Hi, I am determining the microcontroller for a project I would like to know the differences between a PIC microcontroller and a 8051 ( e.g. at89s8252) based microcontroller. It seems that both have similar features. Thanks a lot, Andre
Microchip has small and cheap devices but also has more powerful and not cheap at all devices. It is a myth that PICs are cheap, only the 8-pin devices are, however, that is what they sell the most. There is definitely a much wider variety of devices available for the 51-architecture from many vendors. The long story short, if you want to depend on one vendor, you can go with Microchip and use a PIC, if you want to have alternatives, you should go with the 51-architecture. Start with Philips and Atmel they have most devices, if you need something more special and are willing to pay more, go to Ctgnal or Triscend. Robert
Just completing your statement: if you want to have alternatives, you should go with the 51-architecture. Start with Philips and Atmel they have most devices, if you need something more special and are willing to pay more, go to Ctgnal or Triscend and lose the alternatives. Erik