TI TMS320F2812, which can operate upto 150 MIPS. In small quantities the TI DSP is cheaper than the PIC. So far, I have been working on the prototype board for about 1 week and I am finding that the hardware is functioning very well.
As far as tools go, they are a little bit more pricey. The code composer studio (compiler) is about $500 (as opposed to the microchip compiler that is $1000). The spectrum digital emulator is expensive at about $2000 (j-tag emulator) however there are third party equivalents that I understand work just as well for about $400.