https://www.iotworldtoday.com/wp-content/themes/ioti_child/assets/images/logo/mobile-logo.png
  • Home
  • News
    • Back
    • Roundups
  • Strategy
  • Special Reports
  • Business Resources
    • Back
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Industry Perspectives
    • Featured Vendors
  • Other Content
    • Back
    • Q&As
    • Case Studies
    • Features
    • How-to
    • Opinion
    • Podcasts
    • Strategic Partners
    • Latest videos
  • More
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Editorial Submissions
  • Events
    • Back
    • Embedded IoT World (Part of DesignCon) 2022
Iot World Today
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Home
  • News
    • Back
    • Roundups
  • Strategy
  • Special Reports
  • Business Resources
    • Back
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Industry Perspectives
    • Featured Vendors
  • Other Content
    • Back
    • Q&As
    • Case Studies
    • Features
    • How-to
    • Opinion
    • Podcasts
    • Strategic Partners
    • Latest videos
  • More
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Editorial Submissions
  • Events
    • Back
    • Embedded IoT World (Part of DesignCon) 2022
  • newsletter
  • IIoT
  • Cities
  • Energy
  • Homes/Buildings
  • Transportation/Logistics
  • Connected Health Care
  • Retail
  • AI
  • Metaverse
  • Development
  • Security
ioti.com

Embedded Computing


Thinkstock

Green microchip set in a blue printed circuit board

Arm Strengthens Framework For IoT Microcontroller Applications

There’s more open source development functionality on the way for microcontroller-driven applications running from Arm’s products.
  • Written by Callum Cyrus
  • 22nd June 2021

Arm has launched an open source initiative to encompass elements of its abstraction software for IoT microcontroller applications.

The Common Microcontroller Software Interface Standard (CMSIS) provides development access to Arm’s Cortex-M microprocessor range, along with peripherals and middleware.

The new Open-CMSIS-Pack aims to help software engineers reuse command-line development tools and programming code across multiple microcontroller-based applications.

Arm’s announcement comes as the Internet of Things (IoT) experiences growth given device rollouts and computational upgrades, bringing new IoT devices to hospitals, gyms and factories.

Why Microcontroller Units for IoT?

But bandwidth congestion and security concerns have sparked demand for beefed-up end devices, to support data protection and reduce latency.

Microcontroller units (MCUs) are integrated stacks that contain not just the microprocessor but also built-in RAM, connectivity options and ports toward external inputs such as sensors. In effect, this makes them a self-contained computer.

Many IoT devices currently in operation use microcontroller units. They tend to be more cost- and space-efficient than using microprocessors coupled with miniaturized peripherals. A low-voltage microcontroller can run using just milliwatts of electricity, but it has less computational power and flexibility than traditional CPUs.

Basic IoT devices – dumb sensors, for example, with just a 1 and 0 switch – don’t require a microcontroller.

IT pros must weigh several objectives to determine which microcontroller best fits their needs. Certain MCUs units dissipate substantial heat from their circuits, which poses difficulties for always-on devices such as industrial sensors.

Another key decision is whether to go for a single or multi-task architecture.

Consider the implications of Moore’s Law – whereby transistors on the typical semiconductor wafer doubles every two years or so. As embedded microcontrollers become more powerful, IoT devices will evolve to supplant more cloud-hosted functionality. But only if manufacturers can prevent inflated development lead-times and energy usage.

Higher-end MCUs often combine low-energy controllers with processing units that are dedicated to implementing deep learning networks, for purposes such as computer vision. An MCU-hosted algorithm might comb through videos as stored on the end-device, before dispatching only relevant information to cloud-hosted analytics services. Meanwhile, cybersecurity flaws in IoT networks could be automatically identified using advanced machine learning technology.

According to Omdia’s research, high-power embedded microcontrollers are winning market share.

Revenue for 32-bit MCUs chipsets could reach around $2.2 billion this year, versus around $650 million for 8 or 16-bit products, according to Omdia.

The divide was far narrower in 2016, when 8 or 16-bit chipsets generated $800 million of revenue versus $1.3 billion for 32-bit models.

That suggests more IoT devices installed today are going beyond fundamental sensory awareness to fulfil complex computational requirements.

But adding 32-bit units to the mix risks overwhelming IT pros, who must ensure IoT networks avert sprawl and maintain compatibility with legacy systems.

It was in this vein that Arm’s CMSIS was designed. The idea is to address MCU software compatibility issues, given the wide assortment of IoT endpoints.

For example, IT pros can access support for almost 9,000 distinct microcontroller products via CMSIS’s software packaging component.

The trajectory to simplified MCU development emulates the progression of computer microprocessors in the 1970s.  At the beginning of the personal computing revolution, developers were presented with a string of 8 and 16-bit processors, but the CPU’s instruction architecture was rationalized in the following decade, which made building software simpler.

With NVIDIA’s proposed acquisition on the horizon, Arm is working to cement its foothold in the IoT microcontroller sector.

Its MCUs build on the compact, machine learning-focused processors in its Cortex-M range. Edge-driven computer vision and anomaly detection are some of the biggest draws.

“In the wireless MCUs that I track, the ARM architecture dominates almost completely. Five years ago, I’d say that ARM accounted for maybe 60% of wireless MCU designs and maybe about 80% of the unit volume,” said Lee Ratliff, senior principal analyst at Omdia. “Today, I’d say those numbers are closer to 90% and 95% respectively.”

