Where do I start in embedded?

I would like to get better at building embedded devices but can't decide between avr or pic. I have the pickit 3 for pics and avr usbasp and arduino. the arduino is ok, but I want to get closer to the metal. I would like some structured projects that I can build and familiarize myself with both the hardware and more importantly the c coding i would like to get better at my c. What would you guys recommend?

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johnbeetem over 10 years ago in reply to dougw +2

Caveat: PSoC4 and PSoC5 are great chips, but the PSoC Creator environment you need to design with them only runs on Microsoft Windows.
DAB over 10 years ago +1

Hi James, I would suggest the cypress Semiconductor PSOC 4 family. They have a great free development IDE plus they have programmable hardware for digital and analog circuits. They have a great range of…
Jan Cumps over 10 years ago +1

You can go to the very metal with that Arduino that you have. There's no need to invest.

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0 kas.lewis over 10 years ago

Hello James where are you located. A lot of people here I'm sure have LOTS of extra kit lying around that they might be happy to share, I know I do...

Kas
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0 majorkuso over 10 years ago in reply to kas.lewis

I live in south Georgia and the problem there is it is heavily agricultural driven so there are few people that share these interests
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0 majorkuso over 10 years ago in reply to majorkuso

I'm thinking about creating the reflow oven that ben heck did one with the Arduino and then later either the pic or avr
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0 michaelkellett over 10 years ago in reply to majorkuso

Sounds a good start - be careful with the mains switching - keep your processor stuff well separated and isolated from mains power - use an opto isolated solid state switch from a reputable source. It's so easy when you are debugging the software to forget how deadly the mains voltages can be.

MK
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0 majorkuso over 10 years ago in reply to michaelkellett

I am aware of mains thank you though I am more hardware oriented than software that is why I guess I have a hard time with programming in general. I have some relays and high current mosfets to drive relay. I could use but I will probably get an ssr if I do not have any relays that can handle the current or voltage, I think the only factor will be current have to check.
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0 majorkuso over 10 years ago in reply to majorkuso

I know many people say to learn c first but in the embedded environmenmt I believe that would be overkill.
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0 Jan Cumps over 10 years ago in reply to majorkuso

If you're going to write firmware in c, it would be a good idea to understand the language.
You can do that in parallel while tinkering.
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0 michaelkellett over 10 years ago in reply to majorkuso

Definitely use a ready made SSR - much safer and has built in opto isolation.

And do learn C - very little embedded coding is done in assembler now - you can easily afford a processor which is supported by a decent C compiler and free tools are readily available.

MK
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0 majorkuso over 10 years ago in reply to michaelkellett

I have the following books that I am going to try absolute beginner's guide to C, Beginner's Guide to Embedded C Programming, C programming for microcontrollers, Make: AVR Programming: Learning to Write Software for Hardware.
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0 majorkuso over 10 years ago in reply to michaelkellett

I have the following books that I am going to try absolute beginner's guide to C, Beginner's Guide to Embedded C Programming, C programming for microcontrollers, Make: AVR Programming: Learning to Write Software for Hardware.
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