What Is a Microcomputer Evaluation Board?
A microcomputer evaluation board is a tool used for developing software for single-chip microcomputers, typically provided by the microcomputer’s manufacturer.
These boards are essential in the early stages of software development, especially when the final device is not yet available. They allow developers to test and debug software without having to design a complete circuit, including peripheral circuits. This approach saves time by isolating software issues from potential hardware defects.
As these boards are guaranteed to function correctly by the manufacturer, developers can focus on software debugging more efficiently.
Uses of Microcomputer Evaluation Boards
Microcomputer evaluation boards are used for developing and testing software in various contexts, particularly when the final hardware design is still in progress. They serve as virtual target devices, enabling software development in the absence of the actual hardware.
Principle of Microcomputer Evaluation Boards
These boards contain essential hardware components required for a microcomputer, such as a reset circuit, an oscillator, display units (like 7-segment LEDs or LCDs), input switches, and serial communication interfaces. They are compatible with various emulators for enhanced debugging and testing.
1. ICE (In-Circuit Emulator)
An ICE emulates a microcomputer’s CPU, allowing program verification directly on the development board. It’s equipped with emulation chips and memory, handling peripheral circuit operations on the target board.
2. On-Chip Emulator
Some flash memory-based microcontrollers have built-in debugging modules. Commands from a development environment are converted by a debugging cable or a converter on the target board, facilitating communication with the microcontroller’s CPU.
3. JTAG Emulator
JTAG emulators, complying with the JTAG standard for testing integrated circuits and boards, are a type of on-chip emulator that aids in debugging and testing, even on difficult-to-probe boards like those with BGA packages.
In cases where the hardware required for control software development isn’t available on the evaluation board, additional hardware boards can be connected to augment its capabilities.
Other Information on Microcomputer Evaluation Boards
1. How to Use a Microcomputer Evaluation Board
These boards can execute software, output electrical signals, and in some cases, facilitate network communication testing. They usually support programming in languages like C.
2. Microcomputer Evaluation Board FPGA
FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) are devices for creating rewritable logic circuits. They allow on-the-spot corrections using hardware language to describe semiconductor circuits. These circuits include basic logic gates like AND, OR, NOT, and combinations like NAND, NOR, and EXOR, which can be operated by rewriting in hardware language.
2. Difference From Microcontroller Development Boards
Microcontroller development boards cater to embedded and IoT device development, supporting a range of 8-bit to 64-bit microcontrollers. Some can run real-time OS or Linux for IoT applications, focusing on controlling sensors and drive systems. They are versatile tools for program testing and circuit testing in early development stages.