What This Document Is
This document presents lecture materials from CPEG 222: Microprocessor Systems at the University of Delaware, specifically focusing on an overview of embedded systems. It’s designed to introduce the fundamental concepts and distinctions between various classes of computing systems, with a strong emphasis on the unique characteristics of embedded systems and their growing importance in modern technology. This lecture lays the groundwork for understanding the hardware and software interplay crucial in microprocessor-based designs.
Why This Document Matters
This material is essential for students pursuing a career in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related fields. It’s particularly valuable for those interested in hardware design, software development for embedded applications, or systems engineering roles. Reviewing these concepts will be beneficial before diving into more detailed hardware architectures and programming assignments. It’s a foundational resource for understanding the broader context of microprocessor systems and their applications.
Topics Covered
* The defining characteristics of embedded systems and how they differ from general-purpose computers.
* Key technology trends impacting the field of microprocessors and embedded systems.
* An exploration of the internal components of a central processing unit (CPU).
* Historical trends and laws governing the evolution of computing classes and technologies (like Moore’s Law and Bell’s Law).
* The increasing relevance of energy harvesting techniques in embedded system design.
* Considerations for hardware/software partitioning and vendor selection in system design.
What This Document Provides
* A comparative analysis of different computing classes, including server computers and embedded systems.
* An overview of the resource constraints commonly found in embedded system design.
* A discussion of the role of memory (including cache) within a microprocessor system.
* Insights into the growing market share of microcontrollers (MCUs) and programmable logic devices (PLDs).
* A preview of upcoming topics related to machine language and the hardware/software interface.
