# 226: Camp AVR Vs. Camp Microchip (Repeat)

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2020-06-18
- Length: 1h 20m
- Episode: 226
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-06-18-226-camp-avr-vs-camp-microchip-repeat
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/226-camp-avr-vs-camp-microchip-repeat

## Summary

Jay Carlson, an electrical engineering PhD student and embedded consultant, explains his methodology for comparing 21 microcontrollers priced under $1 at 100-unit quantities. He details the empirical testing of performance, power consumption, and development toolchains for architectures including AVR, PIC, ARM Cortex-M0, and 8051. Carlson highlights how flash prefetching and compiler quality significantly impact real-world performance, often contradicting datasheet specifications, and recommends specific debuggers like the J-Link and ST-Link for different use cases.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-06-18-226-camp-avr-vs-camp-microchip-repeat#t=6) Introduction and Origin Story
- [8:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-06-18-226-camp-avr-vs-camp-microchip-repeat#t=510) Selection Criteria and Scope
- [14:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-06-18-226-camp-avr-vs-camp-microchip-repeat#t=873) Microcontroller Families Reviewed
- [21:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-06-18-226-camp-avr-vs-camp-microchip-repeat#t=1299) Development Environments and Header Files
- [34:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-06-18-226-camp-avr-vs-camp-microchip-repeat#t=2057) Debugger Recommendations and Critiques
- [45:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-06-18-226-camp-avr-vs-camp-microchip-repeat#t=2720) PIC Architecture Analysis
- [50:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-06-18-226-camp-avr-vs-camp-microchip-repeat#t=3055) Performance Testing: Flash and Compilers
- [58:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-06-18-226-camp-avr-vs-camp-microchip-repeat#t=3505) Power Consumption and Application Fit
- [1:10:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-06-18-226-camp-avr-vs-camp-microchip-repeat#t=4231) Future of Sub-$1 Microcontrollers

## Topics

- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Batteries & low-power design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/batteries-and-low-power)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- J-Link (tool)
- ST-Link (tool)
- PICkit (tool)
- MPLAB (tool)
- Atmel Studio (tool)
- Simplicity Studio (tool)
- Silicon Labs EFM8 (chip)
- STM32 (chip)
- AVR (chip)
- PIC (chip)
- MSP430 (chip)
- Nordic (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Microcontroller Showdown: Selecting the Best One for Your Project](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2023-01-04-microcontroller-showdown-selecting-the-best-one-for-your-project) (Predictable Designs Podcast)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 1](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-06-16-the-spark-gap-episode-1) (The Spark Gap)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-10-01-the-spark-gap-episode-16) (The Spark Gap)
- [Microcontroller or Microprocessor - Which Do You Need for Your Project?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-12-14-microcontroller-or-microprocessor-which-do-you-need-for-your-project) (Predictable Designs Podcast)
- [Super Tecmo Bug](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-02-13-super-tecmo-bug) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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