solderic.com The PIC32 and SAMD21 microcontrollers differ significantly in processing power, with the PIC32 offering a 32-bit MIPS architecture ideal for high-performance applications, while the SAMD21 provides a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ core focused on low-power, cost-sensitive projects. Explore this comparison further to determine which microcontroller best fits Your next embedded development project.
Comparison Table
| Feature | PIC32 | SAMD21 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | MIPS (PIC32MX) / MIPS32 (PIC32MZ) | ARM Cortex-M0+ |
| Core Speed | Up to 200 MHz (PIC32MZ) | Up to 48 MHz |
| Flash Memory | Up to 2 MB | Up to 256 KB |
| RAM | Up to 512 KB | Up to 32 KB |
| GPIO Pins | Varies by model, typically 30-80 | Up to 58 |
| Peripherals | Ethernet, USB, CAN, ADC, DAC, UART, SPI, I2C | USB, ADC, DAC, UART, SPI, I2C |
| Power Consumption | Higher, suited for performance | Low power, optimized for battery |
| Development Ecosystem | MPLAB X, Harmony Framework | Atmel Studio, Arduino |
| Use Cases | High-performance embedded systems, industrial applications | Low-power IoT, wearable devices |
Overview of PIC32 and SAMD21 Microcontrollers
PIC32 microcontrollers, based on the MIPS architecture, offer high performance with 32-bit processing capabilities and operate at speeds up to 200 MHz, making them suitable for demanding embedded applications. SAMD21 microcontrollers, built on the ARM Cortex-M0+ core, provide energy-efficient operation at up to 48 MHz, ideal for low-power IoT devices. Your choice between PIC32 and SAMD21 depends on the need for processing power versus power efficiency and peripheral integration in your project.
Core Architecture Comparison
The PIC32 microcontroller is built on a 32-bit MIPS M4K core, offering high-performance processing with a 40 MHz clock speed and efficient pipelining, while the SAM D21 utilizes a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ core designed for low power consumption and up to 48 MHz operation. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize raw processing power and performance (PIC32) or energy efficiency and advanced peripheral integration typical of the SAM D21. Both architectures support 32-bit instructions but differ significantly in their ecosystem, instruction set efficiency, and power management features.
Performance Benchmarks
The PIC32 microcontroller typically operates at clock speeds up to 200 MHz, delivering higher processing power compared to the SAMD21's 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ core. In benchmark tests measuring integer arithmetic and floating-point operations, PIC32 devices outperform the SAMD21 by approximately 3 to 4 times due to their 32-bit MIPS M4K architecture. While the SAMD21 excels in low-power applications, the PIC32 provides superior raw computational throughput for demanding embedded systems.
Memory Size and Types
The PIC32 microcontroller series offers memory configurations ranging from 64KB to 512KB of Flash memory and up to 128KB of SRAM, utilizing high-speed SRAM and Flash with ECC capabilities for enhanced reliability. In comparison, the SAM D21 microcontroller provides up to 256KB of Flash memory and 32KB of SRAM, with embedded Flash memory built on a 64KB sector architecture facilitating efficient code updates. Both microcontrollers support non-volatile memory types, but the PIC32's larger SRAM and Flash capacities cater to more memory-intensive applications.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
The PIC32 microcontroller generally consumes more power compared to the SAMD21, which is designed specifically for low-power applications with an emphasis on energy efficiency. The SAMD21 features advanced sleep modes and lower operating voltage, making it ideal for battery-powered and portable devices. Your choice for power-sensitive projects should lean towards the SAMD21 to maximize battery life without compromising performance.
Peripheral and Connectivity Options
PIC32 microcontrollers offer extensive peripheral options including multiple UART, I2C, SPI interfaces, and integrated Ethernet MAC for robust networking capabilities. SAMD21 provides versatile connectivity with UART, I2C, SPI, and USB device support, optimal for low-power and embedded USB applications. PIC32 excels in high-performance peripheral integration, while SAMD21 is favored for its USB native interface and efficient low-power connectivity options.
Development Tools and Ecosystem
The PIC32 microcontroller offers robust support through Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and extensive libraries, ensuring seamless integration for complex embedded projects. The SAMD21 benefits from the widespread Atmel Studio and Arduino IDE, providing a user-friendly environment with vast community resources and example code. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize advanced debugging and professional tools (PIC32) or ease of use and extensive third-party ecosystem (SAMD21).
Pricing and Availability
The PIC32 microcontroller typically offers a broader range of pricing options, with mid-tier models available for around $3 to $10, appealing to budget-conscious projects. The SAMD21 is often favored for cost-effective, low-power applications, with prices generally ranging from $2 to $5, and enjoys widespread availability through major distributors like Digi-Key and Mouser. Your choice may depend on the specific price-performance balance and immediate availability from suppliers for your project's timeline.
Application Suitability
The PIC32 microcontroller excels in applications requiring higher processing power, such as complex robotics and advanced industrial controls, due to its 32-bit MIPS architecture and clock speeds up to 200 MHz. The SAMD21, with its ARM Cortex-M0+ core running up to 48 MHz, is ideal for low-power, cost-sensitive projects like wearable devices and simple consumer electronics. Your choice depends on whether application demands emphasize computational speed and peripherals (favoring PIC32) or energy efficiency and compact design (favoring SAMD21).
Pros and Cons of PIC32 vs SAMD21
PIC32 microcontrollers offer higher processing power with 32-bit MIPS architecture, making them suitable for complex applications requiring faster performance and more memory. The SAMD21, based on the ARM Cortex-M0+ core, excels in low power consumption and ease of development with extensive ARM ecosystem support, but it may lack the raw computational speed of PIC32. PIC32's cons include higher power usage and potentially steeper learning curve, while SAMD21's limitations involve lower processing capabilities and less RAM for demanding tasks.
pic32 vs samd21 Infographic
