Microprocessors ߝ their impact on the systems designer

This article reviews the engineering design process where the proposed system is based on a microprocessor. It is often assumed that such design begins and ends with writing programs and running them on an existing microprocessor. We show that the principles of sound design are unchanged by the use of microprocessors. Where the microprocessor changes the situation is in the greatly reduced complexity of hardware, the increased range of choice in design, and the availability of powerful design aids at reasonable cost