Embedded

System
Chapter 1 - Introduction

Prepared by Engr. Rynefel Elopre

Learning Objective
At the end of the topics, the students be able to

• Understand what is embedded system

• Acknowledge the history of embedded system
• Describe the characteristics and importance of embedded system
• Illustrate the difference between microprocessor and microcontroller
• Interpret and demonstrate the architectural block diagram of an embedded system
• Differentiate the types of embedded system
Learning Topics
1. History of Embedded System
2. Characteristics of an Embedded System
3. Important Terminologies used in Embedded System
4. What is Microcontroller
5. What is Microprocessor
6. Architecture of the Embedded System
7. Types of Embedded System
8. Difference between Microprocessor and Microcontroller
9. Application of Embedded System
10. Advantages of Embedded System
11. Disadvantages of Embedded System
History of Embedded System
Here, are important milestones from the history of embedded system:

• In 1960, embedded system was first used for developing Apollo Guidance Sys
tem by Charles Stark Draper at MIT.
• In 1965, Auto-netics, developed the D-17B, the computer used in the Minutem
an missile guidance system.
• In 1968, the first embedded system for a vehicle was released.
• Texas Instruments developed the first microcontroller in 1971.
• In 1987, the first embedded OS, VxWorks, was released by Wind River.
• Microsoft's Windows embedded CE in 1996.
• By the late 1990s, the first embedded Linux system appeared.
• The embedded market reach $140 billion in 2013.
• Analysts are projecting an Embedded market larger than $40 billion by 2030.
Characteristics of an Embedded System
Characteristics of an Embedded System

Following are important characteristics of an embedded system:

• Requires real time performance

• It should have high availability and reliability.

• Developed around a real-time operating system

• Usually, have easy and a diskless operation, ROM boot

• Designed for one specific task

Characteristics of an Embedded System

Following are important characteristics of an embedded system:

• It must be connected with peripherals to connect input and output devices.

• Offers high reliability and stability

• Needed minimal user interface

• Limited memory, low cost, fewer power consumptions

• It does not need any secondary memory in computer.

Important terminologies used in embedded system

Here, are important terms used in embedded system.

Reliability - Fault-Tolerance is the capability of a computer system to survive in

the presence of faults.

Real-Time - Embedded system must meet various timing and other constraints.
They are imposed on it by the real-time natural behavior of the external world.

For example, an airforce department which keeps track of incoming

missile attacks must precisely calculate and plan their counter-attack due to hard
real-time deadline. Otherwise, it'll get destroyed.
Important terminologies used in embedded system

Here, are important terms used in embedded system.

Flexibility - It's building systems with built-in debugging opportunities which allow
s remote maintenance.

For example, you are building a spacecraft which will land on another
planter to collect various types of data and send collected detail back to us. If this
spacecraft went insane and lost the control, we should be able to make some
important diagnostic. So, flexibility is vital while designing an embedded system.

Portability - Portability is a measure of the ease of using the same embedded

software in various environments. It requires generalized abstractions between
the application program logic itself and the low-level system interfaces.
What is Microcontroller?

• A microcontroller is a single-chip VLSI unit which is also called microcomputer

• It contains all the memory and I/O interfaces needed, whereas a general-purp
ose microprocessor needs additional chips to offered by these necessary
functions.
• Microcontrollers are widely used in embedded systems for real-time control
applications.

What is Microprocessor?
• A microprocessor is a single chip semiconductor device.
• Its CPU contains a program counter, an ALU a stack pointer, working register,
a clock timing circuit.
• It also includes ROM and RAM, memory decoder, and many serial and
parallel ports.
Architecture of the Embedded System

Below is basic architecture of the Embedded System:

Architecture of the Embedded System

Below is basic architecture of the Embedded System:

Sensor - Sensor helps you to measures the physical quantity and converts it to a
n electrical signal. It also stores the measured quantity to the memory. This signal
can be ready by an observer or by any electronic instrument such as A2D convert
er.

A-D Converter - A-D converter (analog-to-digital converter) allows you to convert

an analog signal sent by the sensor into a digital signal.

Memory - Memory is used to store information. Embedded System majorly contai

ns two memory cells 1) Volatile 2) Non volatile memory.
Architecture of the Embedded System

Below is basic architecture of the Embedded System:

Processor & ASICs - This component processes the data to measure the output
and store it to the memory.
Application-specific integrated circuit (ASICs) - An application-specific integra
ted circuit is an integrated circuit chip customized for a particular use, rather than
intended for general-purpose use.

D-A Converter - D-A converter (A digital-to-analog converter) helps you to conver

t the digital data fed by the processor to analog data.

Actuator - An actuator allows you to compare the output given by the D-A convert
er to the actual output stored in it and stores the approved output in the memory.
Types of Embedded System
The embedded systems are classified into four segments according to
their functionality and application area.

