MODULE - 1

Introduction to Embedded Systems

• Application domain of embedded systems
• desirable features and general characteristics of embedded systems
• model of an embedded system
• microprocessor Vs Microcontroller
• example of a simple embedded system
• figure of merit for an embedded system,
• classification of MCUs: 4/8/16/32 bits
• history of embedded systems, current trends.
• (Text: 1.1 to 1.9)
 MODULE - 1
Introduction to Embedded Systems
The application
Definition of the term The model of an
domain of embedded
'embedded systems' embedded system
systems

The difference The working of a

The figures of merit for
between an MCU and simple embedded
an embedded system
an MPU system

The history and

Classification of MCUs
current trends of the
on the basis of data
embedded systems
bus widths
industry
 Introduction to Embedded Systems
• It is an electronic system
designed to perform one or a
limited set of functions, using
hardware and software.

• PC can be excluded as it is a
general-purpose system.
 Introduction to Embedded Systems
• It's a "special purpose"
computing unit.
(It has both hardware and
software)
• The software is "burned" into
the Read-Only Memory
(ROM) and is referred to as
"firmware". (software
associated with specific
function)
 Introduction to Embedded Systems
• Example: In a car,
numerous Electronic Control
Units (ECUs) are present.
• Each of them has a
processor which controls
one or other parts of car
engine, brakes, lights and
doors. These are all
systems embedded into the
vehicle and adds
intelligence to the
operation of the vehicle.
 Application Domain of Embedded Systems
Embedded systems are found in nearly every aspect
of modern life:
• Consumer Electronics: Cameras, TVs,
microwave ovens
• Household Appliances: Air conditioners, security
systems
• Automobile Controls: Anti-lock braking systems
(ABS), engine control
• Handheld Devices: Mobile phones, MP3 players
• Medical Equipment: Scanners, ECG and EEG
units
• Computer Peripherals: Printers, scanners,
webcams
• Networking: Routers, switches
• And many more: Factories, aviation, military,
robotics, and even toys.
 It should perform one or a small set of functions efficiently.

It should be designed for Low Power Consumption

because may systems are battery - powered

Desirable features It has limited memory and limited peripherals.

and general
characteristics of Applications are fixed and should not be
changed by the end - user

Embedded Many systems are not directly accessible as they

Systems are the part of control unit

They should be highly reliable

Most of them should operate with time constraints.

 • PCs are designed for a wide
variety of tasks (word processing,
computation, communication,
Why PC is not scanning, printing etc).
considered as • Memory is available in the form
an embedded of RAM, ROM,
• General Purpose: New
system? applications can be installed by the
user at any time.
• Power is not the main
constraint: While desirable, low-
power design is not the primary
guiding principle as it is in many
embedded devices.
A simple model of an embedded system
2. Processor: The 3. Memory: To
"brain" that store the program
processes the (firmware) and
data. data.

1. Sensors: To 4. Actuators: To
read data from perform an action
the real world based on the
(e.g., a processed data
temperature An embedded (e.g., turning on a
sensor). system fan
generally
consists of:
General model of an embedded system
 Microprocessor (MPU)

• Microprocessor Unit (MPU)

• The central processing core (e.g., Intel Pentium).
• High computational power.
• Requires external chips for memory, I/O ports (serial and
parallel) and timers.
• Used in general-purpose systems like PCs where computational
power is the main focus.
Microprocessor
(MPU)
 Microcontroller (MCU)

• Microcontroller Unit (MCU)

• A "computer on a chip."
• Includes a processor core, memory (RAM, ROM), and
peripherals (timers, I/O ports serial and parallel) on a single
chip.
• Self-contained and designed for interfacing and control.
• The heart of most embedded systems.
Microcontroller (MCU)
Example of a Simple Embedded System:
Temperature Monitor
• Input: A temperature sensor.
• Processing:
• An Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) inside the MCU converts the
sensor's analog signal to a digital value.
• The MCU compares this value to a pre-set reference temperature.
• The program runs in a continuous "superloop".
• Output (Actuation):
• Displays the current temperature.
• Activates an alarm if the temperature is too high.
• Starts a cooling fan motor.
Example of a Simple Embedded System:
Temperature Monitor
Figures of Merit for an Embedded System

