Chapter 5
Embedded Processor Architecture
How do we go about classifying an embedded processor? The traditional embedded CPU market is generally divided into microprocessors, microcontrollers, and digital signal processors. Microcontrollers are typically 8-/16-bit processors with a number of input/output (I/O) peripherals, and they are usually self-sufficient in terms of ROM and RAM. Microprocessors, on the other hand, traditionally comprise a 32-bit processor with a number of onboard peripherals. As the transistor continues its reduction in size every year, it has become more and more cost-effective to develop large-scale System-On-Chip (SOC) devices. The majority of SOCs today contain a 32-bit microprocessor integrated with a broad range of ...
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