Introduction to Heterogeneous Computing in Embedded Systems
Most embedded developers start with single-core microcontrollers - Arduino, STM32, ESP32. One processor handles everything: sensors, processing, communication, UI.
But modern applications need more. That's where heterogeneous computing comes in.
Instead of one generalist processor, you use multiple specialized cores: - App core for main logic - Network core for wireless protocols - DSP core for signal processing - AI accelerators for machine learning
Three main approaches: - Wireless-first - Nordic nRF5340 (dual ARM M33) - Real-time + performance - NXP i.MX RT1170 (M7 + M4) - AI at edge - TI TDA4VM (A72 + R5F + DSP + GPU)
Benefits: True parallel processing, better power efficiency, optimized performance per core.
Challenges: More complex development, inter-core communication, debugging multiple cores simultaneously.
If you're building IoT devices, industrial controls, or anything with AI/vision, understanding heterogeneous computing is becoming essential.
Planning a deep-dive video series on this topic. Which approach interests you most for your projects?
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Introduction to Heterogeneous Computing in Embedded Systems
Most embedded developers start with single-core microcontrollers - Arduino, STM32, ESP32. One processor handles everything: sensors, processing, communication, UI.
But modern applications need more. That's where heterogeneous computing comes in.
Instead of one generalist processor, you use multiple specialized cores:
- App core for main logic
- Network core for wireless protocols
- DSP core for signal processing
- AI accelerators for machine learning
Three main approaches:
- Wireless-first - Nordic nRF5340 (dual ARM M33)
- Real-time + performance - NXP i.MX RT1170 (M7 + M4)
- AI at edge - TI TDA4VM (A72 + R5F + DSP + GPU)
Benefits: True parallel processing, better power efficiency, optimized performance per core.
Challenges: More complex development, inter-core communication, debugging multiple cores simultaneously.
If you're building IoT devices, industrial controls, or anything with AI/vision, understanding heterogeneous computing is becoming essential.
Planning a deep-dive video series on this topic. Which approach interests you most for your projects?
#EmbeddedSystems #Microcontrollers #ARM #IoT #EdgeAI
6 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 8