# Microcontroller Showdown: Selecting the Best One for Your Project

- Show: [Predictable Designs Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast)
- Published: 2023-01-04
- Length: 18m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2023-01-04-microcontroller-showdown-selecting-the-best-one-for-your-project

## Summary

Host John Teel explains how to select the right microcontroller for electronic products, warning against mid-project changes and emphasizing the need for 'room to grow' in GPIO and performance. He categorizes microcontrollers into 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit families, detailing specific architectures like the 8051, PIC, AVR, MSP430, STM32, and ESP32. Teel compares their costs, peripherals, and development ecosystems, noting that 32-bit chips like the STM32 and ESP32 have become cost-competitive with 8-bit options while offering superior features.

## Chapters

- [0:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2023-01-04-microcontroller-showdown-selecting-the-best-one-for-your-project#t=15) Introduction: Microcontroller Selection Strategy

## Topics

- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)

## Most relevant to

founders before launch

## Mentioned

- Arduino Uno (product)
- ATmega328p (chip)
- 8051 (chip)
- Microchip (company)
- PIC (chip)
- AVR (chip)
- MSP430 (chip)
- Texas Instruments (company)
- STM32 (chip)
- STMicroelectronics (company)
- ESP32 (chip)
- Espressif Systems (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [138: Quit Yer Whining](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-02-10-138-quit-yer-whining) (Embedded.fm)
- [226: Camp AVR Vs. Camp Microchip (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-06-18-226-camp-avr-vs-camp-microchip-repeat) (Embedded.fm)
- [226: Camp AVR Vs. Camp Microchip](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-12-14-226-camp-avr-vs-camp-microchip) (Embedded.fm)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-10-01-the-spark-gap-episode-16) (The Spark Gap)
- [15: Robot on the Front](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-08-21-15-robot-on-the-front) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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