Lance Harvie Blog on EmbeddedRelated.com

How to Achieve Deterministic Behavior in Real-Time Embedded Systems

Lance Harvie — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:42:59 +0000

Ensuring deterministic behavior in real-time embedded systems is paramount for their reliability and performance. The ability to predict precisely how a system will respond to various inputs at any given time is crucial in critical applications such as medical devices, aerospace systems, and automotive safety mechanisms. Achieving deterministic behavior involves meticulous design, stringent...

How to Design Reliable Reset Circuits for Embedded Microcontrollers

Lance Harvie — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:40:26 +0000

In the world of embedded systems, the reset circuit is a critical component that ensures the microcontroller starts up correctly and recovers gracefully from unexpected events like power fluctuations or software crashes. A poorly designed reset circuit can lead to erratic behavior, system lockups, or even permanent damage to the microcontroller. For embedded engineers, designing a...

Optimizing Real-Time Operating Systems for Efficient Edge Devices

Lance Harvie — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 05:22:38 +0000

Edge computing has become a crucial technology in today's world, requiring real-time operating systems (RTOS) to provide the necessary capabilities for efficient resource management, optimal performance, and reliable operation of edge devices. Let’s have a look at the key features and benefits of RTOS for edge computing, including the challenges, solutions, best practices, and future...

How to Implement Image Processing Algorithms in FPGA Hardware

Lance Harvie — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 23:54:54 +0000

Image processing plays a crucial role in various applications, from medical imaging to computer vision and multimedia systems. Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) offer a versatile and efficient platform for implementing image processing algorithms. The unique features of FPGA hardware, such as parallelism and reconfigurability, enable high-performance and real-time processing, making it an...

What is Pulse Width Modulation and How Does It Work?

Lance Harvie — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 14:50:35 +0000

Learning and mastering Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a crucial skill that empowers you to control the intensity of various devices and components, from LEDs to motors and beyond. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of PWM, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to not just understand, but also implement PWM effectively in your electronic projects.

What...

Mastering Modern FPGA Skills for Engineers

Lance Harvie — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 05:13:57 +0000

In today's rapidly evolving technology landscape, engineers seeking to remain competitive and in demand must focus on mastering modern FPGA (field programmable gate array) skills. This article explores how a comprehensive understanding of FPGA technology can unlock your engineering potential.

FPGA Architecture

A solid grasp of FPGA architecture is fundamental for engineers working with...

Moulding the Embedded Systems Engineers of Tomorrow: Adapting to a Constantly Transforming Technological Terrain

Lance Harvie — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:56:40 +0000

In the early days of my career, embedded systems engineers were the quiet heroes, armed with logic analyzers and soldering irons, capable of building the heart of devices, from simple digital watches to complex spacecraft control systems. They mastered the art of squeezing performance from minimal resources, their genius manifest in every piece of technology humming silently, unseen, but...