What Happened To Execute-in-Place?


Executing code directly from non-volatile memory, where it is stored, greatly simplifies compute architectures — especially for simple embedded devices like microcontrollers (MCUs). However, the divergence of memory and logic processes has made that nearly impossible today. The term “execute-in-place,” or ”XIP,” originated with the embedded NOR memory in MCUs that made XIP viable. ... » read more

Resetting Serial Memory When A System Failure Occurs


Stability is an important consideration in embedded design, but electronic systems can suffer malfunctions triggered by a myriad of root causes. These include poor signal integrity, power spikes, software errors, and erroneous user interaction, just to name a few. These anomalies, in turn, can lead to inconsistent system operation or can even cause the system to hang. Although the list of po... » read more