Beginners guide to selecting embedded computers - ADLINK Blog

Manufacturers are racing to automate. Businesses are digitizing their operations and leveraging edge computing to increase productivity by building systems of machines that work accurately and consistently around the clock to improve quality and output. Evolving into an automated, Industry 4.0 factory also enhances safety, enabling equipment, not people, to perform dangerous tasks.

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Furthermore, automation reduces the labor hours required to do a job, enabling manufacturers to control costs and weather labor shortages. Additionally, automation can cover monotonous and unchallenging work, resulting in greater job satisfaction among employees who can spend their time on higher-level tasks.

Businesses keeping pace with this fourth Industrial Revolution by creating systems of connected devices, including both information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT), are realizing that it’s not practical to process all data in the cloud. Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered, robotics, and other advanced systems often require minimal latency for subsecond responses. Therefore, solution builders are moving some computing workloads to the edge to provide automated systems with the effectiveness and reliability they need.

Edge Computing in the Automotive & Logistics Industries

Connected vehicles, electric vehicles, and autonomous vehicles are gaining popularity. These advanced technologies require sensor fusion, wireless connectivity, power management, security, and other advanced driver-assistance systems, making automotive production more complicated. As a result, manufacturing processes must evolve as well.

For illustrations of how embedded computers are enabling Industry 4.0 functionality today, look no further than vehicle manufacturing and fleet management. For example:

• Collaborative Robots in Manufacturing

Robots have a decades-long history of making automotive manufacturing more efficient. However, with advanced technologies supported by edge computing, manufactures, such as, automotive makers can leverage robots to build vehicles with more advanced designs that require more complex assemblies. Collaborative robots also give manufacturers more flexibility than industrial robots, allowing them to move capabilities where they’re needed without building costly new infrastructure.

• Fleet Management

Embedded computers give transportation and logistics enterprises the ability to track assets and provide advanced telematics that monitors driver behavior, idling and fuel use, vehicle performance, and indications that the vehicle requires maintenance. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are another uprising applications in warehouse and logistics.

• Autonomous Vehicles

Edge computing is key to autonomous vehicle operation, providing the capacity to run power-hungry driving algorithms and process data quickly so that the vehicle can safely respond to unexpected situations. Additionally, embedded computers in autonomous vehicles can receive data from nearby vehicles to enable smooth traffic flow through an intersection and maintain safe distances between cars and trucks on a highway in inclement weather.

Embedded Computer Checklist

Whether your use case is in automotive manufacturing, transportation and logistics, or any of numerous other industries that benefit from edge computing, solution builders need to choose precisely the right hardware for their application. Start with these key considerations for selecting embedded computers:

• Power
  • First and foremost, the platform you choose must have the computing power required by your use case. Look for options with the latest Intel® Xeon®, Core™ and Atom® processors.
• Function Expansion
  • Evaluate options for the functionality they deliver, such as hardware-accelerated processing and precise motion control
• Heterogeneous computing solutions
  • Embedded computers can perform a wide range of tasks. Consider platforms that give you the ability to use embedded MXM GPU modules, PCI Express graphics cards or that integrate more than one computing cores like edge AI platforms, GPU computing platforms and other embedded systems.
• Quality Design
  • In addition to considering what the embedded computer will do, also take into account how well it will perform in the conditions in which it will be used:
    • Heat dissipation: Consider all options for cooling, including embedded computers with fanless design. Fanless embedded computers enhance durability.
    • High EMC standard: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) enables an embedded computer to perform in its electromagnetic environment and prevent negative effects, including electromagnetic interference (EMI).
    • Rugged and hardened: Embedded computers suited for a wide range of use cases are typically hardened, enabling them to perform in harsh environments where they could encounter shock, vibrations, temperature extremes, humidity, and dust.
• AI enablement
  • Optimizing AI at the edge includes using embedded computers with support for high performance, power-efficient GPU acceleration or a GPU platform that delivers the required AI engine availability.
• Wireless connectivity
  • The embedded platform you choose should support wireless connection with radio frequencies certified for different regions where your solution will be used and to provide steady and reliable connections.
• Ease of integration
  • Choose hardware that offers a comprehensive or configurable I/O set to simplify integration and interfacing with auxiliary devices.
• Support
  • Don’t overlook the importance of vendor support, including technical and longevity support to reduce costs with end-of-life (EOL) critical parts. Also, consider whether your use case can benefit from semi-customization or private labeling.

Learn More About Automating with Edge Computing

Choosing the Right Microprocessor for an Embedded Controller:

As an electrical engineer, selecting the right microprocessor for an embedded controller is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make in the design process. The microprocessor is the “brain” of the embedded system, influencing its performance, functionality, power consumption, and cost. To ensure the success of your project, it’s important to ask the right questions and consider several key factors before making your decision.

In this blog post, we’ll walk through the process engineers need to follow when choosing the right microprocessor for an embedded controller. Along the way, we’ll highlight critical questions you need to ask and provide the answers that will help guide your selection.

What Are the System Requirements?

The first step in choosing the right microprocessor is understanding the system requirements. What tasks will the embedded controller need to perform? These tasks will drive many of your decisions.

