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 and interconnects allow a single FPGA to be used and reused in several different applications. On…
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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 is reconfigurable with different digital designs allowing functionality to be changed unlimited number of times…
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Programming Embedded Systems in Assembly Language vs. High-Level Language
Assembly Language Programming Assembly language programming of an embedded system has the following advantages: High-Level Language Programming High-level programming languages like C, C++, Java, and Python are often used in place of Assembly language for programming of microprocessors. They have advantages when compared to Assembly language of being easier to use and that the same…
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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 or a microcontroller, but we don’t think of them as computers, because the computer is…
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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 Digital converter (A/D) and Digital to Analog converter (D/A) or serial communication capability. Other PIC…
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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. It consists of a microprocessor, memory (RAM and ROM), I/O ports and can have additional…
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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 because they are small (micro) and because they control machines, gadgets, etc. With a microcontroller…
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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 complex relationships among many inputs and outputs which makes hardware solution impractical. A more practical, and…