#8051

Learn how to choose the right microcontroller for your next project.

Engineering students often ask: Should I learn 8051 or ARM?

8051 Microcontroller

✅ 8-bit architecture ✅ Easy to learn ✅ Ideal for beginners ✅ Used in basic embedded projects

ARM Processor

✅ 32-bit/64-bit architecture ✅ High speed and performance ✅ Supports RTOS and advanced applications ✅ Widely used in IoT, Automotive, Robotics, and Industrial Automation

Which One is Better?

The 8051 is great for learning embedded fundamentals, while ARM is the industry standard for modern embedded systems.

Best Learning Path: 8051 → Embedded C → ARM → RTOS → Embedded Linux

If you want a successful career in Embedded Systems, learning ARM-based microcontrollers is highly recommended.

At the beginning of 2018, we developed the first version of the 6-channel speaker selector using PIC16F88 MCU and ULN2803 Darlington transistor array. In this new design, we redesign it with low-cost MCU and Darlington transistor arrays. This design also provides the same functionality as the 6-channel speaker selector switch we designed earlier.

This new speaker selector uses STC15W201 MCU. This MCU is a low-cost 8051 MCU designed by STC micro. At the time of this writing, the STC15W201 can obtain for less than US$ 0.8. To drive the seven segments and to control the relays, this design uses the popular 74HC595 8-bit shift register ICs.

To select each speaker channel, we use pair of 12V DPDT relays. These relays interface to 74HC595 through a ULN2001D 3-channel Darlington transistor array IC. This 3-channel Darlington driver IC is functionally equivalent to the famous 8-channel ULN2003 IC. This ULN2001D version is an 8-pin IC and is available in both DIP-8 and SOP-8 packages. 

This new board is designed to work with a 12V DC power supply and in our prototype build, we use a 12V/5A SMPS unit to power the whole system.

To get the optimal results with this circuit, use an Omron G2R-2-12DC or an equivalent type of relay with a coil current lower than 100mA. 

The firmware of the STC15W201S is developed using SDCC. To flash the MCU, we use stcgal. Thanks to the built-in bootloader, we can program this MCU using a generally available 5V USB to UART module/dongle. 

The complete build process of the speaker selector is shown in the video below:

The functionality of the firmware is almost identical to the old PIC16F88 firmware. After powering up the system, the active speaker channel is displayed on the seven-segment display. To switch to a different speaker channel, press the button repeatedly with short intervals. 

To mute or disconnect the current speaker channel, press and hold the same button for more than 3 seconds. 

As described above, all functions of this circuit can be the control using a single push switch.

The PCBWay sponsored this project. PCBWay offers high-quality PCB manufacturing and assembling services. Also, they offer CNC and 3D printing services. The Speaker selector PCB is available to order from PCBWay. Check out the PCBWay website for its manufacturing capabilities and pricing.

This project is an open-source hardware project. All its design files, schematics, and firmware source codes are available at Github.com.