Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Software => Software => Topic started by: hassanjaved on March 30, 2006, 09:55:27 AM

Title: build your own microcontroller!
Post by: hassanjaved on March 30, 2006, 09:55:27 AM
Hi guys! Is there any way to make your own microcontroller moreover,Is there any alternate to microcontrollers?
Title: Re: build your own microcontroller!
Post by: Admin on March 30, 2006, 02:40:34 PM
In reference to this page:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/microcontroller_tutorial.shtml

So you can easily go out and buy non-augmented microcontrollers (just the little black chip) for really cheap. There are many different types, and you can just get the simplest one that you need.

But in reality, you would still need to add your own augmentation (additional resistors, capacitors, timing crystals, rs232 stuff, fuses, etc.) , as specified by the datasheet and your own requirements.

At first it can all seem daunting and overwhelming, but its actually not hard at all if you have basic level electronics design knowledge.
Title: Re: build your own microcontroller!
Post by: Nyx on July 26, 2006, 12:25:13 PM
Did you mean designing the chip itself? I think there are a few companies that do custom silicon printing, but this might be expensive and impractical.

There are many brands and types of microcontrollers, so no, you're not limited to just one kind (like the basic stamp). You can also build your own motherboard with a simple CPU (like a 16-bit Z80), some RAM and an EEPROM, as well as your own I/O chips (which I think is what the admin was suggesting).
Title: Re: build your own microcontroller!
Post by: cheaposcientist on September 12, 2006, 08:48:59 PM
really? Because I am super poor and probably unable to buy something already programed. How would you do that? Set up one, I mean.
Title: Re: build your own microcontroller!
Post by: Brandon121233 on February 26, 2007, 11:34:33 PM
If by setup you mean building the interface or controller board itself, there are many boards like the Mark III controller board from Junun that have schematics for the PCB, and you could then just buy the components, BUT the components could run you $20 with shipping, and unless you are very very skilled on making your own PCB's you will have to get some company to make you the PCB for over $20. The board itself from junun is $30. So really unless you own many many electronic components, microcontrollers, and know hoe to wire wrap, or make your own .2 mil PCB's, its better just to buy the thing and save your self the trouble.
Title: Re: build your own microcontroller!
Post by: snow on February 28, 2007, 02:48:31 AM
You can make your own microcontroller by programming FPGA (xilinx, altera,...).

I know that some students at our univerisity have done an atmel microcontroller clone, which worked fasted than original microcontroller. Of course you can design you own new microcontroller. This is wise if you want to learn how MCU's work or you have a need for some specific MCU that isnt avalible at the market.
Title: Re: build your own microcontroller!
Post by: JesseWelling on February 28, 2007, 03:14:36 AM
If you want a decent microcontroller go with AVR, because all of the software you need
to program them is free and open source. And there is tons on the web to help you with
examples and libraries.

Good kit to get started with that shouldn't limit you too much later:
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=37

If you really really want to make a robot I sugest this board:
http://gumstix.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=139

But you would need to buy a jtag programer and some other stuff(batteries, moles connectors, ect) to get it to work.



Title: Re: build your own microcontroller!
Post by: Hunchbacked on March 26, 2007, 04:53:42 AM
can you actually get a micro controller from house\junk objects?
I pretty much dont like showing my projects to, er, any1, so could i find a ready to use Microcontroller somewhere
it'd really help me do stuff with my gear
Title: Re: build your own microcontroller!
Post by: JonHylands on March 26, 2007, 05:18:57 AM
Go find a copy of "Junkbots, Bugbots, and Bots on Wheels: Building Simple Robots With BEAM Technology". That is a very straightforward introduction to building robots from household stuff.

- Jon