FPGAs are highly configurable, general-purpose integrated circuits (ICs) filled with small programmable digital logic building blocks called “logic cells” or “logic elements”. A custom IC, or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), is very similar, but with ASICs, a custom circuit design is set in silicon and is difficult to change after the fact (lasers can […]
microcontroller
Controller handles 4K Ultra-HD monitors and display systems
Digital View today announced an integrated LCD 120Hz controller that reduces parts cost, assembly time, and space requirement in the manufacture of commercial and industrial 4K Ultra-HD monitors and display systems. Using one component part instead of three separate parts, the advanced LCD controller is ideal for the production of commercial monitors, digital signage and […]
New microcontrollers target always-on sensor acquisition, general-purpose industrial applications
Two new microcontroller lines from STMicroelectronics increase energy efficiency, flexibility, and feature integration at the high end of the STM32F4 Access Line for high-performance embedded designs. Qualified up to 125°C, these latest STM32 devices target always-on sensor acquisition and general-purpose industrial applications, and present a robust and cost-effective upgrade from STM32F1 MCUs. The STM32F413 and […]
Top microcontroller threads on EDAboard.com – November
(editor’s note: Intrigued by the problem? Have a question or optional solution? Then click the “Read more” link and follow the conversation on EDAboard.com or log in to EDAboard and participate in the microcontroller forum thread.) SPWM using PIC16F684 – I’m generating SPWM using PIC16F684 microcontroller for an inverter circuit. I followed Tahmid’s blog and am […]
SoC based on free and open-source RISC-V allows rapid prototyping for MCU, embedded, IoT, wearable apps
SiFive, the first fabless provider of customized, open-source-enabled semiconductors, today announced the availability of its Freedom Everywhere 310 (FE310) system on a chip (SoC), the industry’s first commercially available SoC based on the free and open RISC-V instruction set architecture, along with the corresponding low-cost HiFive1 software development board. As part of this availability, SiFive […]
What is machine learning?
Machine learning, as a type of Artificial Intelligence, is typically used to create models with which to analyze data. Machine learning is a programming process whereby instead of coding a program as with traditional computer architectures, the computer is fed from dozens to thousands of sample data sets that demonstrate what will and will not […]
Writing Efficient C code for Embedded Systems: The cost of unnatural data sizes
Different architectures have different “natural” data sizes. Most MCUs have the same CPU width as data bus width, which makes sense. Some MCUs might have memory that is not consistent with their available data bus width, however. In other words, for some MCUs, there can be a difference between the CPU’s “natural” word length and […]
IC series MCUs work at extended temperatures for vehicular apps
The 32-bit PIC32MZ EF microcontroller (MCU) family has been expanded to include an extended temperature portfolio and a high-speed variant (250 MHz) industrial temp portfolio. This is the first automotive-grade PIC32 MCU from Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions. The PIC32MZ EF family features high core […]
8-bit MCUs carry up to 8 kB of Flash in low pin-count packages
Microchip Technology Inc. has released a new generation of 8-bit tinyAVR MCUs. The four new devices range from 14 to 24 pins and 4 KB to 8 KB of Flash and are the first tinyAVR microcontrollers to feature Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs). The new devices will be supported by START, an innovative online tool for intuitive, […]
MCUs targets smart power meter apps
The new RL78/I1C MCUs are available in seven versions, with on-chip memory capacities ranging from 64 kilobytes (KB) for low-end single-phase meters, 128 KB for high-end single-phase meters, and 256 KB for three-phase meters; and package pin counts from 64 pins for space-saving needs, 80 pins for single-phase meters aimed for use in emerging countries, […]