Difference Between PIC vs Arduino
The expansion of PIC represents the peripheral interface controller which is the term rarely used these days. Arduino is available as an open-source that is user-friendly in terms of both software and hardware. They belong to the family of microcontrollers. The working and architecture of Pic and Arduino have wide variations that are implied in a suitable environment according to the requirements. The key difference and comparison of Pic and Arduino such as definition, architecture, functions, applications, advantages, and limitations are explained in this article.
Head to Head Comparison between PIC vs Arduino (Infographics)
Below are the top 6 comparisons between PIC vs Arduino:
Key differences between PIC vs Arduino
Let us discuss some key differences between PIC vs Arduino in the following points:
1. Definition & History
Arduino is available as an open-source on electronics platform and has a software package used to program the hardware part. It is developed to make easily accessible for designers and hobbyists and student to create an interactive and live environment to implement many objects based on electronics and automobiles. The concept of Arduino is developed by Massimo Banzi which is easily programmable and simple to deploy. The term Pic is now as an expansion of programmable intelligent computer which is built in 1976 and implied in embedded systems.
2. Architecture
The processor board of Arduino is based on Harvard architecture. It has a separate memory for both program code and program data. The program memory comprises data storage and data memory whereas the flash memory program stores the data code. The 2kb of SRAM and 32kb of Atmega328 microcontroller. It has 1kb of EPROM which executes on the clock speed of 16MHz. The architecture of the PIC microcontroller comprises stack registers to save and returns the operation of Random Access Memory. The significant element of Pic is EEPROM, RAM, timers or counters, I/O ports, flash memory, CCP, USART, Comparator, SSP, PSP, ADC, ICSP, and LCD. It is also classified into four types such as PIC18, Baseline PIC, Enhanced mid-range PIC, and Mid-range PIC.
3. Operation
The working of Arduino has the digital read and write ping which is used to read and write the value of the input pin. The mode pin is used to configure the I/O mode. The analog read and write are used to read and write the value which is used to return and print the value of input data. The serial pin is used to configure the serial communication by configuring the bit rate. The pic is used to support the PDP computers to manage its external devices. The operation is very robust and simple to run a program when it is compared with other controllers. The architecture of Pic resembles Harvard architecture. It is user friendly and easily programmable by using flash memory.
4. Merits & Demerits
The Pic microcontrollers are adaptable and it is less prone to fault occurrence. The efficacy of the Pic is very robust as it involves RISC architecture. When compared to other existing microcontrollers it has minimum power consumption and an easily programmable interface. It is available in a cheap amount and provides simple interfacing to analog circuits. As Arduino is available as an open-source it enables the user to build their kit. All the operating system such as Macintosh, Windows, and Linux supports Arduino to develop the kit. It uses the Arduino code to combine the predominant programming language which can be edited and extended as per usage. It can be easily understood by beginners. It has a maximum code length of the pic controller as it is in RISC architecture. Here program memory of the Pic controller is not accessible and it has only one accumulator.
Comparison Table of PIC vs Arduino
The table below summarizes the comparisons between PIC vs Arduino:
| Attributes | Pic | Arduino |
| Definition | It belongs to the traditional microcontroller family with its 8-pin structure. | Arduino does not belong to the family of the microcontroller. It is based on an audio/video receiver and is built on its integrated development environment. |
| Architecture | The microcontroller Pic comprises of EEPROM, CCP, system service processor, program segment prefix, add with carrying segments, In-circuit serial programming processor and LCD. | The Arduino comprises of 2kb of SRAM and 32kb of flash memory. |
| Power Supply | It operates on 5v to 6.6V. | The power supply of Arduino lies between 6V and 20V. It is recommended to use 7 to 12V should be provided through the direct current with parallel jack current using Vpin. |
| Applications | It is implemented in simple toys, control systems, remote controls, power tools, and automatic engines. | It is used in smart home applications, electronics, and automobile automation devices and IoT equipment. |
| Advantages | In the advanced form of Pic, multitasking is available, and it operates as a strong and robust processor. It can also be used in ports of ethernet, WIFI, Bluetooth, audio and video output, USB ports, camera ports, and other HDMI ports. Simple coding is also possible for the functioning of electronics. It can also be used to connect multiple components online to accomplish tasks simultaneously. | It is easy to implement in analog components, automatic engines, sensors, and other automobile and electronic automation devices. The different architecture can add many functionalities to devices. It doesn’t require any complex or longer code just a plugin is enough to execute a program. It can be deployed easily to establish many online functions that require many sensors. |
| Disadvantages | It operates on lengthier code and needs an extra plugin to connect peripheral hardware devices. Special programs are fed to execute any simple actions. | It can execute only one code at a time if it runs any multiple codes, the system becomes slow. It is a huge learning curve which requires a piece of knowledge on C/ C++. |
Conclusion
The Arduino can be implemented in robotics, electrical appliances based on IR, smart home automation, the fault recognition use in an underground cable. The pic microcontrollers are used in industries as it consumes only low power. It provides maximum efficiency and easily accessing methods to support software and hardware tools such as simulators, debuggers, and compilers.
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