Microprocessor Selection and Software Design

The objective of this paper is to list some of the parameters involved in choosing a microprocessor for a particular application and to discuss some of the interrelationships between these parameters. The most important parameters are those depending on the application such as the number of inputs, number of outputs, required throughput, type of interfaces, and the total number of systems to be produced. Another set of parameters is microprocessor dependent such as the instruction set, throughput, and hardware and software support. Finally, parameters related to in house hardware and software expertise must be considered.