Ultimately, the trend should go a long way to accomplishing the mission of bringing computational loads to the edge. In practice, however, the shift will require more than just highly powered MCUs, Ratliff said.

Most enterprises need to think through the logistics of distributing compute between edge and cloud settings.

Infrastructure designs will be crucial – there’s scarce use in running machine learning from endpoints, only for the results to be stuck in a network logjam.

“MCUs have become more powerful and that may have shifted some of the computational load from the cloud, but I don’t think it’s become a [definite] trend yet.

“More will come in future. I don’t believe that a lack of computational power is what is preventing edge computing,” said Ratliff. “I think splitting the computation between edge and cloud is a pretty significant change in how the IoT is architected and changes of that magnitude always take longer than you would think.”

Tags: Developers Article embedded Embedded Computing Architecture News

Related


  • Dell Technologies World 2022: Michael Dell Talks What’s Next in Tech
    A key opportunity for the company is the growth in edge computing
  • Nations Ranking Highest for Efficiently Deploying Cloud
    Where did the U.S. place?
  • Image shows a metaverse concept background with perspective and copy space - 3d illustration
    Businesses Gear up for the Metaverse
    What is the Metaverse and does it already exist?
  • Digital Pets Company
    Lonely in the Metaverse? Breed and Train Your AI-Driven Virtual Dog
    Pets autonomously learn and interact with owners – like in real life

Leave a comment Cancel reply

-or-

Log in with your IoT World Today account

Alternatively, post a comment by completing the form below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Content

  • How a Quantum Computer Actually Works
  • Nvidia Launches Toolset to Accelerate Quantum Adoption
  • Researchers Launch First Quantum Computer in Israel
  • Alphabet Spins Out Quantum Company

Roundups

View all

IoT Product Roundup: PTC, Nokia, Arm and More

19th May 2022

IoT Deals, Partnerships Roundup: Intel, Nauto, Helium and more

14th May 2022

IoT Product Roundup: Amazon, Synaptics, Urban Control and More

27th April 2022

White Papers

View all

The Role of Manufacturing Technology in Continuous Improvement Ebook

6th April 2022

IIoT Platform Trends for Manufacturing in 2022

6th April 2022

Latest Videos

View all
Dylan Kennedy of EMQ

Embedded IoT World 2022: Dylan Kennedy of EMQ

Dylan Kennedy, EMQ’s VP of global operations, sat down with Chuck Martin at Embedded IoT World 2022.

Embedded IoT World 2022: Omdia’s Sang Oh Talks Vehicle Chip Shortage

Omdia’s automotive semiconductor analyst sits down with Chuck Martin at this year’s event

E-books

View all

How Remote Access Helps Enterprises Improve IT Service and Employee Satisfaction

12th January 2022

An Integrated Approach to IoT Security

6th November 2020

Webinars

View all

Rethinking the Database in the IoT Era

18th May 2022

Jumpstarting Industrial IoT solutions with an edge data management platform

12th May 2022

AI led Digital Transformation of Manufacturing: Time is NOW

9th December 2021

Special Reports

View all

Omdia’s Smart Home Market Dynamics Report

7th January 2022

Cybersecurity Protection Increasingly Depends on Machine Learning

28th October 2020

IoT Security Best Practices for Industry and Enterprise

20th October 2020

Twitter

IoTWorldToday, IoTWorldSeries

Europe’s First Automated Gas Station Convenience Store dlvr.it/SR45J9 https://t.co/eDJDJ7CxkI

25th May 2022
IoTWorldToday, IoTWorldSeries

Zero-Emission, Autonomous Cargo Ship Under Development dlvr.it/SR3xgb https://t.co/3oU7CrKWkW

25th May 2022
IoTWorldToday, IoTWorldSeries

Hannover Messe 2022: 5 Key Themes at This Year’s Show dlvr.it/SR3wtW https://t.co/j0fQUiU2LW

25th May 2022
IoTWorldToday, IoTWorldSeries

Can AI Help Stop Mass Shootings? dlvr.it/SR3tqK https://t.co/VxPBdajWA3

25th May 2022
IoTWorldToday, IoTWorldSeries

China has revealed an autonomous marine drone carrier dlvr.it/SR3qXs https://t.co/yMiiqeMNrZ

25th May 2022
IoTWorldToday, IoTWorldSeries

ISQ’s #UAV inspection drones will be on display at this year’s @hannover_messe dlvr.it/SR35dg https://t.co/U6QOQtMbGw

25th May 2022
IoTWorldToday, IoTWorldSeries

👀 Looking to integrate #AI into your manufacturing process? Explore how #manufacturers can begin the process of… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

25th May 2022
IoTWorldToday, IoTWorldSeries

The U.S. Army is getting a 5G boost for #AR #VR capabilities from #5G network provider @OceusNetworks.… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

24th May 2022

Newsletter

Sign up for IoT World Today newsletters: vertical industry coverage on Tuesdays and horizontal tech coverage on Thursdays.

Special Reports

Our Special Reports take an in-depth look at key topics within the IoT space. Download our latest reports.

Business Resources

Find the latest white papers and other resources from selected vendors.

Media Kit and Advertising

Want to reach our audience? Access our media kit.

DISCOVER MORE FROM INFORMA TECH

  • IoT World Series
  • Channel Futures
  • RISC-V
  • Dark Reading
  • ITPro Today
  • Web Hosting Talk

WORKING WITH US

  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Login/Register

FOLLOW IoT World Today ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2022 Informa PLC. Informa PLC is registered in England and Wales with company number 8860726 whose registered and Head office is 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.
This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
X