1. Stand-alone embedded systems

2. Real-time embedded systems
3. Networked embedded systems
4. Mobile embedded systems

The embedded systems classified based on the performance and

architecture.
1. Small Scale
2. Medium Scale
3. Sophisticated
Types of Embedded System
Types of Embedded System
Stand Alone Embedded Systems

• The stand-alone embedded systems are less complex and simple.

• They independent to any system, work by their own.
• It takes user input and acts accordingly.
• The input is received by the respective I/O pins.
• The input may be in digital or in analog form.
• The MCU then process the input and make a decision and perform output like the
display on LCD, driving motor or trigger an alarm.

• Examples: Microwave Oven, the digital wristwatch, mp3 player, doorbell, calculator
etc.
Types of Embedded System
Real-Time Embedded Systems

• A real-time embedded system performs the task in the defined time interval.
• The time interval may vary and depends on the application.
• The real-time embedded systems are defined in two parts:

• Soft Real-Time Embedded Systems - In this type of embedded systems, the

deadline to complete the task may vary. The action performed by the system after
the given time frame is still acceptable and useful.

• Example: While using a microwave oven, you put the item into the oven and press
a button to start cooking. The oven responds to your input after 1-2 minutes. Even
there is the delay but it cooks well. It crosses the deadline to complete the task.
Types of Embedded System
Real-Time Embedded Systems

Hard Real-Time Embedded Systems - In this type of embedded systems, the task
must complete by a given deadline. The action performed after the given time interval
may not accept. There is a certain application where the system should respond within
the time frame.

For example, Traffic Light Controller. In the traffic light, the system should control the
ON and OFF period of the signal in a defined way. If they perform with a delay then so
me accident may happen.
Types of Embedded System
Networked Embedded Systems

• As the name tells networked embedded systems.

• The embedded systems are connected with some kind of network.
• The system communicates with the server or with the individual node using the
network.
• We are using such kind of networked system in our day to day life.
• The communication may establish by using LAN, WAN or other protocols. This
may be wired or wireless network.

• Examples: Security node connected to the main server in a home automation

system, ATM machine, Card Swipe Machine, and IOT Devices
Types of Embedded System
Mobile Embedded Systems

• The mobile embedded systems are the most preferred in any embedded systems.
• The cell phone, mobile phone, wireless camera, personal digital assistant are the
example of it.
• The main advantage of this type of embedded systems is the wide range.
Types of Embedded System
Small Scale Embedded System
• Small-scale embedded systems are an entry-level system in which 8-bit or 16-bit
processor is used.
• The processor has very limited resources like RAM, ROM and processing speed.
• For the development of the small-scale embedded system, we need integrated
development environment(IDE) for writing the code.
• The code is generally written in assembly language or in embedded C language.
• The compiler is needed if programming in embedded C.
• Compiler compiles the C code into the Hex code. We need assembler if we are
coding in assembly language.
• And at the time of writing the code into the processor. We need a hardware device
called the programmer. That takes the hex code and write it to the ROM of the
processor.
• The small-scale embedded systems are small and can be operated with a small
battery.
Types of Embedded System
Small Scale Embedded System

Examples of Small Scale Embedded Systems

• washing machine
• Oven
• Automatic Door Lock
• Motion Controlled Home Security System
• Keyboard controller
• CD Drive
• fax machine
• photocopy machine
• printer
Types of Embedded System
Medium Scale Embedded Systems

• This type of embedded systems consisting of 16-bit or 32-bit microprocessor.

• There are other options also available like Digital signal processor(DSP), or
some Advanced RISC architecture machine.
• The medium scale embedded systems are generally faster than the small scale
due to the number of bits of processor that give a better speed.
• At the time of development, we need different types of software tools like
assembler, compiler and debugger.
• An RTOS can be implemented on medium scale embedded systems.
Types of Embedded System
Sophisticated or Complex Embedded Systems

