Column: MCUs
Large-scale settings In large-scale industrial applications, the advantage of a networked approach with an MCU in the edge node goes beyond reducing the workload of the central processor – it also optimises the data transfer process. This way, the local MCU processes and filters data at the edge, which can reduce the volume of data being transferred, improving network efficiency. For engineers the challenge in
designing these systems lies in the sheer scale of industrial settings. With potentially thousands of individual modules within a single building, the cost and complexity of operating such a system can quickly become overwhelming, leading to increased production and maintenance costs. This is where 8-bit MCUs prove invaluable. Unlike their more powerful and complex counterparts, they are better suited
for these tasks. 8-bit MCUs minimise redundant overhead, resulting in more streamlined and cost-effective systems. With a single 8-bit MCU, the savings
might be minor, but in large-scale industrial setups, their combined benefits are exponentially magnified, including the advantages of ongoing diagnostics and fault finding.
Not all 8bit MCUs are ‘born’ the same However, not all 8-bit MCUs are made equally. When choosing microcontrollers for industrial applications, it is important to consider the key design requirements, like speed, complexity, peripherals and flash memory. This is something Microchip
Technology engineers have kept in mind when developing the company’s product range, which comprises many solutions, each meeting unique industrial
requirements. This includes rugged and reliable 8-bit solutions tailored for industrial settings, offering innovative features and standard support, like the IEC 60730 Class B library (UL-certified) and ISO 26262 FMEDA functional safety. Industrial design is not a straight-
forward field: The term itself encompasses a wide array of sectors, systems and functions, illustrating the discipline’s complexity. Whilst engineers working on industrial demands may have wildly different priorities and considerations, there are still many shared factors. Achieving goals like simplifying the system’s architecture, reducing energy consumption and lowering costs are top priorities for all engineers, and to accomplish these objectives, many will rely on 8-bit MCUs – especially as their designs expand and require distributed intelligence.
VoloCity by Volocopter
www.electronicsworld.co.uk March 2024 13
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