Emulation techniques for microcontrollers

Microcontrollers and microprocessors have become very complex in recent times and the trend for more complexity is every increasing. Of course, complexity has led to larger packages with pin counts exceeding 160 pins. As larger packages are definitely harder to handle during assembly, pressure has been placed on integrated circuit manufacturers to make pins perform multiple functions where possible so that pin count can be somewhat kept under control. Speed is another issue. Microcontrollers are running at speeds exceeding 20 MHz now and already there are planned versions to run at still higher speeds. All of these factors translate into one very harsh realization: building an in circuit emulator for these new devices is very challenging