Embedded CPUs

Embedded Systems Tools

Overview of CPUs available for embedded development

The articles below describe the major embedded CPU choices we have for open-source development.

Note that some of these products have well-supported, free tool chains and libraries that can be redistributed without royalties. Others have only an expensive, licensed tool chain or a compiler/tool chain that is licensed to a commercial development board. Most are something in between, with some free tools that do the basics, and commercial products with more libraries, better code optimization, etc.

Atmel

The Atmel Corporation is based in Norway and sells a large variety of products, from sub US$1 8-bit CPUs to sophisticated 32-bit products with on-board peripherals like CAN BUS and Ethernet.

Pros: Excellent tool chain support, lots of styles and price points to work with, the Atmega line is used in the arduino. Programming the chips is straightforward and supported iwth both GNU and commercial tools.

Cons: Atmel is known for supply chain issues. Long lead times and chip shortages are not uncommon. Hardware debugging requires an expensive, proprietary device.

Tool Chain

Compilers and IDEs

• AVR Studio
  • Supports C/C++/ASM
  • Includes libraries and support for most of the Atmel product line
  • Includes support for various programmer devices
  • Available for Windows only, but will run in a VM
  • Commercial, but available as a free download from Atmel

• AVR-GCC
  • Open-source C/C++ compiler,Assembler, linker program loader, etc.
  • Well-supported, works on Windows/Linux/MAC OSX

• WIN AVR
  • Open-source IDE for Windows, includes full toolchain

• EmbeddedTools Overview of the various embedded CPUs and the tools needed to support them