ad. Is it better to start with a microcontroller chip or a microcontroller module?

QUESTION:

I’m starting a complex microcontroller based project. Should I buy a completed microcontroller module, or shall I make my own circuit?

ANSWER:

Today, there are many microcontroller modules offered on the internet market. They are usually based on microcontrollers in SMD packaging and they are mainly intended for hobbyists who would like to do just one-time experiments. Therefore they are only produced in relatively small series. One could hardly speculate on how long such a module would be available until it goes out of production.

If you are going to automate your home or do any other more complex project, it might not be a bad idea to rely on a more durable option. Custom microcontroller modules are relatively easy to build, if you are not forced to use SMD technology. Ok, you might still order a small number of SMD PCBs of you own design, but this is usually very expensive and might cost you as much as 1000 € or more. Therefore most hobbyists still prefer classic “through whole” PCB designs that can easily be handmade. It is really easy to include a basic PIC18 or PIC32 microcontroller circuit in your PCB design! You may also add a socket to enable easy microcontroller replacement. A socket also enables you to have a “fleet” of microcontrollers with different firmware versions, so you can quickly revert back to the old firmware, if a new version proves to be faulty.

A microcontroller in a SDIP packaging is also at least 5 times cheaper than a microcontroller module. However, the makers of microcontroller modules usually base their designs on the cheapest 32-bit SMD controllers on the market that cost just about 1.5 USD (approx. 1 €) and then they sell a module for a 20 USD or more. But PIC32MX250F128B in 28-pin SDIP packaging gives you much greater performance and functionality for 4.5 USD.

I recommend using a microcontroller chip in an SDIP or a DIP casing, if you want to do more than just one-time experiment...

ALSO SEE:

- PIC32 basic circuit plus PROGRAMMING GUIDE: PIC32 microcontroller programing in VB.NET

- PIC18 basic circuit plus PROGRAMMING GUIDE: How to start programming PIC18F2xJ50 or PIC18F2550?

Click on the PIC32 basic circuit schematic to enlarge it.