13 - Selecting a microprocessor architecture

Abstract

This chapter discusses the selection procedure of a microprocessor architecture. There is no single processor architecture that is the panacea to every application, and even though much manufacturers attempt to declare that a processor is meant for a particular application or market, it is the ultimate use of the product which determines its suitability. This choice is made by the end user and not the supplier. Every processor has its strengths and weaknesses. The most dominant factor in choosing processor architecture is based on whether it met the performance needs. This greatly simplifies the selection process and leads to a performance drive in product offerings. The manufacturer with the fastest processor generally has a big edge over any competitor. However, with the diversification of architectures available, which overlap each other in terms of performance, a far greater understanding of other factors such as system cost and upgrading starts to come into play. With a choice of processors offering the needed throughput, these other factors become very critical. With the shortening design cycle and the higher competitive nature of many electronics industries, the planning of midlife upgrades and new products becomes extremely critical.