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EEMBC benchmark to reveal truth behind MCU ultra-low power claims

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Harmeet
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EL DORADO HILLS, USA: The Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium (EEMBC) announced the availability of the first version of EEMBC ULPBench, a standardized, industry-developed and endorsed method to encourage microcontroller vendors to provide application developers with accurate, reliable information that allows them to equitably compare the efficiency of microcontrollers targeted at Ultra-Low Power (ULP) applications.

These extremely efficient controllers target operating battery life that must be measured in months, years, and even decades. ULP applications could include portable or implantable medical devices, security systems, building automation, smart metering, energy-harvesting devices, smart-dust environment monitoring, and a whole host of cool applications targeting the emerging Internet of Things (IoT).

ULPBench consolidates a series of tests that EEMBC will roll out over time, accounting for a broad range of microcontroller functions and power efficiency. The first version, ULPBench-CP (core profile), measures CPU core efficiency, as well as the microcontroller's real-time clock and calendar function (RTCC), and power modes. Subsequent versions will focus on real-world applications utilizing integrated hardware and peripheral functions.

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