Hi,
I am currently taking an embedded systems design class, where we are building a computer using an ARM7 microcontroller. The class used to be based on the 8086 processor, which could easily be mounted on a breadboard for prototyping. After switching to the ARM, it was more difficult to do the prototyping since the AT91M42800A only comes in a 144 pin surface mount package. A special PCB was then designed to connect the important pins of the chip to the breadboard through a DIP package. I suppose a schematic would be more understandable:
Now my question is, how is prototyping performed on chips like these, where you can't directly connect a breadboard? Do they typically build the entire system as a PCB, get it printed and then see if it works (going through the process again if it doesn't)? Or are there any parts that could convert between the two packaging, similar to the one above, except more generic?
I am really curious as to how things work in the industry.
Thanks, Berk Birand