Category: Embedded Systems
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Soft-Core Processor on an ASIC vs. FPGA
A soft-core processor can be executed via different semiconductor devices, such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). An ASIC is customized for a specific application, whereas the FPGA’s programmable logic blocks … Read more
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What is a Soft-Core Processor?
A soft-core processor is a microprocessor core that can be implemented entirely using digital logic synthesis. It is typically created on a programmable hardware like a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The key feature of a FPGA is that it … Read more
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Programming Embedded Systems in Assembly Language vs. High-Level Language
Embedded Systems Photo by Thomas Jensen on Unsplash Assembly Language Programming Assembly language programming of an embedded system has the following advantages: The machine codes are compact, processor and memory sensitive. This is due to the fact that, the codes … Read more
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What is an Embedded System?
Since this is an ever evolving field with advancement in technology, you will find various definitions of embedded systems out there but what stands out from all of them is that, they are electronic systems that contain either a microprocessor … Read more
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PIC16F84 Microcontroller Features
PIC16F84 belongs to a class of 8-bit microcontrollers of RISC architecture (i.e. microcontrollers with Reduced Instruction Set Computer). This is a low cost Microchip microcontroller with EEPROM flash memory for program and data storage. It has no built-in Analog to … Read more
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Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller
A microprocessor by itself is not a computer. To be functional, the microprocessor must be connected to other ICs that provide the memory and I/O capability. A microcontroller is a computer on a single IC, designed specifically for control applications. … Read more
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Basic Structure of a Microcontroller
A microcontroller is essentially a computer on a chip. It contains a processing unit, ROM, RAM, Serial communication ports, ADCs, etc. In other words, a microcontroller is a computer but without the monitor, keyboard and mouse. They are called microcontrollers … Read more
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Microprocessors in Mechatronics Systems
To make a change in functionality of a digital circuit, the hardware circuitry must be modified and this may require a redesign. For simple design tasks, this might work however in many mechatronic systems; the control tasks may involve … Read more