Choosing a Modern Microcontroller for Transitioning from Old-School 8-bit PIC/Atmel Controllers

For developers transitioning from the old-school 8-bit PIC/Atmel controllers to more contemporary architectures, the choice of a modern microcontroller is crucial. This article will explore the best options, focusing on the Cortex-M3/M4-based microcontrollers and highlighting the advantages of these newer platforms.

ESP32 Ecosystem: A Friendly Introduction to Contemporary Development

The ESP32 is a popular choice for those looking to transition to more modern architectures. It comes with the familiar Arduino IDE and a wide array of libraries, making it easy for developers to get started with IoT projects. The ecosystem is robust, and the ESP32 is widely used in everything from meteo stations to smart home applications.

While enjoying the simplicity of the ESP32, it's important to dive into the source code to understand the intricacies. Take, for instance, the following code snippet from a hypothetical library:

float getLux(#39;i2cResponse#39;) {    int exponentMantissa[2];    i2cSend;    if (i2cHasResponded()) {        populate(exponentMantissa, i2cResponse);    }    return expMant2Float(exponentMantissa);}

It's essential to familiarize yourself with such quirks to fully leverage the platform.

The STM32 Family: Stepping Up to More Serious Development

The STM32 family, based on Cortex-M cores, offers a more mature and robust development experience. While the initial setup might be a bit more complex compared to the ESP32, it provides a richer set of features and a more polished development environment.

Development for the STM32 often involves using Eclipse-based IDEs, which can be challenging to set up and configure. However, the reward is a more professional and feature-rich development environment. For instance, configuring specific pins or enabling USB functionality can be more involved but ensures a higher level of functionality and reliability.

MPLab and PIC Families: A Mixed Bag

MPLab and PIC-based microcontrollers have their advantages and disadvantages. While some features are robust, the overall ecosystem can be overwhelming. The ICD4, for example, can feel like a blend of functionality and quirks. It provides a mature development environment but may feel a bit too complex.

The PIC ecosystem also requires careful handling, often needing manual manipulation of registers to achieve standard operations like opening an UART channel at a specific baud rate. The complexity can be justified by the power and flexibility of the tools, but the lack of abstraction can make development more challenging.

Renesas and Synergy: Space-Age Development

For a more advanced development experience, Rebecas and Synergy offer a robust platform. The Synergy Software Pack, with its frequent updates and detailed documentation, provides an extensive set of tools and libraries. However, the complexity of the ecosystem and the need for manual inspection can make it a bit daunting.

The IDE for this platform is quite sophisticated, resembling a cathedral with many intricate details. While the documentation is extensive, the lack of abstraction can add to the complexity. Additionally, the lack of compiler options to simplify common tasks, such as EDS (Embedded Device Simulation) for adding extra memory, can be frustrating for developers.

Conclusion and Recommendations

When transitioning from old-school 8-bit PIC/Atmel controllers to more modern platforms, the ESP32 and STM32 families are strong contenders. The ESP32 offers simplicity and a wide array of libraries, making it ideal for prototyping and basic IoT projects. The STM32, while requiring more setup, provides a more professional and robust development environment for more complex applications.

Ultimately, the choice of microcontroller depends on your project requirements, experience level, and specific needs. Whether you're starting a new IoT project or looking to upgrade your existing setup, these modern microcontrollers will provide the power and flexibility you need.