Embedded Systems (Firmware)

See WARG.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7kIcpWTulE&ab_channel=SkillLync

Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller vs. SoC

Microprocessor = IC that contains only a CPU

• Does not contain ROM, RAM, etc. which are necessary to perform a task
• External components are required to perform a task

CPU = microprocessor?

https://download.intel.com/newsroom/kits/40thanniversary/pdfs/What_is_a_Microprocessor.pdf

Microcontroller

• A Single IC mini-computer
• Microcontrollers are complete and self-sufficient
• Have RAM, ROM, Timers, Serial ports

Well suited for compact and embedded device.

SoC

• Advanced version of microcontroller or microprocessor
• Integrates well with advanced peripherals like GPU, WiFI module, or other coproessors

Firmware vs. Software

• Nowadays, it is harder to differentiate

Firmware

• Firmware refers to the software stored in read-only memory such as EPROM, or EEPROM
• Used as a low-level software that operates a specific, single-purpose device like TV, washing machine, A/C
• There is no OS in firmware so it is called bare metal

Firmware Application vs. Firmware Driver

Firmware Driver

• If we make use of any embedded components (like SD card), we need a driver to communicate with it
• It is also called a low-level driver which is written to update and configure specific registers of the peripheral

Firmware Application

• Makes use of the device by calling specific APIs of the firmware driver
• Specifies which register to modify, and the firmware driver will do it

Flash Memory vs. RAM?

• He has the drawing where the data is actually stored in RAM, but the code is stored in flash memory which is executed

Some good questions

• Why is register variable global declaration is not possible?
• Why can’t static variables be declared within a struct?