Processor technology involves the architecture of the computation engine used to implement a system’s desired functionality. All devices we know have processors embedded in it (microwave, cars ...). Choosing the right embedded processor is critical to perform the wanted operations.

Nowadays hardware is more and more like software. It can easily be programmed and integrated with other components by an end-user. One simple example is a FPGA which has many more components than it should have so in that way it can be programmed for various applications. It can also be used as an interface for the communication of several hardware components, for instance the integration of a DSP and a hybrid CPU on a mobile phone chip.

Another important trend is a modular design. This means that hardware components are designed as separate parts and can be put together in one device. In this way the device is only programmed for the control and communication of the different components. This has the following advantages:

Components can easily be replaced when broken.Adding new functions (upgrading) is very simple.A small step towards standardization

In the domain of mechatronics standardization is not yet that common. Electronics however is some kind of a pioneer because we can find there many examples of standardization: VHDL, standard components like adders, multiplexers, registers, memory … One simple example here is National Instruments. As time evolves this standardization will also be needed in the mechanical world.

When one reached the moment at which a choice has to be made about the processor technology, one can choose between 5 categories of processors, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:General purpose processor: usable for several applications, low price, short design time but low performance, high energy consumption and large dimensionsSingle purpose processor: good performance, small, less energy consumption but more difficult design, more expensive, less flexibleASIP: intermediate solution between single and general purpose processorPLD: low design cost, fast product development, available in large numbers but more energy consumption than ASIP. Some examples are: PLA, FPGAPLC: usable in several working conditions, more standardised but not suited for complex calculations, relative expensiveBesides the choice of processor the designer also has to look for the right communication and storage technology. One example of robust storage technology are solid state hard disks. They are resistant against vibrations, magnetic fields and dirt so they can be used in several working conditions. Examples of communication technology are given by USB, Firewire, CAN-Bus, Ethernet ...

CPLD - Complex Programmable Logic Devices

CPU - Central Processing Units 

Digital Signal Processors & Controllers - DSP

EEPLD - Electronically Erasable Programmable

FPGA - Configuration Memory

FPGA - Field Programmable Gate Array

Microcontrollers - MCU

Microprocessors - MPU

Processors - Application Specialized

RF System on a Chip - SoC

SPLD - Simple Programmable Logic Devices

Systems on a Chip - SoC

Processor technology involves the architecture of the computation engine used to implement a system’s desired functionality. Most devices we know have processors embedded in it (microwave, cars…). Choosing the right embedded processor is critical to perform the wanted operations. The choice of a processor in a design process can take place on 2 moments. Either you choose a processor in the beginning of the design when you only had a peak on your specifications, this means that throughout the next stages of your design you will need to adapt the wanted functionalities to the processor possibilities. This is the case for instance when you have a fixed budget for the processor, choose the one with the highest possibilities which fits the budget. Or you make the decision at the end of the project, so you know all the necessary functions you want to implement and you can choose a processor type which fits your situation exactly. If possible you must always choose the processor which you have the most experience with to minimise design time and avoid problems. Minimising design time equals less design cost and faster time-to-market.