> -----Original Message-----
> From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On
Behalf
> Of solarwind
> Sent: 20 March 2009 18:22
> To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public.
> Subject: Re: why do you prefer PIC over AVR?
> 
> PICs are a whole lot cooler. I'm pretty sure they use a lot less
> power, their assembly language seems to be easier, I love all the cool
> C compilers out there, I like MPLAB, lots of different versions of
> PICs, lots of onboard peripherals.


Always best to check your facts before making statements like this!

The AVR might have more instructions, but for serious applications I
would suspect it's easier to program in assembler.  That said I've only
ever written a few assembler modules for larger AVR projects, but have
written quite a bit of PIC assembly.  The 12 and 14 bit core is
certainly pretty simple, until you run into banking/paging problems...

If you are talking about commercial C compilers, the AVR also has plenty
of these, but just as with the PIC you'll need deep pockets for a
professional quality one.  However, the AVR has a rock solid port of
GCC, there is (very sadly) no equivalent compiler in the PIC world, i.e.
free, open source, unlimited, excellent optimisation and good support.
IMO SDCC has a bit of a chicken and egg problem, not enough users to
generate the interest required to improve it.  Perhaps things will
change with Microchips acquisition of HiTech.

Ultra low power AVR's are also available, e.g. Mega165 which has a
current consumption of around 100nA in it's power down state.

AVR Studio is the MPLAB equivalent for the AVR.  It's pretty good for
debugging stuff, but I don't like IDE's much generally since most people
have their own favourite editor, and using a makefile means improved
portability.

I will grant you that Microchip do have an enormous range of parts, and
are generally very good about maintaining availability of older ones, or
at least very close equivalents.  They also have the free sample
program, though I'm sure that can't possibly be swaying your opinion...

AVR's also have lots of on board peripherals.  Since you have apparently
never even looked at an AVR datasheet, let alone use one, I have to say
that you are probably not the most qualified person to make an impartial
comparison.

One area the PIC beats the AVR hands down is this list, which is (or at
least was until recently) far better than the AVRFreaks forum.

Regards

Mike

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