Microsystems

Microcontrollers & Embedded Systems

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Author: John Mulindi

  • MPLAB X IDE and MPLAB XC8 Compiler

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    John Mulindi
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    MPLAB X IDE The MPLAB X IDE is the integrated development environment that enables the user to create a source file, edit, compile, simulate, debug, and send the generated code to the target microcontroller with the help of a compatible programmer/debugger device. You can download the MPLAB X IDE from Microchip Inc. website. For detailed…

  • Classifications of Embedded Systems

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    John Mulindi
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    Embedded systems can be classified into three types: Small Scale Embedded Systems These are systems that are designed with a single 8-bit or 16-bit microcontroller. They have small hardware and software complexities and involve board-level design. These systems can even be battery operated. When developing embedded software for this system type, an editor, assembler, and…

  • Embedded Processor vs. Embedded Microcontroller

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    John Mulindi
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    An embedded processor is a processor with special features that allow it to embed multiple processes into the system. Applications like real time image processing and aerodynamics require fast, precise and intensive calculations where fast context switching from one program to another is vital. Fast context switching means that the calling program or interrupted service…

  • Embedded System-On-Chip (SoC)

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    John Mulindi
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    System-on-chip (SoC) is a system on VLSI chip that has all the required analog as well as digital circuits, processors and software. At the heart of most SoC designs are an embedded proprietary RISC processor and a block of RAM memory (for the software that runs on the processor). This allows the designer to partition…

  • Features of an Embedded System

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    John Mulindi
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    An embedded system can defined as a system that has embedded software and computer-hardware, which makes it a system dedicated for an application (s) or specific part of an application or product or a part of a larger system. An embedded system is characterized by the following: An embedded system is usually designed by keeping…

  • RISC vs. CISC Processors

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    John Mulindi
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    Both reduced instruction set computer (RISC) and complex instruction set computer (CISC) refer to the instruction set of a microcontroller. RISC Processors In an 8-bit RISC microcontroller, data is 8 bits wide but the instruction words are more than 8 bits wide (usually 12, 14, or 16 bits) and the instructions occupy one word in…

  • Microcontroller Architectures

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    John Mulindi
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    Two types of architectures are standard in microcontrollers, that is, Von Neumann and Harvard architectures. Von Neumann Architecture Von Neumann architecture is used by a large percentage of microcontrollers. It places all memory space on the same bus; instruction and data also use the same bus. Harvard Architecture Harvard architecture (utilized by PIC microcontrollers) places…

  • Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Microcontroller

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    John Mulindi
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    When selecting a microcontroller we have basic factors you need to put into consideration, as stated below: The Number of Input/output Pins Find out the number of input/output pins that are going to be required for the application. The Interfaces Needed What interfaces are going to be required? For instance, if PWM is needed, you…

  • The Essential Features of Microcontrollers

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    John Mulindi
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    We have different types of microcontrollers from different manufacturers characterized by different architectures and capabilities. Some may suit a specific application while others may be totally inappropriate for the same application. Some of the common features of most microcontrollers are discussed as follows: The Supply Voltage Most of the microcontrollers you will encounter operate with…

  • What is a Microcontroller?

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    John Mulindi
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    A microcontroller is a single-chip computer, that is, the entire computer system lies within the confines of the integrated circuit (IC) chip. The microcontroller on the encapsulated sliver of silicon has features similar to those of a standard personal computer. Basically, the microcontroller is capable of storing and running a program. The microcontroller contains a…