High-speed 32-bit buses for forward-looking computers
Article Abstract:
As the performances of processors have improved, bus designs have had to keep up. Some 32-bit buses are commonly in use, with 64-, 128-, and 256-bit bus widths are available. Bus architecture is an important consideration in the design of entire lines of products, not just particular models, because buyers usually want to protect their investment in a machine by being able to plug the newest, fastest processor of the line into their existing bus. In designing a bus, the factors to be considered include board size, whether the bus is to be used for memory or I/O requirements, and to which standards it should conform. Systems using general-purpose buses are usually outperformed by systems using different buses to connect different modules of the system. Data width, address width, and multiplexing abilities are other important characteristics. Complexity in bus design should be kept to a minimum.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1989
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How to select tools for microcontroller software
Article Abstract:
Selection of suitable programming tools for developing microcontroller software is vital because such software often accounts for up to 75 percent of a microcontroller development project. Microcontrollers usually contain a microprocessor and related circuitry for implementing a complete embedded control system. Consequently, programming, verifying and debugging the software required in such devices is typically a complex task with many 'interrelated variables.' Selecting viable microcontroller program development tools thus depends on multiple factors, including the type of microcontroller, the most cost-effective yet suitable programming language, level of reliability demanded, programmer skills, degree of support offered by the programming tool vendor, budget and time available. Noninvasive software tools, debugging and computer-aided software engineering tools are discussed.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1991
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