# 104: Only the Paranoid Survive

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2015-06-10
- Length: 1h 04m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-10-104-only-the-paranoid-survive
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/embedded-ep104mp3

## Summary

Andreas Eieland, Director of Product Marketing at Atmel, discusses low-power embedded design, highlighting the EEMBC ULPBench benchmark and Atmel's SAM L21 microcontroller, which achieved a score of 185. He explains practical power optimization techniques, including using DMA, managing sleep modes, and leveraging peripherals like 'sleepwalking' to keep the CPU idle. The conversation also covers the trade-offs between process node size and leakage current, and the gap in performance for mid-range wearable devices. Finally, Eieland mentions upcoming Atmel products, including new Mega AVRs and the BTLC1000 BLE SoC, and notes the resolution of the Arduino legal dispute.

## Chapters

- [1:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-10-104-only-the-paranoid-survive#t=101) Introduction: Andreas Eieland and Atmel
- [2:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-10-104-only-the-paranoid-survive#t=177) EEMBC ULPBench and Benchmarking Challenges
- [8:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-10-104-only-the-paranoid-survive#t=510) Measuring Power: Tools and Techniques
- [15:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-10-104-only-the-paranoid-survive#t=951) Optimizing Arduino and Sleep Modes
- [19:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-10-104-only-the-paranoid-survive#t=1157) Using DMA and Sleepwalking for Efficiency
- [25:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-10-104-only-the-paranoid-survive#t=1514) Code Optimization and Compiler Tricks
- [32:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-10-104-only-the-paranoid-survive#t=1962) Process Nodes, Leakage, and the SAM L21
- [46:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-10-104-only-the-paranoid-survive#t=2806) The Wearable Performance Gap: Cortex-M vs. MPU
- [52:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-10-104-only-the-paranoid-survive#t=3135) Future Products: Mega AVRs and BTLC1000
- [1:02:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-10-104-only-the-paranoid-survive#t=3757) Arduino Legal Resolution and Conclusion

## Topics

- [Batteries & low-power design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/batteries-and-low-power)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Atmel (company)
- EEMBC (other)
- ULPBench (other)
- SAM L21 (product)
- TI (company)
- ST (company)
- Silabs (company)
- Cortex-M4 (chip)
- Cortex-A5 (chip)
- Arduino (product)
- BTLC1000 (product)

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- [AMD Low-Power Guru Addresses the Looming Electronics Power Challenge](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2022-10-25-amd-low-power-guru-addresses-the-looming-electronics-power-challenge) (Moore's Lobby)
- [LEDs Everywhere with Tim from Mitxela](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-07-08-leds-everywhere-with-tim-from-mitxela) (The Amp Hour)
- [An Interview with Øyvind Janbu - Feracious Fabless Facilitator](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2012-05-14-an-interview-with-yvind-janbu-feracious-fabless-facilitator) (The Amp Hour)
- [Sipping Coulombs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-04-23-sipping-coulombs) (The Amp Hour)
- [Big Arduino Uno changes, STM32 power management, Pi Pico Security, and more!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2023-04-13-big-arduino-uno-changes-stm32-power-management-pi-pico-security-and-more) (The Electromaker Show)

## Citing this page

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