Embedded systems remain a very popular technology, with many students each year joining the ranks of those learning about embedded systems. From simple 8-bit microcontrollers, such as the 51 series, to 32-bit ARM and MIPS series, and even now 64-bit CPUs; from simple electronic clocks to the smartphones that we all carry, embedded systems are becoming increasingly powerful and widely used. Many students ask whether the requirements for computers in embedded learning are high, and how to choose a suitable computer for embedded development.

To excel in embedded systems, one must first have the right tools. Here, I will briefly discuss the choice of computers for learning embedded systems. The type of computer you choose should first be based on the embedded direction you are studying. If you are working with 8-bit or 16-bit microcontrollers, then any computer on the market can meet your needs, including laptops and desktop PCs. However, if you are preparing to learn Android low-level development, then you will need a more powerful computer. Android is a relatively large project, and a complete compilation can take a long time. If you choose a computer with 4GB of RAM and a dual-core CPU, unfortunately, you will have to wait at least 6 hours for a single compilation. At this point, I recommend at least 8GB of RAM, a quad-core CPU, and a solid-state drive configuration for learning embedded systems.

Additionally, based on experience, 8-bit and 16-bit microcontrollers are generally entry-level, and eventually, one will use more advanced embedded chips like ARM. Therefore, if conditions allow, it is advisable to choose a higher configuration computer, as having a large memory capacity is very important.

In summary, if you are only learning about microcontrollers, then a dual-core CPU with 4-8GB of RAM is sufficient; other specifications are not too important. However, for Android development, I recommend a quad-core CPU with more than 8GB of RAM, and if possible, a solid-state drive configuration.

Finally, embedded development generally requires the use of serial ports. If you are using a desktop, it usually still has serial ports, while for laptops, you can buy a USB to serial converter, which is also very convenient.

Basic Process of Embedded System Development

1. System Definition and Requirement Analysis

Determine the overall goals that the system development needs to achieve, the feasibility of system implementation, the strategies to be adopted for system development, estimate the resources and costs required for system completion, and develop a project schedule. Requirement analysis should identify what functions the target system should have. Users understand what problems they face in practical applications and know what they must do, but they may not always be able to express their needs completely and accurately, nor do they know how to use computers to achieve the functions they need. Requirement analysis requires close cooperation with users, through sufficient communication and investigation, to derive a confirmed and clear logical model of system implementation so that design developers can ultimately design the target. The system logical model determined here forms the basis for the design and implementation of the target system, and it must accurately and completely reflect the users’ needs.

2. Preliminary Establishment of System Design Plan

This includes preliminary documentation for system design, design proposals, and design description documents, specifically including the following documents: overall system design, functional division of the system, and hardware-software collaborative design, processor selection, and basic interface device selection, operating system selection, and development environment selection. The establishment of these documents involves using system flowcharts or other tools to describe each possible system component, estimating the costs and benefits of each proposal, and choosing a better option based on a thorough comparison of the pros and cons of various proposals, as well as developing a detailed plan for the system.

3. Evaluation of Preliminary Design Plan Cost-Effectiveness and Proposal Review

Before the specific design of hardware and software begins, it is necessary to finally confirm the rationality of the design plan against user needs and evaluate the correctness, unambiguity, safety, verifiability, understandability, modifiability, and other aspects of the design plan comprehensively to determine whether to proceed to the next implementation phase.

1. Improve the Preliminary Plan and Implement the Preliminary Plan

This stage is the most fundamental part of the entire design phase, determining the direction and goals of subsequent hardware and software design, usually requiring repeated comparisons and weighing pros and cons before a final decision is made.

The results of the division have a significant impact on the workload of hardware and software design, especially for the design and implementation of embedded software, and have a considerable impact on the system’s performance and cost. After dividing the system’s hardware and software structure, hardware and software design can begin simultaneously, along with real-time system proposals.

2. Hardware-Software Integration Testing

The completed software system is loaded into the manufactured hardware system for comprehensive system testing to verify whether the system functions can be implemented correctly. This phase of work is the most complex and time-consuming in the entire development process, requiring appropriate auxiliary tools to ensure the normal operation of the system.

3. System Performance Testing and Reliability Testing

Test whether the final completed system performance meets the various performance indicators and requirements outlined in the design task document. If it meets the requirements, the correct software can be solidified in the target hardware; if not, it is necessary to return to the initial design phase to re-establish the design plan.

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