The Embedded Workhorse

in equestrian, the workhorse is that reliable stable that churns away at getting the work done the form of the stable has evolved from 4bit to 8bit devices and then leapt to 32bit devices while the 16bits are in the mix, the 32bit devices have since taken deep root we have often posted articles on the current standing of a particularly long standing device derivative, and its a foundational one 8 bit devices succeeded the 4bit genre, and when you think about the possibilities of working with a 4 bit device, does it surprise you that they still make them what is the value proposition in using an 8bit device? in the table below, take a moment to consider the options on hand value proposition benefit low cost devices can cost well under us$1 in volume low power excellent for battery powered products simplicity easier hardware and firmware design fast start up power up in microseconds high reliability mature architecture with decades of proven use long product life many devices remain in production for 10–20 years minimal memory requirements typical applications fit comfortably in 2–32 kb flash excellent peripheral set adc, pwm, timers, uart, spi, i²c, comparators, clc, cwg, etc industrial temperature ratings many devices available from 40°c to +125°c overall value proposition to make that call, you need a basis for comparison consider the basis below, when comparing 8 bit and 32 bit devices granted this comparison does not take the specific application into consideration, it does however provide a comparison baseline for applications requirement 8 bit pic 32 bit mcu cost ★★★★★ ★★★ power consumption ★★★★★ ★★★★ simplicity ★★★★★ ★★★ processing power ★★ ★★★★★ memory capacity ★★ ★★★★★ real time control ★★★★★ ★★★★ battery applications ★★★★★ ★★★★ graphics/ui ★ ★★★★★ connectivity ★★★ ★★★★★ the strength of an 8 bit pic is delivering exactly the amount of computing power needed for control oriented applications without paying for unused performance for products that read sensors, control actuators, communicate over uart/i²c/spi, and operate reliably for years at minimal cost and power, an 8 bit pic often provides the best balance of cost, simplicity, and longevity