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WEEK 6 - AN INTRODUCTION TO EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
For this week’s material, you will be introduced to embedded systems.
The following will be covered this week:
A. An introduction to Embedded Systems
o Embedded systems
o Embedded design and development process
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Fundamentals of Computer Organiza-
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AN INTRODUCTION TO EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
An Embedded System (ES) can be described as a specialised computer that has dedicated function-
ality as part of a larger mechanical or electrical system (Barkalov et al., 2019, p. 4). Embedded sys-
tems are found in consumer electronic devices, automotive electronics, aircraft electronics, medical
systems, network communication devices, military systems and a range of Internet of Things (IoT)
including smart systems and devices such as smartphones that are commonly used in the modern age.
A range of applications of embedded systems is summarised in the table below.
Application area Examples
Consumer electronics Smart-TVs, Smartwatches, Smartphones
Added functionality for specific tasks typical in larger computer devices
Functional device for portability and productivity
Washing Machines, Dishwashers
Added functionality such as scheduling and programming machine wash cycles
Video Game Consoles
System built with microprocessors designed for dedicated performance for
graphics, audio and video processing
Aircraft electronics Avionics
Systems for flight control, anti-collision, informational and communicational
Medical systems Smart Medical Devices
Traditional medical devices with enhanced and automated functionality includ-
ing defibrillators, x-rays, activity monitors, remote monitoring
Automotive electronics Airbags, Anti-braking System (ABS), Engine control, Car Sensors
Specific systems used to ensure the optimal running of a car
Additional systems for driver and passenger comfort and safety
Geographical Positioning System (GPS)
Integrated navigation system
Military systems Drones, Ballistic Missiles, Fire-control
Systems used for tactical, defence, intelligence or security purposes
IoT Smart devices
‘Smart’ heating, ventilation and air-conditioning control
‘Smart’ lighting and other forms of automated security
Telecommunication sys- Routers, cryptographic systems, access points
tems
Network based structure that provides an avenue for IoT systems and smart de-
vices to communicate with each other in a variety of different ways
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Embedded systems have common characteristics that describe the way they work within a larger
system.
1. Cyber-physical systems
A cyber-physical system can automatically adapt to its environment, regulate and monitor
itself to ensure successful achievement of its objectives. These are systems have input, pro-
cessing, output and a feedback loop/control.
2. Real time systems
The ability for an embedded system to work in real-time is essential, therefore any computa-
tion or operations needs to be performed on time. A good example of this necessity is in an
automotive system controlling the inflation of airbags where the non-occurrence of these com-
putations or operations within a specified time period results in reduced safety, passenger in-
jury or fatality.
3. Dedicated systems
These types of system can be designed for a highly specific purpose and will provide dedicated
control, computation and optimisation for that purpose.
4. Reactive systems
Reactive systems are event based and execute monitoring the state of a controlled object
(Barkalov et al., 2019, p. 17). For this form of system, functionality is a result of waiting for
events to occur based on input signals that are provided by the system.
5. Systems with a dedicated user-interface (UI)
Systems with dedicated user-interfaces differ from general purpose computers as the set-up
of a keyboard, mouse and monitor may not be ideal.
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Requirements for embedded systems
In order for a system to be truly an embedded system there are a range of functional requirements
that must be met.
1. Reliability – a system should be built with a low probability of failure, and in the case of
such failure, the damage should be minimized.
2. Availability – a system should be useable for the majority of its use cycle through the im-
plementation of some form of control that ensures availability such as diagnostic control and
knowledge control.
3. Maintainability – a failed system should be repaired in a timely manner by fixing issues or
replacing faulty components that can affect the lifespan of the system.
4. Safety – a system should be built with safety measures that can prevent physical harm being
done to the user.
5. Security – a system should be built with security features to prevent unauthorized access or
damage due to malicious intent. Security concerns are that of availability, integrity, confi-
dentiality and non-repudiation of stored data.
6. Survivability – a system should be able to still function if an attack occurs
EMBEDDED DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
An embedded system can be designed and developed using the following methodologies;
1. Bottom-up methodology – smaller parts of the system are built prior to building the whole
system
2. Top-down methodology – the design of the system is built first, then based on the initial
design, the structure of the system and the functionality of the various components is built
3. Meet-in-the-middle methodology – a middle methodology which attempts to merge the ad-
vantages of both top-down methodologies
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The image below is an illustration of the bottom-up methodology for the design and development
of embedded systems.
The image below is an illustration of the top-down methodology for the design and development of
embedded systems.
The image below is an illustration of the meet-in-the-middle methodology for the design and devel-
opment of embedded systems.
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REFERENCES
Abd-El-Barr, M., & El-Rewini, H. (2005). Fundamentals of Computer Organization and Architecture
(Wiley Series on Parallel and Distributed Computing) (1st ed.). Wiley-Interscience.
Barkalov, A., Titarenko, L., & Mazurkiewicz, M. (2019). Foundations of Embedded Systems (Studies
in Systems, Decision and Control, 195) (1st ed. 2019 ed.). Springer.
Brookshear, J. G., & Brylow, D. (2015). Computer Science: An Overview (12th Edition). Pearson
Education.
Forouzan, B. A. (2017). Foundations of Computer Science. Cengage Learning.
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