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Which ARM micro controller should I choose?

Hi,

I'm taking up a major project for my final year in college through which I plan on learning about the ARM architecture.

I want to build my own custom development board instead of using a pre-designed one. I understand the time and effort this will take and my professors and mentors will help me through this process.

My requirements are:

1. I need the development board to run be able to run embedded linux. I don't need it to run embedded linux but I would prefer to program it in C/C++ instead of ASM. This is my only reason to run it on embedded linux.

2. Wi-Fi is a must.

3. I will also be using voice recognition for voice commands(this is optional and I may skip it if not practical).

4. I will need to connect a few sensors and actuators.

5. Low power and long lasting on battery.

6. An LCD or LED display.

As this is a project, I'm looking for cheaper options. I do not want to use something like an arduino or raspberry pi simply because I want to have this learning experience.

I'm a complete beginner in ARM architecture and honestly do not know where to start. I've programmed on an Atmel architecture in the past(on a pre-designed development board) as well as arduino. Also, please let me know if ARM isn't the way to go.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

See ya!

  • I want to build my own custom development board instead of using a pre-designed one
    I'm a complete beginner in ARM architecture and honestly do not know where to start

    Those 2 statements really don't fit together!

    If you want to run linux, then you will need a Cotrex-A class processor.

    Designing such a board from scratch is an advanced project - certainly not a beginner's project. Just getting the board to power up and run would probably take longer than the time available for a final-year college project.

    And then there's creating the Linux port for it...

    I would strongly suggest that you do use a ready-made development board as the basis of your project - it shouldn't be hard, with a bit of internet searching, to find one that fits your requirements.

    Here's some to get you started:

    https://www.avrfreaks.net/forum/embedded-linux-modules

    http://linuxgizmos.com/catalog-of-81-open-spec-hacker-friendly-sbcs/

  • Thank you for the response. I actually meant to run embedded linux on it. And the time I have is about 9-10 months. I will add these details to the question... I guess I should have been clearer.

  • My original reply stands - get a dev board!

    The purpose of a final-year project is to demonstrate what you have learned during the rest of the course;  so if you really are "a complete beginner" and "honestly do not know where to start" - this is probably not the right project.

    the time I have is about 9-10 months

    During which time you will also have other classes, assignments, etc?

    For a beginner, from a complete standing start, that would be extremely optimistic as a full-time project - doing nothing else at all - just to get the board up & running.

    I'm looking for cheaper options

    You won't be able to DIY cheaper than an off-the-shelf board/module.

    Atmel architecture

    What do you mean by that - 8-bit AVR?

  • Classes, assignments are only until December first week. After this, I have a major relaxation to complete the project.

    I am working in a team of 4 members. Cost is a secondary concern because my college will sponsor the project if my proposal is accepted. If not accepted, cost will be a major concern.

    Yes, 8-bit AVR.