Computers as Components, 3rd Edition

4.2 Basic Computing Platforms

While some embedded systems require sophisticated platforms, many can be built around the variations of a generic computer system ranging from 4-bit microprocessors through complex systems-on-chips. The platform provides the environment in which we can develop our embedded application. It encompasses both hardware and software components—one without the other is generally not very useful.

4.2.1 Platform Hardware Components

We are familiar with the CPU and memory as an idealized computer system. A practical computer needs additional components. As shown in Figure 4.1, a typical computing platform includes several major hardware components:

• The CPU provides basic computational facilities.

• RAM is used for program ...