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SELECTING THE RIGHT MICROCONTROLLER UNIT

by Chad Gallun

Start ý Selection Process ý General Attributes ý MCU Resources ý Selection Criteria ý Memory ý System Cost Reduction ý Additional Hardware Requirements ý MCU Interrupts ý System Software ý Company Attributes ý Supplier Attributes ý Manufacturer Support ý Finalizing the Selection ý On Your Way ý Sources and PDF

ADDITIONAL HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

Power supply considerations have become more complicated in recent years. Smaller internal device geometries are causing maximum operating voltages in the MCU to drop. The operating voltages of other system components have not fallen at the same rate that caused a difference to develop. MCU designers have tried to alleviate some difficulties by making some MCUs resistant to higher voltages, but at the expense of performance (cost increases as well).

Some other questions to consider are whether a single or multiple voltage power supply is required for the system, whether or not the device is characterized for operation at your system supply voltage, what the power supply tolerance is, and if the voltages are held to a small fixed percent variation or operate over a wider range. Also, consider what the operating, idle, and sleep currents are. Then give some thought as to whether or not there is anything special about the operating environment, such as military specifications, temperature, humidity, atmosphere (explosive, corrosive, etc.), pressure, or altitude.

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