Exploring Machine Learning Enabled Microcontrollers As An Alternative To Linux-Based MPUs

In today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape, the distinction between microcontrollers (MCUs) and micro processors (MPUs) is blurring with the introduction of high-performance Arm Cortex M processors. A compelling proposition emerges when a highly integrated device, PSOC™ Edge MCU, combines the power of the Cortex®M55 with advanced graphic peripherals, DSP Helium, and a neural network Ethos™-U55. This combination provides MPUlike capabilities but maintains the system design simplicity of an MCU. The integration of the PSOC™ Edge paves the way for a paradigm shift in embedded system design, where the traditionally MPU-dominated Cortex®A5 or Cortex®A7 can be replaced. By leveraging the CortexM55’s high-performance and power-efficient core together with DSP capabilities, neural network acceleration, and GPUs, a new era of compact and intelligent devices can be created.

This combination is an ideal foundation for diverse applications that demand real-time responsiveness, low-power consumption, and efficient data processing. Integrating graphics peripherals and 2.5D Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) facilitates enhanced visual experiences, rich user interfaces, and advanced graphical data processing. In addition, the inclusion of a DSP Helium enables efficient digital signal processing and accelerates multimedia tasks. The neural network accelerator: Ethos-U55 adds an intelligent dimension to the system, facilitating machine learning and inference tasks for a wide range of AI driven applications. The PSOC™ architecture based on Cortex®M55 core, coupled with its integrated peripherals, provides a seamless platform for developing innovative applications spanning IoT, commercial lighting and HVAC controls, consumer electronics, IoT, and more.

While the MCU has many benefits over the MPU, one of the main reasons many applications use MPUs is for their Linux support. Linux provides a wide array of connectivity, device drivers, community support, modular design, extensive hardware support, and scalability. This, and the availability of opensource middleware allows OEMs to develop products at minimum cost. Furthermore, applications are portable across a variety of hardware from different vendors.

In this paper, we discuss how applications can leverage the design simplicity of MCUs without losing the real-time operating system (RTOS) benefits of Linux. We explore how to replace entry-level, Linux based MPUs with high performance MCUs using the Zephyr RTOS. We discuss the advantages of this transition, including improved system performance, reduced power consumption, and enhanced real-time responsiveness. We also outline the design considerations, challenges, and best practices involved in migrating from MPUs to MCUs and highlight the potential impact on diverse industries.

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