As embedded systems evolve to support more complex applications ranging from industrial automation to connected automotive and advanced IoT devices, designers face mounting challenges in balancing performance, flexibility, and reliability. The ability to scale design and integrate diverse peripherals is central to overcoming these challenges and future-proofing designs.
Supporting high-performance processing and real-time workloads
Embedded systems increasingly require real-time data processing, advanced analytics, and support for multiple communication protocols. This demands not only a powerful core (such as Arm Cortex-M4F running at up to 128MHz) but also efficient memory architectures and robust interrupt handling.
Ensuring reliable operation and reducing design risk
Achieving reliable operation and minimising design risk is critical in industrial and automotive applications, where systems must function consistently across extreme temperature ranges and comply with rigorous reliability standards such as AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualifications. Selecting components and system architectures that ensure dependable performance under these demanding conditions is essential. Furthermore, RF design introduces additional complexity, requiring extensive testing and certification processes that can increase both risk and cost.
Managing complex connectivity and interface requirements
Next-generation systems often need to communicate over multiple wired and wireless protocols such as Bluetooth LE, Thread, CAN FD, Ethernet, USB, and more. Integrating these interfaces while maintaining low power consumption and high data throughput is a significant technical hurdle. Relying on multiple ICs to support diverse connectivity can further increase PCB real estate requirements and drive up overall system cost.
How high memory and peripheral integration address these challenges
To address these evolving challenges, designers are increasingly turning to microcontrollers that offer both high memory capacity and extensive peripheral integration. These features provide the flexibility and performance needed to meet the demands of modern embedded applications.
Memory architecture for flexibility and security
Modern microcontroller units (MCUs) offer significant on-chip memory, which plays a crucial role in supporting advanced wireless communication stacks and robust security protocols. This increased memory capacity not only enables the handling of complex wireless protocols but allows for secure data storage and cryptographic operations for safe communication. Additionally, it facilitates local data processing and analytics, reducing dependence on Cloud or gateway devices which helps improve efficiency and reduce latency. With ample memory, MCUs can also handle over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates, making it easier to roll out updates, apply security patches, and prepare devices for future expansion as wireless and security standards evolve. Secure storage for cryptographic keys and boot code enhances device security, which is particularly important for IoT devices and applications requiring high levels of trust.
Accelerated development and reliable operation
A solution or supplier that offers proven reference designs, pre-certified RF modules, and AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification can effectively address key challenges in industrial and automotive applications. This approach enables faster time-to-market and reduces design risk by providing reliable hardware and software packages, while also streamlining regulatory compliance to minimise certification delays and associated costs. Additionally, it ensures dependable performance in harsh environments with reliable operation across a wide temperature range, giving manufacturers confidence in meeting stringent reliability standards required for mission-critical systems.
Peripheral integration for system versatility
Highly integrated MCUs combine multiple peripherals such as CAN FD, Ethernet, USB, motor control (QEI), graphics, touch sensing, and advanced analogue functions (ADC/DAC) on a single chip, enabling simplified board design and a reduced bill of materials (BOM). This integration allows for flexible system configuration to accommodate different product variants or evolving standards, supports efficient real-time control and monitoring, such as motor feedback and sensor data acquisition, and enables rich user interfaces with touch and graphics support, even in cost-sensitive applications.
For example, modern garage door systems require secure wireless connectivity, accurate motor control, and user-friendly interfaces, all within a compact and cost-efficient design. A highly integrated wireless MCU such as Microchip’s PIC32-BZ6 MCU meets these demands with its high memory integration and multi-protocol wireless operation. The Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) can be used for remote access and the high memory integration of 2MB Flash and 512KB RAM can support advanced control algorithms. Multiple Pulse Width Modulations (PWMs), high resolution ADC, and QEI integration provide precise motor operation and sensor feedback, and reliable position tracking. Additionally, integrated touch and graphics capabilities enable intuitive keypad and display interfaces. A single-chip solution such as the PIC32-BZ6 streamlines hardware design, reduces PCB size, and lowers overall system costs, making it ideal for next-generation garage door applications.
Real-world impact: future-proof your next-generation of embedded solutions
By leveraging scalable solutions with high memory and integrated peripherals, designers can build platforms that support a wide range of applications and future updates without the need for hardware redesign. This approach enables them to meet demanding performance and reliability requirements in industrial and automotive environments, integrate advanced connectivity, and user interfaces that support both legacy and emerging standards and enhance device security while ensuring compliance with global regulations.
For example, a single MCU platform can be used to develop both a smart industrial sensor and a connected automotive module, simply by configuring memory usage, enabling relevant peripherals and updating firmware as needed. This approach streamlines development, reduces costs and ensures long-term adaptability.
Conclusion
High memory and peripheral integration are not just product features – they are essential enablers for solving the technical challenges of next-generation embedded systems. By adopting architectures that offer flexibility, reliability, and security, developers can deliver solutions that meet today’s demands and adapt to tomorrow’s opportunities.
By Ramya Kota, Product Marketing Manager and Shishir Malav, Business Development Manager for Microchip’s Wireless Solutions Group
This article originally appeared in the embedded world North America supplement of Electronic Specifier Design – see ES’s Magazine Archives for more featured publications.
