simple dsPIC microcontroller

[engr_najam]

Hi;
I wanna start working on dsPIC microcontrollers after working on PIC18, can any one please suggest me which one is simple dsPIC microcontroller to start with.?

Regards;
Najam

 

[FvM]

A you particularly targetting to dsPIC (signal processors) or general 16-Bit processors (also PIC24)?

 

[engr_najam]

dsPIC's

 

[Tahmid]

Hi,
Which dsPIC, 33F or 30F?
I have learnt the 33F in C30 language and mikroBASIC and feel much more comfortable in mikroBASIC. There are 3 variants of the PIC33F, GP, GS and MC series, GP - General Purpose, GS - Switching Power Supply, MC - Motor Control.
I am currently using the GP series, mostly, dsPIC33FJ16GP304.
I haven't found any proper book on dsPIC33, but the reference manuals from the Microchip website are superb. The reference manual and datasheet are enough to learn the dsPIC33.
You should start with the reference manual and datsheet and go through them.
If you post your further queries and required information here, I will try to help you.
Furthermore, if you choose dsPIC30, there is a book by mikroElektronika on their website plus obviously datasheet and reference manual.
Tahmid.

 

[engr_najam]

Thanks a lot Tamid for ur detailed answer.
which series of these microcontroller would be better for me if i am interested i designing a simple data acquisition circuit which have a built in ADC'd, have high enough sampling rate and may contain a USB port.
WIll be waiting for ur kind answer

NAJAM

 

[Tahmid]

Hi najam,
I guess GP series as you don't need SMPS PWM or Motor Conrol PWM in these applicatons.
Choose one with enough I/O and memory, so how about dsPIC33FJ32GA004 / dsPIC33FJ64GA004. But if you include USB you have to use PIC24 since dsPIC doesn't contain USB. In that case take a look at PIC24FJ64GB106.

 

[engr_najam]

Hi Tahmid;
And what about the best compiler with reference to dsPIC or PIC24.
Currently i have experiance of Visual C++ and little about Proton IDE that uses Basic language for programming.

 

[Tahmid]

Hi,
Assuming your experience of both C and BASIC languages, my recommendation to you will be either mikroC or mikroBASIC from mikroElektronika. There are other good compilers like C30, but the compilers from mikroElektronika have amazing libraries which are really helpful. C30 isn't bad either. Your choice. I use mostly mikroBASIC, although I am also familiar with C30 and mikroC.