65C02 vs. ATmega328

Attribute	65C02	ATmega328
Manufacturer	Rockwell International	Atmel
Architecture	8-bit	8-bit
Max Clock Speed	3.58 MHz	20 MHz
Memory	64 KB	32 KB
GPIO Pins	16	23
ADC Channels	0	6
UART	No	Yes

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a microprocessor for a project, there are many options available in the market. Two popular choices are the 65C02 and ATmega328. Both of these microprocessors have their own set of attributes that make them suitable for different applications. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the 65C02 and ATmega328 to help you make an informed decision on which one to use for your project.

Architecture

The 65C02 is an 8-bit microprocessor based on the MOS Technology 6502 architecture. It has a simple and efficient design with a 16-bit address bus and an 8-bit data bus. The ATmega328, on the other hand, is an 8-bit microcontroller based on the AVR architecture. It has a 16-bit data bus and a 32-bit address bus, making it more powerful than the 65C02 in terms of addressing capabilities.

Speed

One of the key differences between the 65C02 and ATmega328 is their clock speed. The 65C02 typically runs at a clock speed of 1-2 MHz, while the ATmega328 can run at speeds up to 20 MHz. This makes the ATmega328 much faster than the 65C02, making it more suitable for applications that require high processing speeds.

Memory

Another important factor to consider when choosing a microprocessor is the amount of memory it has. The 65C02 has a 64 KB address space, which can be expanded using bank switching techniques. The ATmega328, on the other hand, has 32 KB of flash memory and 2 KB of SRAM. While the 65C02 has a larger address space, the ATmega328 has more on-chip memory, making it more suitable for applications that require a lot of data storage.

Peripherals

Both the 65C02 and ATmega328 come with a variety of built-in peripherals that make them versatile for different applications. The 65C02 has a built-in serial interface, timers, and interrupt controller, while the ATmega328 has features such as analog-to-digital converters, PWM outputs, and USART communication. The ATmega328 also has a built-in bootloader, making it easier to program without the need for an external programmer.

Power Consumption

Power consumption is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a microprocessor for battery-powered applications. The 65C02 typically consumes around 10-20 mA of current, while the ATmega328 consumes around 5-10 mA. This makes the ATmega328 more energy-efficient than the 65C02, making it a better choice for applications that require low power consumption.

Development Tools

When it comes to development tools, the ATmega328 has a clear advantage over the 65C02. The ATmega328 is supported by the Arduino platform, which provides a user-friendly IDE and a large community of developers. This makes it easier to find resources and support for programming the ATmega328. The 65C02, on the other hand, has limited development tools and resources available, making it more challenging to work with for beginners.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the 65C02 and ATmega328 have their own set of attributes that make them suitable for different applications. The 65C02 is a simple and efficient microprocessor with a larger address space, while the ATmega328 is a more powerful microcontroller with higher clock speeds and more on-chip memory. When choosing between the two, consider factors such as speed, memory, peripherals, power consumption, and development tools to determine which one is the best fit for your project.