How do you select the right processor?

Hi All,

I've always been interested in trying to find a solid answer to the question "how do you choose the right processor for your application?" and it recently occured to me that element-14 and the e-fourteeners are well placed to try to provide an answer.

I'd like to to hear from people how they go about choosing a processor, whats the methodology you use.

Is it a question of familiarity with a supplier or a particular suite of development tools?

Do you start with a more powerful processor for prototyping and then downsize later?

Supported I/O is going to be a contributor, do you go for just what you need, or build in some future proofing?

I would like to be able to get to a state were a wiki doc could be put together with a set of general guidelines, but for now I'm just curious to hear from others to see how people tackle this problem.

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Juozas_K over 15 years ago

Hi everybody!

I am alone embedded systems developer, decision maker, PCB designer, Windows programmer and more.
During 10 years I was using Atmel AVR microprocessors, because it was possible to make own debuger interface device (availability of cheap debuger). There was time when I have variuos different small projects.

Later I have start a project where I need 12 bit ADC, 12 bit DAC, high speed PWM, advanced timers, more processing power. At that moment Atmel ATXMEGA and AVR32 where not available. That time my ideas: my next processor class must be investment in to my future career, I must become valuable specialist of ARM processors. I have checked several datasheets of ARM class procesors and found that Analog Devices ADUC7026 is very good for my project. I have made my debug device Turtelizer 2 with improvements (galvanic isolation). After huge problems solving my prototype device was working, but without one important function, because "advanced" timer modules in ADUC7026 are not enough "advanced" for my project.
Last summer I have found STM32F105 and wonderfull STM and Raisonance developement tools, I have redesign 100% my device, currently we are preparing first volume devices.
Today I can see availability of cheap NXP LPC1xxx demo boards with integrated, cutable debuger as in STM Circle device. Availability of debuger with price proportional to project size is very important in my microprocessor selection.

Best regards ,
Juozas Kimtys
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Juozas_K over 15 years ago

Hi everybody!

I am alone embedded systems developer, decision maker, PCB designer, Windows programmer and more.
During 10 years I was using Atmel AVR microprocessors, because it was possible to make own debuger interface device (availability of cheap debuger). There was time when I have variuos different small projects.

Later I have start a project where I need 12 bit ADC, 12 bit DAC, high speed PWM, advanced timers, more processing power. At that moment Atmel ATXMEGA and AVR32 where not available. That time my ideas: my next processor class must be investment in to my future career, I must become valuable specialist of ARM processors. I have checked several datasheets of ARM class procesors and found that Analog Devices ADUC7026 is very good for my project. I have made my debug device Turtelizer 2 with improvements (galvanic isolation). After huge problems solving my prototype device was working, but without one important function, because "advanced" timer modules in ADUC7026 are not enough "advanced" for my project.
Last summer I have found STM32F105 and wonderfull STM and Raisonance developement tools, I have redesign 100% my device, currently we are preparing first volume devices.
Today I can see availability of cheap NXP LPC1xxx demo boards with integrated, cutable debuger as in STM Circle device. Availability of debuger with price proportional to project size is very important in my microprocessor selection.

Best regards ,
Juozas Kimtys
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