What is the required processing capability?

• • If your embedded system needs to handle complex tasks (such as real-time video processing, running sophisticated algorithms, or operating systems), you’ll need a microprocessor with a high-speed processing capabilities, such as a multi-core processor with high clock speeds.
  • For simpler tasks like monitoring sensors or controlling basic hardware, a less sophisticated processor with a single core will probably suffice.

What is the target application environment?

• • Is the system operating in a harsh environment? If yes, you may need a microprocessor that can withstand extreme temperatures, high humidity, or electrical interference.

What are the power consumption constraints?

• • If the embedded system is battery-powered or energy-sensitive, you’ll need to choose a microprocessor with low power consumption. Many microprocessors come with power-saving modes, such as low-power sleep states, which can help extend battery life.

What are the Input/Output (I/O) Requirements?

Microprocessors differ in the number and types of I/O interfaces they support. The microprocessor you choose needs to be able to connect to the sensors, actuators, or other devices your embedded system will control.

How many I/O pins are needed?

• • If your system involves controlling many devices simultaneously (e.g., a home automation system with several sensors and actuators), you’ll need a microprocessor with a high number of I/O pins.

What types of I/O interfaces are required?

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• • Do you need digital, analog, or both types of I/O? Make sure the microprocessor supports the necessary communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, or USB.

Does the system need to interface with external devices or peripherals?

• • For example, if your system needs to connect to a display, camera, or external storage, you may need a processor that includes interfaces like USB, HDMI, or Ethernet connectivity.

What is the Processing Architecture?

The processing architecture of a microprocessor plays a significant role in its performance and compatibility with your application. Two common architectures to consider are ARM and x86.

ARM Processors:

• • ARM-based processors are widely used in embedded systems due to their low power consumption and efficient architecture. They are typically used in IoT devices, automotive systems, and mobile devices.
  • ARM processors come in a variety of configurations, ranging from simple single-core chips to powerful multi-core processors.

x86 Processors:

• • x86 processors are generally more powerful and used for more computational-intensive applications. These are found in applications that require high computational power or the need to run desktop-like operating systems, such as industrial control systems.

RISC vs. CISC:

• • RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) processors (like ARM) are optimized for fewer instructions, leading to faster execution and lower power consumption. They are well-suited for real-time applications and embedded systems.
  • CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) processors (like x86) have a wider range of instructions, which can be useful for more complex tasks but tend to consume more power and require more processing time per instruction.

What is the Memory Configuration?

The amount and type of memory needed for your embedded system directly impacts the performance of the microprocessor. There are two types of memory to consider: volatile (RAM) and non-volatile (Flash or ROM).

How much RAM is required?

• • RAM (Random Access Memory) is used for temporary storage of data during operation. Systems requiring real-time data processing or multitasking will need a microprocessor with more RAM.

What type of flash memory is needed?

• • Flash memory stores the system’s firmware. Depending on the complexity of the application, you may need more storage space. Ensure the microprocessor supports the necessary type, size, and interface for flash memory.

Is external memory required?

• • If your embedded system needs more storage than what is available internally, you may need a microprocessor with external memory support (such as SD cards, external flash, or DRAM).

What is the Budget?

Cost is often a determining factor in selecting the right microprocessor for an embedded controller. While it’s tempting to choose the most powerful chip available, it’s essential to balance performance with your budget constraints.

What is the cost per unit?

• • High-performance processors can be expensive, especially when scaling up to large quantities. Be sure to evaluate the cost of the microprocessor relative to the expected volume of your product.

Does the microprocessor offer value for the required functionality?

• • Consider whether the additional processing power, interfaces, or other features justify the higher cost. If a lower-cost processor meets your needs, you might opt for that to reduce your overall development costs.

What are the Software and Development Tools?

Once you’ve selected a microprocessor, you’ll need the right tools to develop the firmware that runs on it. Some microprocessors come with well-established development ecosystems, which can help reduce development time.

Is there adequate development support?

• • Look for processors with robust development platforms, including SDKs (Software Development Kits), IDEs (Integrated Development Environments), and debugging tools.
  • Some microprocessors have ready-made libraries and firmware solutions, such as operating systems (e.g., FreeRTOS or Linux), drivers, and middleware, that can help speed up development.

Is it compatible with existing frameworks and languages?

• • Ensure the processor supports programming languages or frameworks (like C, C++, or Rust) that your team is familiar with.

Conclusion

Choosing the right microprocessor for an embedded controller is a multifaceted decision that requires careful consideration of system requirements, performance needs, power constraints, I/O demands, and budget. By asking the right questions and evaluating your options based on these factors, you’ll be able to select a microprocessor that delivers optimal performance and meets the needs of your embedded system.

Key Takeaways:

• Assess your system’s processing power, I/O needs, and power constraints.
• Choose the right architecture and memory configuration for your application.
• Consider the development tools and ecosystem support available for your selected microprocessor.
• Balance performance with budget and future scalability needs.

By following this process and considering the questions above, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision and select the ideal microprocessor for your embedded controller design.

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