Firmware (Software for Hardware)
Embedded Firmware Design Document Firmware is often referred to as “software for hardware”. Firmware provides instructions to help hardware start up, communicate with other devices, and perform basic input/output tasks. There are typically three levels of firmware: Low-level firmware: This firmware is usually stored in non-volatile memory chips like read-only memory (ROM) and one-time programmable (OTP) memory. These chips cannot be rewritten or updated, and the firmware is intrinsic to the hardware, such as a computer. High-level firmware: This firmware is deployed within flash memory chips and comes with more complex instructions that allow updates to be made. Subsystems: These are semi-independent devices that are part of a more extensive system. Firmware at this level is embedded within central processing units (CPUs), flash chips, and liquid crystal display (LCD) units. Types of firmware : BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) :- The Basic Input/O...