Embedded Microprocessor Basics

Unlike processors found in personal computers, embedded microprocessors are designed to do one thing well. Controlling a microwave oven, for example, requires only modest computing power.

To design an embedded microprocessor, the designer licenses a CPU core from a chip company such as U.K.-based ARM Holdings PLC or Mountain View, Calif.-based Mips Technologies Inc. and adds features specific to the application.

Processor

A microprocessor is a central processing unit that is used in many electronic devices, such as mobile phones and digital watches. It takes input data from sensors and produces an output in a real-time environment. Embedded microprocessors are different from general-purpose processors in that they are designed to work with specific devices and systems.

The embedded microprocessor consists of a control unit and an execution unit. The control unit includes a fetch unit, which reads instructions from memory. The execution unit contains circuits that execute various tasks based on these instructions.

Some designers start with a standard microprocessor core and add features specific to the device they’re building. Others license a microprocessor core from a company such as U.K.-based ARM Holdings PLC or Mountain View, Calif.-based Mips Technologies Inc. and then add a controller chip for a charge-coupled device, for example.

Memory

Memory stores data and programs, which are accessed by the CPU. Depending on the type of memory used, it can either be volatile or non-volatile. Volatile memory, such as RAM, requires power to retain information and function properly. Non-volatile memory, like ROM, doesn’t lose data when the power is turned off.

Embedded system processors need reliable memory, and often require more space than desktop computers. As such, the hardware must be designed to meet these needs.

For example, small embedded systems may require resident managed flash to reduce power consumption. It also helps manufacturers ensure data remains safe when the device embedded microprocessor is powered off, saving them from additional user support costs.

Assembler

An assembler converts a program written in assembly language into machine code. It supports several features that make coding in assembly easier and more manageable. For example, it allows programmers to associate arbitrary names (known as symbols) with memory locations and constants. Symbols can then be used to reference these locations in instructions, which makes the code more self-documenting. In addition, assemblers typically support the use of macros, which allow programmers to create reusable pieces of code.

Programming in assembly is a good medium-sized project that many beginning to intermediate programmers can handle, giving them a practical way to sharpen their skills. It also provides direct access to hardware and system resources, making it well suited for low-level software development. Assemblers enable optimization at a low level, which results in faster and more efficient code execution than code written in high-level languages.

Emulator

Emulators provide a virtual copy of the hardware to emulate software and other internal systems. This allows developers to test apps on different operating systems, central processors, and network units.

However, emulators must be accurate to avoid triggering protections on devices that might otherwise require copyrighted firmware or software. This can cause some electronic components company performance issues, such as battery drain and CPU speed.

The emulation process can be a great help for mobile app testing and QA teams. It can complement manual testing with real devices and facilitate the creation of automated tests. It also makes it easier to use a wide range of testing frameworks and tools. This is especially useful when developing software for devices that are no longer available. This includes devices such as old video game consoles.

Integrated Circuit

The integrated circuit is any type of chip that contains multiple electrical components, including microprocessors, memory devices and input/output peripherals. This type of chip is usually made of silicon and is used in a wide variety of electronic devices. ICs are manufactured in spotless laboratory environments known as clean rooms.

ICs allow designers to reduce the number of separate components in a system. The result is a more reliable and lower-cost solution. They also provide a greater level of flexibility and adaptability than older-style hardware.

Embedded processors are widely used in consumer electronics. For example, they are used in digital watches and mobile phones. They also are used in industrial control systems for machines such as train signals, avionics and nuclear reactors. They enable these machines to be operated continuously without human intervention and to recover from system failures.

LEDs

LEDs are small, solid-state devices that emit visible light when current flows through them. They are often grouped in arrays to produce large areas of high brightness, and can be directed by lenses or total internal reflection within the package to focus their emission.

The color of an LED can be tuned by changing the precise composition of the semiconductor material. This is why LEDs can come in a range of colors, from warm yellowish “glow” to cool white.

LEDs can be cycled on and off millions of times per second, which enables them to be used for data transmission in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum without occupying radio bandwidth. These features make them attractive to wireless sensor networks and data-driven lighting applications.

Text Editor

A text editor is a software program that supports a variety of programming languages. It is a valuable tool for web developers, designers, writers and content creators. It offers features that are not available in word processor programs, including code completion and syntax highlighting.

Some text editors support multiple views of a single file, synchronizing changes across them. They can also collapse and expand text based on a specific syntactic element, e.g. excluding text between BEGIN; and matching END;.

Specialized text editors can automatically determine the programming language being edited and offer assistance by completing code or text, providing tooltips for technical terms and showing debugging tools. Many also have text formatting options, such as the ability to add bold and italicized text and insert numbered or bulleted lists.