Post by thread:Alternatives to PIC processors?

I am looking for some alternatives to Microchip's processors. I realized that I have been choosing PIC processors by default without adequately researching viable alternatives. Therefore I think a discussion regarding alternative processors is appropriate. I encourage any comments that include alternate manufacturers, prices, and pro's and con's of processors that compete eithor directly or indirectly with Microchip's products. What processor have you used that compete's with Microchip? How much was it? What were the main features? How was delivery? Why did you choose it? What is the closest Microchip product and how does it compare?

Roger, Scenix (http://www.scenix.com) produces chips that have an almost identical instruction set to PICs, but run *much* faster (a 50MHz SX18 runs 20 times faster than a 10MHz 16F84), and has twice as much program memory, yet is available for a comparable price. When you have a uC this fast, it becomes feasible to emulate hardware (eg. serial ports, modem, dsp etc...) in software, and Scenix have released a number of such "virtual peripherals". They've also apparently implemented a TCP/IP stack which they will be releasing code for soon (although I think full TCP is only available in the larger chips). Cheers, Ben Roger Morella wrote: {Quote hidden}> > I am looking for some alternatives to Microchip's processors. I > realized that I have been choosing PIC processors by default without > adequately researching viable alternatives. > > Therefore I think a discussion regarding alternative processors is > appropriate. I encourage any comments that include alternate > manufacturers, prices, and pro's and con's of processors that compete > eithor directly or indirectly with Microchip's products. > > What processor have you used that compete's with Microchip? > > How much was it? > > What were the main features? > > How was delivery? > > Why did you choose it? > > What is the closest Microchip product and how does it compare?

Roger Morella wrote: [snip] > I am looking for some alternatives to Microchip's processors. I > realized that I have been choosing PIC processors by default without > adequately researching viable alternatives. Roger - - The Atmel RISC chips look like a good alternative. I haven't tried them yet, but I'm about to place an order. http://www.atmel.com/atmel/products/prod23.htm - Nick -

> Roger Morella wrote: > [snip] > > I am looking for some alternatives to Microchip's processors. I > > realized that I have been choosing PIC processors by default without > > adequately researching viable alternatives. > > Roger - - > > The Atmel RISC chips look like a good alternative. I haven't tried > them yet, but I'm about to place an order. > http://www.atmel.com/atmel/products/prod23.htm > > - Nick - Welcome to the Dark Side :) There's a good list at spam_OUTatmelTakeThisOuTpic.co.za and some PD code to get started on. It's a well behaved little box :)