Microprocessor selection for handheld personal computers

Selecting a microprocessor for PDAs, PICs and HPCs involves careful evaluation in a three dimensional space. Historically, the optimization point has been found in embedded designs by evaluating performance, power consumption and cost. These constraints made the selection reasonably straightforward. Today, the optimization point for handheld computer like devices, especially HPCs, is different. HPCs greatly resemble laptops, so they need to be expandable, have a broad base of ISVs targeting their customers, and have a standard operating system and GUI. Additionally, product differentiation depends on CPU speed, “user perceived” performance, amount of memory, and cost. Finally, increasing density levels achieved by current CMOS processes allow the implementation of systems on silicon geared to achieve optimal performance, with minimum cost and power consumption