A constraint satisfaction algorithm for microcontroller selection and pin assignment

Abstract

In prototyping and design of embedded systems, selection of the smallest possible microcontroller necessary to meet system requirements while minimizing power consumption and design size is desirable. With the myriad of microcontrollers available on the market, selecting the ideal microcontroller is a non-trivial task. In this work, we address this problem through the implementation of a constraint satisfaction algorithm that will assist in microcontroller selection by matching design requirements to the capabilities of individual microcontroller pins.