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How to get into microPROCESSORS?

Former Member

Hi, my name is Tom, and I have been working with MCU's for quite a while, but I have recently felt like I should venture out of the all-in-one package of an MCU and try to move on to microprocessors. Keep in mind, I have barely any experience with processors, but I would really like to learn. Would someone be able to point me toward where I can start learning about them and developing? I would like to find a good, entry-level microprocessor to work with. I typically prefer DIP chips due to breadboard compatibility, easier soldering and older feel. Would anyone be able to help me get started, or lead me to a place where I can?

 

Thanks.

  • Hi Tom,

     

    An MCU is the same as a microprocessor plus (usually) SRAM plus (usually) Flash all on a single chip.  MCUs are intended for very low cost applications, which has until recently meant a weak processor and small amounts of memory.  However, nowadays you can get a lot with an MCU, making them powerful enough for many more applications.

     

    You don't explain why you want to go from MCUs to separate processors, so I'll make some guesses:

     

    1.  If you want to go beyond a 8 bit instruction set like 8051 or 8-bit PIC, there's no need for a separate processor.  You can get very capable 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3/M4/M0/M0+ MCUs or 16-bit TI MSP430 MCUs.  There are chips with much more RAM and Flash than 20th Century MCUs.  All these have cheap eval/demo boards, including STM32 Discovery, Cypress PSoC4 Pioneer, TI LaunchPad, and Freescale Freedom.

     

    2.  If you want to run large programs, especially with a full-blown operating system like GNU/Linux, check out BeagleBone Black and Raspberry Pi.  These have ARM 32-bit application processors, 512MB DRAM, Ethernet, and SD cards for Flash.  If you need lots of I/O pins, go with BeagleBone.  If you want to do video applications, RasPi is probably better.  These are dense boards with BGA packages, and it's hard or impossible to probe the interface between the processor and RAM.

     

    3.  I don't know of any recent microprocessors in DIP packages.  With 32-bit data buses, it really doesn't make sense.  Plus, the switching speeds are too fast for the long wires in a large DIP package.  If your goal is learning and you want something you can wire-wrap and probe, you might get some old Intel 8085 or Motorola 68000 chips from eBay or somewhere.  I've taught Introduction to Microprocessors with the Intel 8085, and it has a very clean, simple interfacing -- a good entry-level processor.