The number of internal memories in an MCU depends on how the memory is categorized. At the highest level, there are two; random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). But, if the interest is in memory performance, there are different types of RAM and ROM. And these different types of memory can be employed […]
Microcontroller Tips
Matter development kits simplify smart home designs
Qorvo announced the availability of Matter-compatible development kits to immediately create smart home Internet of Things (IoT) solutions that comply with the newest version of the industry standard. The Qorvo Matter kits are pre-certified for Matter after successfully passing all test events. With the final certification of the standard expected in the fall of 2022, […]
Development tools for RISC-V support \SiFive automotive solutions
IAR Systems continues their support for SiFive’s RISC-V Automotive CPU IP: The IAR Embedded Workbench for RISC-V aims at the latest SiFive Automotive E6-A and S7-A product series which address the needs of automotive applications like infotainment, connectivity, and ADAS. IAR’s complete development solution helps embedded software developers at OEMs and suppliers to maximize the […]
Open frame display modules target industrial apps
Cincoze recently launched the CO-100 Series of open-frame display modules with robust features and exclusive adjustable design for easy fitting into enclosures of different materials and thicknesses in industrial applications such as automation machines and kiosks. The debut CO-W121C, a 21.5” 16:9 high-resolution FHD display module with a PCAP touchscreen, is the latest addition to […]
Small form-factor 2.7-GHz antenna offers 70% efficiency
Antenova Ltd is releasing a new, compact, and very efficient antenna for the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee frequencies at 2.4 – 2.5 GHz. This new antenna is named Invicta, part number SRFW082. The Invicta antenna averages an efficiency of 70% across the 2.4 GHz band. Consequently, designs using this antenna will operate better, over longer […]
IoT edge-ready embedded computers utilize Intel Atom x5-E3940 Apollo Lake processors
Saelig Company, Inc. has introduced the Amplicon Impact-P 100A Series of controllers – ultra-small form-factor IoT Edge-ready embedded computers that utilize the advanced Intel Atom x5-E3940 Apollo Lake processor. With a case construction of carbon fiber composite and aluminum, these units are tough and lightweight, allowing them to be mounted almost anywhere. They are built […]
3U OpenVPX GPGPU processor module combines NVIDIA Ampere GPU, Gen4 PCIe switch
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division introduced the VPX3-4936, its first 3U OpenVPX GPGPU processor module to feature the combination of NVIDIA’s Ampere GPU and a configurable Gen4 PCIe Switch. The NVIDIA Ampere architecture offers a significant boost in performance and efficiency over the previous NVIDIA Turing generation, including more flexible concurrent execution of floating point and integer […]
OpenVPX modules deliver ALTNAV, pntOS architecture
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division introduced the VPX3-673A, the first rugged module that delivers an Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) solution that includes Alternative Navigation (ALTNAV) and the pntOS architecture. ALTNAV, a space-based commercial system, is currently being evaluated by the U.S. Army as an alternative/complementary source of PNT information on the battlefield. As an open-source, […]
Exceptions, traps and interrupts, what’s the difference?
Exceptions and interrupts pause a program in response to an unexpected event in hardware or software. Interrupts are asynchronous events, and exceptions are synchronous events, but the difference between interrupts and exceptions also depends on the circumstances. For example, the definitions differ between x86 machines and ARM processors and between CISC and RISC processors. This […]
How do firmware, system software, and application software work together?
Firmware, system software (also called embedded software), middleware and application software work collaboratively and perform specific functions in embedded systems. Firmware, system software, and middleware are generally preloaded in an MCU. Applications software may be preloaded but is often added after the system has been built. This FAQ reviews the functions and interactions between firmware, […]