MICROCONTROLLERS

Beginners of robotics must get a good knowledge of any one family of micro controllers.Like

8051(many manufactures)
AVR (atmel)
PIC(microchip)

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8051

This 8051 microcontroller was first invented by Intel but later the 8051 core was given as freeware. So many manufacturing companies developed this 8051 with some extra features. Like AT89S51 from atmel and P89V51RD2 from Philips. Every engineering electronics student studies about 8051 microcontroller in their curriculum. But the problem with 8051 microcontroller is it will be a bit rigid as it will have a bit less features compared to other microcontrollers. You will need a separate programmer (dumper) to load the code into your controller.

If you are new to microcontrollers and started with basics better to get a over view of this microcontroller. Just get some theoretical knowledge of it. I will help to understand the terminology of microcontrollers.


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PIC 

i do not prefer pick because of its cost. though it got many features compared to other microcontrollers you need to spend a lot of money on it. Even you need to buy the developing software from Microchip.  

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AVR

I prefer this very much. Because these controllers got lot more features and and open source software. so these are BEST for robotics beginners. Many microcontrollers from this family are self programmable. You need not to spend more money on it.

As a beginner you can start with ATmega8 microcontroller. which is the cheapest(not even 100/-) of all advanced ones.It is a 28 pin microcontroller

After ATmega8 you can go for ATmega16  40 pin package.

THESE AVR CONTROLLERS ARE BEST PREFERRED FOR ROBOTICS PROJECTS.  

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