What Role Will 8-Bit MCUs Play in the IoT?

Falling costs for 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) has prompted considerable speculation about them displacing 8-bit MCUs for new designs. But 8-bit MCUs aren't nearly dead yet. Silicon Labs just announced at Embedded World a new series of 8-bit MCUs that target a range of cost-, power- and space-sensitive applications in the Internet of Things (IoT).

Silicon Labs is investing in new 8-bit devices, the company's director of marketing for 8-bit MCUs Tom Pannell told EE Times, because developers are looking for simplicity to speed their design efforts. "We've been working to provide performance, value, and ease-of-use for IoT developers," Pannell said. "The 8-bit architecture is easier to use than others, and offers lower cost and power. Our high-speed, pipelined 8051 core provides the performance."

MORE FROM DESIGN NEWS: MCUs Cut Costs & Reduce Board Space in 8-Bit Applications

The company also sees the 8-bit market as still thriving. The company quoted a report from Tom Hackenberg of market research firm IHS indicating that 8-bit devices will retain a third of the MCU market for several more years. Indeed, IHS expects the market to grow in value, reaching $7.8 billion in 2018.

To address a diverse range of applications, Silicon Labs has released the new EFM8 MCU family as three product lines, all with an apiary theme: Busy Bee; Sleepy Bee; and Universal Bee. A set of six low-cost (less than $30) starter kits for these devices were also announced.

Is Silicon Labs right, or are 8-bit MCUs running on fumes? Tell us what you think in the comments section below, then go to our sister site, EE Times, to read more about Silicon Lab's new 8-bit family.