Introduction to On-Chip Debug

Motorola's Background Debug Mode is one of a variety of on-chip debug technologies. Collectively, they offer some of the best features of debug monitors and in-circuit emulators—with far less headache and cost.

Add-Ons for Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs)

Should you integrate a GUI into an embedded system by adding a dedicated processor or upgrading the existing one? Here are some options and trade-offs.

How to Choose a Real-Time Operating System

In the market for a real-time operating system (RTOS)? This article provides an overview of RTOSes and how you can select the best one for your project.

Introduction to Finite Impulse Response Filters for DSP

Finite impulse response (FIR) filters are the most popular type of filters implemented in software. This introduction will help you understand them both on a theoretical and a practical level.

Optimal C Constructs for 8051 Microcontrollers

The limitations of an 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) can sometimes make conventional C constructs produce suboptimal code. In this article we look at common problems on the 8051 family and discuss workarounds in C.

Introduction to Counter/Timer Hardware

Counter units (aka, timer units) are crucial components of most embedded systems and included in many microcontrollers. Here's a primer on the hardware.

Introduction to Closed-Loop Control and PID

Most control systems utilize feedback in some manner. Here's a look at several fundamental feedback mechanisms, culminating in a description of a basic PID controller.

MISRA-C Guidelines for Safety Critical Software

In 1998, the UK's Motor Industry Software Reliability Association established a set of 127 guidelines for the use of C in safety-critical systems. Here's a look at the rules, what they mean, and how they can work for you.

KVM: A Small Java Virtual Machine for J2ME

Sun's K Virtual Machine gives embedded developers a virtual kick in the pants. KVM makes it possible to, for the first time, run Java programs on any 16-bit processor with 128KB of available memory.

How to Use Lint for Static Code Analysis

Language specifications, including those for C and C++, are often loosely written. A static analysis tool called lint can help you find dangerous and non-portable constructs in your code before your compiler turns them into run-time bugs.

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