I have an engineering friend who has a project using DSpIC. There ARE
decided advantages over the PIC16/PIC18. Here's a few:

1. The instruction set has been reorganized to better handle "C" or
similar high level languages.

2. The stack depth is now almost bottomless.

3. Better stack instructions: PUSH and POP are VERY helpful.

4. The DsPIC with its internal PLL can scream. My friend is running at
59Mhz (7.37M x 8), but twice that speed would be OK.

5. It is a 16-bit processor, meaning that it can handle data more
efficiently. For example, the SPI port can pump out serial data in either
8 or 16-bit spurts.

6. The Uart BRGH register is now 16-bit, meaning that you can reach any
baud rate regardless of processor speed.

7. The DSP handler is mind-boggling. It has a huge 40-bit math unit that
runs FAST.

8. The DsPIC he is using has 24 ADCs at 12 bits. Setting in 10-bit mode,
he can sample/hold & convert 4 channels almost simultaneously; that means
with the two ADC converters, he can convert 8 channels at one time!

9. Finally, the processor costs LESS than the workhorse PIC16F877A for the
same quantities.

As soon as a Pascal compiler is created, I will climb onto the HLL
bandwagon. Microchip has a reasonable compiler now (C30 for DsPIC).

The only downsides are: 3.3V only (but with many pins allowing 5V inputs),
seems overly sensitive to ESD.

--Bob A


> Hey,
>
> This is purely out of curiosity.
>
> What are some practical applications of the dsPIC. I'm actually a
> software developer and have only started learning about electronics
> about 2months ago when our lead engineer resigned. I did, however,
> notice on Microchip's website that it's a DSP/Signal Controller. But
> what exactly would you use this for.
>
> Further, do you also program them in C/ASM?
>
> Quintin Beukes
> --
> http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
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> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
>


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