182 Hardware and Device Characteristics
182.1 Overview
This chapter series covers the hardware foundations of IoT systems, from basic processor selection to advanced System-on-Chip architectures. Understanding hardware characteristics is essential for designing efficient, cost-effective, and power-optimized IoT solutions.
182.2 Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter series, you will be able to:
- Compare MCUs and MPUs: Distinguish microcontrollers from microprocessors and select appropriate processors for IoT applications
- Evaluate Hardware Specifications: Interpret processor datasheets including clock speed, memory, and I/O capabilities
- Select IoT Platforms: Choose between Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and other platforms based on requirements
- Analyze Power Budgets: Calculate power consumption for battery-powered IoT devices
- Design Memory Architecture: Plan RAM, ROM, and flash storage requirements for embedded applications
- Assess Connectivity Options: Select appropriate communication interfaces (GPIO, SPI, I2C, UART) for sensor integration
- Understand SoC Architecture: Analyze internal block diagrams of IoT System-on-Chip designs including CPU cores, RF subsystems, DSP accelerators, and power management
- Evaluate Hardware Accelerators: Understand the power savings from dedicated DSP blocks (FFT, CORDIC, MAC) versus software implementations
182.3 Chapter Series
This content is organized into three focused chapters:
182.3.1 1. MCU vs MPU Selection for IoT
Covers the fundamental distinction between microcontrollers and microprocessors:
- Beginner-friendly introduction to IoT hardware “brains”
- MCU vs MPU architecture comparison with visual diagrams
- Decision frameworks for processor selection
- Real-world examples (smart thermostat, deployment cost analysis)
- Common pitfalls and misconceptions
- RTOS vs bare-metal firmware tradeoffs
Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: ~25 minutes
182.3.2 2. Power Management and Device Interfaces
Read: Power Management and Interfaces
Covers power optimization and hardware interfacing:
- Power mode hierarchy (active, idle, light sleep, deep sleep)
- Leakage current and temperature effects
- Case study: 5-year battery life soil sensor deployment
- GPIO pin modes and voltage compatibility
- PWM for LED, motor, and servo control
- ADC resolution calculations
- On-device vs gateway processing tradeoffs
Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: ~20 minutes
182.3.3 3. IoT System-on-Chip Architecture
Covers advanced SoC internals for hardware engineers:
- Commercial SoC analysis (TI CC2650 block diagram)
- Research-grade ultra-low-power SoC (6.45µW)
- Hardware accelerators: FFT, CORDIC, FIR, MAC
- Asymmetric radio architecture
- Energy harvesting with MPPT
- Die area breakdown and cost implications
- Commercial vs research SoC comparison
Difficulty: Advanced | Time: ~18 minutes
182.4 Quick Reference
| Topic | Chapter | Key Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| MCU vs MPU basics | MCU vs MPU | Integration, cost, power, OS requirements |
| Platform selection | MCU vs MPU | ESP32, Arduino, Raspberry Pi comparison |
| Power budgets | Power & Interfaces | Sleep modes, duty cycling, battery life |
| GPIO/PWM | Power & Interfaces | Pin modes, voltage levels, motor control |
| SoC internals | SoC Architecture | Dual cores, RF subsystems, accelerators |
| Hardware accelerators | SoC Architecture | FFT, CORDIC, 20-100x power savings |
182.5 Prerequisites
Before starting this chapter series, you should be familiar with:
- Basic Electronics: Understanding of voltage, current, resistance, and digital logic
- Networking Basics for IoT: Communication protocols and connectivity
- Edge, Fog, and Cloud Overview: Where devices fit in IoT architecture
182.7 What’s Next
Start with MCU vs MPU Selection if you’re new to IoT hardware, or jump directly to Power Management or SoC Architecture based on your experience level.