32-bit embedded processors: the push for higher performance

Abstract

In the evolving world of avionics and defense system design, many engineers face the problem of designing a higher performance product with lower power requirements and a small form-factor. Microcontrollers meet the integration and power restrictions of embedded designs, but do not provide enough throughput and performance. Today, avionics designs need the integration of a microcontroller with the performance of a microprocessor. Many companies are providing embedded microprocessors to meet this need. New integrated 32-bit microprocessors offer fast data manipulation with the features needed to reduce a design's chip-count and power consumption. With today's applications, system designers must move to integrated, surface-mount microprocessors that satisfy their design issues. This paper explores the advantages of integrating peripherals with a powerful 32-bit microprocessor. It details the power management and peripheral features that make integrated microprocessors the answer to small form-factor avionics designs.