Arduino vs Microchip

Projects Programming
1

I have a commercial design built around an Arduino 2560. People say the Arduino is more of a hobbyist device but what does that mean? Does it mean that its not reliable? Will it break down in use? Should I change out the microcontroller to a Microchip brand. Will that be more reliable? The both are rated from -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C. Is there a reason not to use it in a commercial design?

I do find the Arduino a lot easier to program and it does everything I want it to do.

Thanks,

Sid

2

People say the Arduino is more of a hobbyist device

[citation required]

3

Should I change out the microcontroller to a Microchip brand.

I think that you are confusing the Arduino with the Atmel chip that it uses.

4

Both Microchip (PIC) and Atmel (ATmega) are serious (professional) MCU's and are also both used by hobbyists. The difference is the PIC never managed to really deliver a cheap, consistent hobby platform, unlike the ATmega that was adopted by the Arduino team.

5

Thanks, I understand Atmel vs Arduino. I really could not identify a reason where the Atmel should not be used for professional projects.

6

I work in a materials testing laboratory, and I can verify that several pieces of our equipment have Atmel microcontrollers.

7

Thanks,

I think I am not going to worry about it.

8

Looks like they are both good chips.