Embedded processors for DIY projects ?

[Paul Maddox]

Michael,

>But, i am looking to get into using a simple micor controller for some
>of my DIY projects.

Hehehe, BIG can o worms this one...

>So now i am in the search for a processor line to head for. What i am
specially interes-
>ted in, is:

hehehe, here we go...

- Scalability (price-wise) there should be cheap units (no more than $15 a
piece) for
  simple devices that do not need much computing power, and also faster ones
in which
  i could reuse parts of my code for more complex/demanding applications

So you want ISP micros with flash..

- Availability of an (affordable) in-circuit single step debugging tool so i
can plug a cable
  into my current project at the bench and measure in/out lines with the
scope while
  tracing instructions through the code

The one Im thinking of comes with an assmebler/programming cable,
programmer, debugger
software all in a nice bundle...

- Availability of versions with 8 or 16 bits DAC´s and ADC´s

Will 10 bit ADCs do?
We're talking 8bit micro here..

- EEPROM programming memory to shorten development cycles, in sizes from 2
KB
  to (say) 8 KB, larger sizes a plus

my favourite has 8Kbyte of flash?

- RAM 64 to 512 Bytes

my favourite has 512bytes of sram...

- The development system should not cost an arm and a leg. I am looking for
a starter
  kit in the price range of $300 max.

hows about 50UKP?

- a C compiler would be nice (included in the IDE, not some external
cross-compiler)

The one I use cost me about 75UKP and I get 6 months of tech support and
free updates.
It also integrates the Programming software.. hit a button it compiles it,
hit a button it programs it.

>As far as i have seen, there are only AVR´s and PIC´s that would match my
criteria
>(ninus the C language) All other ones seem to have the old problems of
being hard to get.

Ahh, check out CodeVision AVR

http://infotech.ir.ro

There is a demo version there, has some functions locked..

I used the 8515 in my monowave (and two 90s1200's) but I programmed V2
software
in C useing CodeVision compiler, its superb!!!!
The STK200, has an 8515 micro on, comes with assembler, programmer and
debugger, ISP cable
and little board with switchs/leds on... for about 50quid..

>Another issue would be the availability of these MCU´s in DIP cases, so i
do not need
>to use an expensive and fiddly PLCC socket. (i do not have SMD soldering
equipment)

Yep, the 8515 is 40pin DIL and is pin compatible with 80c51...

>Often i wonder why the decent development environments are so extremely
costly. Are the
>manufacturers not interested in getting new customers for their MCU´s ?
>I mean, for TI, AD or Motorola DSP´s, you often get evaluation boards and
kits for free...

I dont know, I would dearly love play with a coldfire processor from
motorola, but I'll
be buggered if IM paying 2000UKP for something I'll play with at home!!

>Any hints ?

My preferrence is ATmel STK200, KANDA systems sell them..
http://www.kanda.com

There is also a good starting point for info here ;-
http://www.avr-forum.com/
Also join the ATmel mailing list if you get one, helpfull bunch of guys..

With the STK200 you get an 8515 in the socket.
with it you get 8MIPS at 8Mhz,
Hardware USART (FULL duplex)
8Kbyte Flash memory
512bytes eeprom
512 bytes sram

and other stuff, PWM gens and SPI pins,
ability to access 256K of sram (I think) useing a latch,
the STK200 will take a 74hc573 and 62256.. it also has
a standard LCD interface on..

Have a look at the monowave if you want..
also take a look at the 'other projects' section which has some
code for a simple Midi>CV and a couple of other midi projects.
http://www.wavesynth.com/modulus/

Enjoy

Paul Maddox
_______________________________________
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    Http://www.wavesynth.com
Modulus synthesizers home page;-
    Http://www.wavesynth.com/modulus