Among software engineers, the most popular tool used for learning a processor and testing code before the target system is ready is the microprocessor evaluation board. This is a board with the target microprocessor and some memory, that typically uses a network connection or a serial port to communicate with the host. It allows initial code to be developed, downloaded, and tested. Target tools are used to debug and verify the code. Many software engineers prefer to use the evaluation board since the tools are the same as those that will be used when the system is ready and it is most like working with the true product being developed. Every microprocessor vendor has an evaluation board for sale soon after the processor is available, usually at a very reasonable price. Vendors also provide sample code and even hardware schematics for the board. Some embedded system designs even go so far as to copy the evaluation board and just add a small amount of custom hardware or even buy and use the evaluation board in a product without modification. This is very tempting to get a hardware design quickly, but the boards are not usually designed for higher production volume products. Check the cost and the reliability of the design before directly using an evaluation board as part of a product. If the embedded system contains a fair amount of custom hardware, the evaluation board is less useful. Depending on the amount and nature of the custom hardware, it may be possible to modify the evaluation board by including extra programmable logic or other semiconductor devices to make it look and act more like the target system design.
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