core module

Processor Core Modules

Processor core modules contain integrated electronic components that can be used for processing in various embedded system applications. They can be mounted on the motherboards serving as secondary processor. As secondary processor a module can add more features such as more connectivity options. These modules can be used as main processor as well.

Processor Core Functionalities

Processor core modules add number of functionalities to the systems they are added. In fact basic function of a processor core module is to expand the functions of an existing system. Processor core modules can serve as a single board computer for industrial applications. They also enhance embedded features including multiple device interfaces. Most often processor core modules are used to add Ethernet connectivity.

Industrial applications of Processor Core modules

Processor core modules are extensively used to develop embedded systems for industrial applications. They are required in almost every industry because they can serve a dedicated function as an embedded system. Processor core modules are used in car industry to control the antilock brakes in the car. Other uses include video games, home appliances, lunar landing modules, and guidance control systems.

Processor Cores in embedded system design

Processor cores are suitable to develop custom embedded system design. In such a design software for running the application is kept the firmware of the module. The firmware is burnt in ROM or some flash memory. Processor core also reduce the overall cost of the system.

IP Cores

IP cores are the printed circuit boards (PCBs) or integrated circuits (ICs). IP cores, as name indicates, are intellectual property. This means that only the licensee has copyrights of an IP Core. They are licensed to OEM (original equipment manufacturers).

IP Core Components

Main components of an IP core are FPGA or ASIC. This means that IP core contains a reusable hardware. Other components include DSP (digital signal processor), interface controller, storage controllers, encryption and decryption support, and visualizations. Some IP Cores also provide networking capability. IP Cores are based on industry standards and used in embedded system or applications.

IP Core Designs

Various companies around the world supply IP Cores. The users provide the specifications to the companies. Then IP cores are designed and tested according to the specifications. So the user gets a pre-designed and pre-tested IC (integrated circuit). There are several tools available for IP core Designing and testing. The most common of all are EDA (electronic design automation) tools. These include simulators, debuggers, pipeline generators, bus width generator, and other such tools.