Microprocessors and Microcontrollers

Both microprocessors and microcontrollers are essentially tiny computers on microchips, and use instructions to perform actions and commit to memory. They can be used to manage tasks within an embedded system. For example: processing, timers, counters and memory.

For every project we carefully consider the requirements before deciding on an architecture for the processing needs of a design. Processors are not recommended based solely on familiarity, as this could compromise cost or functionality. Instead, we look at the offerings of all the major chip manufacturers, then select the most appropriate device for each project. In the course of this assessment, alongside the key features of the microprocessor, we consider factors that can easily be overlooked. For example; development tool chain, availability, design stability and more.

Our engineers have extensive experience in working with many different microprocessors and microcontrollers. For example, from NXP, Freescale, TI, Atmel, ST, PIC, Analog Devices, Renesas, Intel and Altera. Our projects often involve working with tiny 8-bit microcontrollers through to multiple core high-end processor architectures and everything in-between. For high-complexity, low-volume designs, we often use “system on modules” (SOMS). For our customers, this approach significantly reduces development cost, risk and time to market.

At RVL we are passionate about keeping up with the latest technology, so you can be sure we will select the best option in the market at the point of design.