Speeding Up Your Projects With Direct Memory Access
1 min read
Summary
Direct Memory Access (DMA) is a useful tool for embedded devices as it allows data to be transferred without the need of the CPU, enabling the CPU to continue with other calculations simultaneously, thus speeding up processes.
DMA was previously a staple of computers, but its use has declined due to security concerns.
DMA can be useful for managing LEDs, screens, or sound, as well as more complex processes such as direct memory to device communication.
modern computers are designed to have minimal PIO (programmed input/output), where data is transferred under the control of the CPU, which is the slowest part of the system and therefore slows down response times.
instead, the goal is for virtually all input and output operations to use DMA, as it enables the CPU to run more quickly and efficiently and therefore respond faster.
the use of function pointers and multithreading in C and C++ can also assist in speeding up operations and reducing abstraction.
overall, DMA and other tools can enable more efficient use of hardware and enable more complex processes or simultaneous operations to run smoothly.