• This type of embedded systems is made to perform the complex functions. The
systems have hardware and software complexity.
• In this type of systems, the speed is measure concern. So some of the software fu
nctionality is implemented into the hardware.
• There are different modules are implemented on the CPU like TCP/IP, encryption,
decryption, multiplier unit and more.
• Once the functionality is implemented into hardware the gives the better speed.
• This type of systems have some key components like graphical user interface,
communication ports like I2C, CAN, RS232, Ethernet or USB. You can see this
type of system as network router, IP camera, embedded web server.
 Difference between Microprocessor and Microcontroller
Microprocessor
It uses functional blocks like register, ALU, timing, and control
units.
In Microprocessor, bit handling instruction is less, One or two
types only.
Offers rapid movements of code and data between external
memory and microprocessor.
Helps you to design general purpose digital computers system
It allows you to do multitasking at a time.
In Microprocessor system, you can decide the number of
memory or I/O ports needed.
Offers support for external memory and I/O ports, which make
s it heavier and costlier system.
External devices need more space, and their power
consumption is quite higher.
Microcontroller
It uses functional blocks of microprocessors like RAM, timer,
parallels I/O, ADC, and DAC.
Microcontroller offers many kinds of bit handling instruction.
Offers rapid movements of code and data in the microcontroll
er.
Helps you to design application-specific dedicated systems.
It is a single task oriented system.
In Microcontroller system, the fixed number for memory or I/O
makes a microcontroller ideal to complete the specific task.
This type of system is lightweight and cheaper compares to
the microprocessor.
This type of system consumes less amount of space, and
power consumption is also very low.
Application of Embedded Systems
Following are an important application of Embedded system:

Robotic science:
• Ground Vehicles
• Drones
• Underwater Vehicles
• Industrial Robots

Medical
• Dialysis Machine
• Infusion Pumps
• Cardiac Monitor
• Prosthetic Device
Application of Embedded Systems
Following are an important application of Embedded system:

Automotive
• Engine Control
• Ignition System
• Brake System

Networking
• Router
• Hubs
• Gateways
• Electronics Instruments
Application of Embedded Systems
Following are an important application of Embedded system:

Home Devices:
• TVs
• Digital Alarm
• Air Conditioner
• DVD Video Player
• Cameras

Automobiles
• Fuel Injection
• Lighting System
• Door Locks
• Air Bags
• Windows
• Parking Assistant System
• Anti-stealing Alarms Whippers Motion
Application of Embedded Systems
Following are an important application of Embedded system:

Industrial Control
• Robotics
• Control System
• Missiles
• Nuclear Reactors
• Space Stations
• Shuttles
Advantages of Embedded System
Here, are Pros/benefits of using Embedded System:

• It is able to cover a wide variety of environments

• Less likely to encore errors
• Embedded System simplified hardware which, which reduces costs overall.
• Offers an enhanced performance
• The embedded system is useful for mass production.
• The embedded system is highly reliable.
• It has very few interconnections.
• The embedded system is small in size.
• It has a fast operation.
• Offers improved product quality.
• It optimizes the use of system resources.
• It has a low power operation.
Disadvantages of Embedded System
Here, are important cons/ drawbacks of using Embedded system.

• To develop an embedded system needs high development effort.

• It needs a long time to market.
• Embedded systems do a very specific task, so it can't be programmed to do
different things.
• Embedded systems offer very limited resources for memory.
• It doesn't offer any technological improvement.
• It is difficult to backup of embedded files.
Summary

• A system is an arrangement where all its component assembles work

according to the specific define rules.
• An embedded system is a combination of computer software and hardware
which is either fixed in capability or programmable.
• Example of embedded systems is laser printer which manage various aspect
of the printing.
• In 1960, embedded system was first used for developing Apollo Guidance
System by Charles Stark Draper at MIT.
• Embedded system requires real time performance
• Reliability measure of the survival probability of the system when the function
is critical during the run time.
Summary

• Fault-Tolerance is the capability of a computer system to survive in the

presence of faults.
• Embedded system must meet various timing and other constraints.
• Flexibility is building systems with built-in debugging opportunities which
allows remote maintenance.
• Portability is a measure of the ease of using the same embedded software in
various environments.
• A microcontroller is a single-chip VLSI unit which is also called microcomputer
• A microprocessor is a single chip semiconductor device. Its CPU contains a
program counter, an ALU a stack pointer, working register, a clock timing
circuit.
Summary

• Architecture of the Embedded System includes: Sensor, A-D Converter,

Memory, Processor & ASICs, D-A Converter, and Actuator.
• Three types of Embedded Systems are: 1) Small Scale, 2) Medium Scale, and
3) Sophisticated.
• Major difference between In Microprocessor and Microcontroller is that In
Microprocessor, bit handling instruction is less while Microcontroller offers
many kinds of bit handling instruction.
• Application of Embedded System includes: 1) Robotic science, 2) Medical,
3) Automotive, 3) Networking, 4)Home Devices, 5) Automobiles, and
6) Industrial Control.
• Major advantages of Embedded System is that It is able to cover a wide
variety of environments.
• The major drawback of Embedded System is that it needs a long time to
market.
Web Resources

• https://www.guru99.com/embedded-systems-tutorial.html
• https://www.maxphi.com/types-of-embedded-systems#:~:text=Small%2Dscale
%20embedded%20systems%20are,IDE)%20for%20writing%20the%20code.
• https://www.watelectronics.com/classification-of-embedded-systems/#:~:text=
Mobile%20embedded%20systems%20are%20used,resources%20and%20lim
itation%20of%20memory.