• Key design objectives for embedded systems:

• Low-Power Dissipation:
Most devices are battery powered and hene required have
low power dissipation
Required to reduce excessive heating.
• Small Physical Size:
 Many embedded devices are hand-held devices or has to
be fnt into small space.
 Hence PCB should be small with very less extra chips
Figures of Merit for an Embedded System
• Small Code Size:
Firmware (System code which is tested and debugged)
should be fit within the limited on-chip ROM of MCU
On-chip ROM is expensive
• High Speed of Response :
Fast response is required. Fast response means higher
clock frequency which increases the power dissipation.
Compromise has to be done
Real-Time Response: The system must respond within a
required deadline to be effective
Classification of MCUs by Data Bus Width

• 4-bit MCUs: For simple applications with minimal computation,

like toys ( eg: which use only switches and direct actuation)
• 8-bit MCUs: The most widely used type for moderately complex
operations (e.g., 8051, PIC families).
• 16-bit MCUs: Offer a balance of performance and low-power
consumption (e.g., TI's MSP430).
• 32-bit MCUs: For complex applications requiring low power,
high speed and computing power, like image and video
processing (e.g., used in smartphones, iPod, PDA).
 Classification of MCUs by Data Bus Width
ASIC
• ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit
• It is an IC
• Hardware integration of a complex algorithm
• They are efficient and fast
• They are expensive
• Example: Video codec (coder-decoder)
 Classification of MCUs by Data Bus Width
FPGA
• FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array
• Programmable hardware (reconfigurable even when it is a part of the
circuit)
• Number of logic cells are interconnected
• Logic cells and interconnects are programmable using Hardware
Description Language (HDL) and synthesis tools
• Very high device density
• Hardware design is cheap and flexible
• Less efficiency compared to ASIC
• Examples: Xilinx, Altera, Altec etc are the companies supplying FPGAs
 Classification of MCUs by Data Bus Width
DSP Processors
• DSP Processors (Digital Signal Processing)
• Instruction set suitable for Signal Processing and complex math
applications
• Suitable for floating point operations
• Suitable for processing of real time speech, image and video
• Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, Nvidia, Lucent etc. are
some of the companies which produce DSP processors
• The current trend is to have a general-purpose core and a DSP
core on the same chip so that the tasks can be partitioned.
A Brief History of Embedded Systems
• 1974: Texas Instruments releases the first microcontroller, the TMS 1000.
(RAM, ROM, clock circuit, along with the processor on a single chip)
• 1977: Intel introduces the 8048, widely used in PC keyboards.
• 1980: Intel launches the highly successful 8051 microcontroller and it was
called MCS-51 architecture.
• 1982: Intel introduces the 80186 as an "embedded processor" with
integrated peripherals like timers, DMA controllers, clock generators etc.
• This was followed by other microcontrollers like PIC by Microchip and
ATMega by AVR
• Modern Era: The growth is fueled not just by microcontrollers but also by
advancements in sensors, actuators, displays and software.
Challenges in the field of Embedded Systems

• New and innovative products are coming into the market

• The 3 P’s of innovation are “Price, Performance and Power”
• Performance has to be increased by keeping the price and
power low
• Low power dissipating processors, sensors, actuators etc which
should give high performance
• High performance means highest computational capability and
highest possible speed
Current Trends in Embedded Systems

• Multi-core Processors: Using multiple processor cores at

lower clock speeds to increase performance without a massive
increase in power consumption. Often combines a general-
purpose core with a specialized one (like a DSP).
• Embedded and Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS): As
systems become more complex, operating systems like Linux,
Android and newer version of Symbion are becoming common
to manage multiple tasks.
• Newer Areas of Deployment: Rapid growth in entertainment,
healthcare, automotive, communications, and military
applications.