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<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 07/01/2014 06:59 PM, Antonious
Iskander wrote:<br>
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cite="mid:CAFAjCZMc_2a+qaWgZh4MeCH0xvRuv5Kf8bg1qdAqv4EAE_rCJA@mail.gmail.com"
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<div>I have a Pentium 4 CPU and I was wondering if I can use it
for embedded systems?<br>
<br>
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<div>Tony</div>
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<br>
You can, but you are going to have some issues. That CPU is a
general microprocessor and requires a number of support chips to
give you a complete computer. The least expensive and most readily
available solution is to use a PC motherboard designed for that
processor (it would be difficult to design a computer board with
all of the right trace lengths, support chips, and debug and test in
short order). You have many options for I/O and control systems:
multiple-port I/O boards with Linux drivers, using the existing
bidirectional parallel port and serial ports, and of course USB
interfaced devices.<br>
<br>
Back in the latter 1980's I used some PC clones using the '286
processor running UNIX and mounted them in manufacturing and
laboratory modules - embedding them - in place of PLC's. Because
the modules were about 30in x 60in, 4 to 6 ft tall and made of
extruded steel and aluminum, it was easy to fit the whole PCs inside
the base area along with all the DIN-rail relays and connectors and
such. I used Digiboard and clone I/O control boards (8 analog
inputs, 32 digital inputs, 16 digital outputs typically) for which
there were UNIX device drivers. Simple matter to read 16 bytes in
(inputs and flags and status), and output 2 bytes for the I/O.<br>
<br>
Because it was a PC, I had full local harddisk storage, plenty of
RAM, network communications, video monitor to display color
graphical output, touch-screen interface, a full OS that ran almost
realtime (I didn't demand that much of it) that allowed me to run
COTS applications as well as custom apps, and still control the
robotics in a fully safe and certifiable manner (meaning, it can be
tested by inspectors, follow regulated protocols, and behave the
same everytime no matter the environmental conditions). I did use
industrial grade chassis, shock mounts, chemical and vibration
resistant cases, keyboards and screens, and made sure all
connections and mechanics were to code. And I built in the embedded
software many fault-tolerant routines and safety features.<br>
<br>
Bottom line, to answer your question succinctly, yes you can, but
embedding a whole PC into your project.<br>
<br>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="80">--
Scott G. Hall
Raleigh, NC, USA
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:ScottGHall1@GMail.Com">ScottGHall1@GMail.Com</a>
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