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, […]
FAQ
What do MCUs have that FPGAs don’t?
Microcontroller units (MCUs) have a computer processor unit (CPU) core, various types of memory, input/output (I/O) functions, and a range of integrated peripherals. Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) don’t have any of these features and consist of many configurable (or programmable) logic blocks, with a programmable interconnect overlay surrounded by numerous general purpose I/Os (GPIOs). […]
What to look for during instrument calibration
When you send an instrument to a calibration lab, what do you expect to happen? The comprehensive definition of calibration is a verification of instrument specifications by measuring actual performance using external lab standards, normally instruments, which have better performance than the thing they’re measuring and which are traceable to the International System of Units […]
The Wright brothers: engineers, scientists, and yes, bicycle mechanics, Part 2
There are many facets to the Wright brothers and their persistence, commitment, and dedication to their “project.” As their understanding advanced, they used large kites controlled from the ground by thin ropes to test the performance of wing shapes and airfoils. They then used those results to build large gliders (again, controlled from the ground) […]
Factors to consider when selecting an MCU
Selecting the MCU is an important activity when starting a new project. Underspecify the MCU, and performance suffers; over-specify it, and the budget suffers. In either case, suffering is unwanted and unnecessary. It’s prevented by taking a thoughtful and thorough approach to MCU selection. This FAQ begins with a review of the baseline performance numbers […]
The Wright brothers: engineers, scientists, and yes, even bicycle mechanics, Pt 1
You may have read about the passing in August of the prolific historian and two-time Pulitzer-prize winner David McCullough. He wrote biographies of political and historical figures such as John Adams. Still, I was especially drawn to his works on major engineering feats such as the Panama Canal (“The Path Between the Seas”) and the […]
Dispelling Myths: Don’t believe it when they say you need a bipolar gate drive for eGaN FETs
Use of a negative gate drive can lead to a larger voltage drop during deadtime and severe losses. Andrea Gorgerino, EPC GaN devices have gone from initial R&D to mainstream designs over the last 15 years. Unfortunately there are many misunderstandings left-over from those early-stage developments or dead-end technology branches. One of the most pernicious […]
Current sensing for energy efficient power delivery
It pays to know the limitations and strengths of widely used methods of measuring current. Sam Locke • Allegro Microsystems Recent technological developments such as fast dc charging for electric vehicles and high-power processing in data centers drive the quest for delivering more power in smaller spaces. Congruent with that quest is the need for […]
Improving battery power efficiency for IoT devices
Nanopower ship mode and sleep mode can be optimized to reduce power consumption. Suryash Rai • Analog Devices Inc. In the connected world of the internet, power management is an important way to boost the efficiency of IoT applications. In most situations, the sensor node (data acquisition element) sits in a remote area and is […]
How input high-Z technology keeps down ADC power and size
Muxed SAR ADCs equipped with high-impedance technology can substantially reduce circuit footprint and energy use without compromising performance and accuracy. Sanjay Rajasekhar, Arvind Shankar • Analog Devices Inc. Muxed successive approximation register analog-to-digital converters (SAR ADCs) find use in applications that must constantly monitor multiple critical variables. In optical communications, laser biasing could be monitored […]