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EC501 EMBEDDED SYSTEM APPLICATIONS

CHAPTER 1

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Understand the concept of embedded system:

INTRODUCTION TO
EMBEDDED SYSTEM
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
POLITEKNIK SULTAN HAJI AHMAD SHAH
Dr. Bakhtiar Bin Md Shaari @ email: dbms@polisas.edu.my

1. Describe the meaning of embedded system

2. Explain microcontroller as the heart of
embedded system
3. Relate embedded system examples with real
life application
4. Differentiate Microcontroller and
microprocessor
5. Discuss the advantages of microcontroller
application

EMBEDDED SYSTEM
Definition
Embedded system is a computer system that cannot be
programmed by the user because it is preprogrammed
for a specific task and embedded within the equipment
which it serves.
(McGraw-Hill Science & Technology Encyclopedia:)
Embedded system is a product controlled by its own
internal microprocessor or microcontroller with a purpose
for specific functions needed for the system

MICROCONTROLLERS AS HEART OF
EMBEDDED SYSTEM
A microcontroller is the data processing "brain" of an
embedded system.

Definition for: embedded system

A combination of hardware and software which together
form a component of a larger machine.
An example of an embedded system is a microprocessor
that controls an automobile engine.
An embedded system is designed to run on its own
without human intervention, and may be required to
respond to events in real time.
Source: www.computeruser.com/resources/dictionary

Microcontroller as the Heart of

Embedded System
Like

In an embedded system, a microcontroller receives

input signals, processes the input signals and
generates output signals based on the processing.
Microcontroller like brain?? Woww.. It is great
For example, in a thermometer embedded system, the
microcontroller may receive a signal from a temperature
measuring device, process the signal and send data to a
display device to show the temperature being sensed.

right? the microcontroller will:

Because,
Receive Input Signal
Output

Process it

Produce an

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EMBEDDED SYSTEM EXAMPLES

Embedded systems are used in all aspects of
modern life and there are many examples of
their use, including:
1. Telecommunications systems
2. Consumer electronics
3. Transportation systems

EMBEDDED SYSTEM EXAMPLES

..cont
Physically, embedded systems range from
portable devices such as digital watches
and MP3 players, to large stationary
installations like traffic lights, factory
controllers, or the systems controlling
nuclear power plants.

4. Medical equipment
5. Etc

EMBEDDED SYSTEM EXAMPLES

Line Follower
Robot

Microcontroller is greathow about our

computer (microprocessor)?
Next slide describe the difference between
uP and uC

Washing Machine

uP

For more
detail, please
refer book
page 25

uC

Air-Bag

Applications
Areas

Application Areas

TV
stereo
remote control
phone / mobile phone
refrigerator
microwave
washing machine
electric tooth brush
oven / rice or bread cooker
watch
alarm clock
electronic musical instruments
electronic toys (stuffed animals,handheld toys, pinballs, etc.)
medical home equipment (e.g. blood
pressure, thermometer)

[PDAs?? More like standard computer system]

Consumer Products

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Application Areas
Medical Systems
pace maker, patient monitoring systems, injection systems,
intensive care units,

Office Equipment
printer, copier, fax,

Tools
multimeter, oscilloscope, line tester, GPS,

Banking
ATMs, statement printers,

Transportation
(Planes/Trains/[Automobiles] and Boats)

radar, traffic lights, signalling systems,

Application Areas
Automobiles
engine management, trip computer, cruise
control, immobilizer, car alarm,
airbag, ABS, ESP,

Building Systems
elevator, heater, air conditioning, lighting, key
card entries, locks, alarm systems,

Agriculture
feeding systems, milking systems,

Space
satellite systems,

Application Areas
Facts:
1997: The average U.S. household has over 10
embedded computers (source: www.it.dtu.dk/~jan)

Automobiles

1998: 90% Embedded Systems vs. 10%

Computers
(source: Frautschi, www.caliberlearning.com)

2001: The Volvo S80 has 18 embedded

controllers and 2 busses (source: Volvo)

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Embedded in a Shoe!

Characteristics of Embedded System

Embedded systems are designed to do a
specific task
Embedded systems are not always standalone
devices

The microprocessor embedded in this adidas running shoe

calculates the pressure between the runner's foot and the
ground five million times per second and continuously
changes the cushioning to match an adjustable comfort level.
The computer controls a motor that lengthens and shortens a
cable attached to a plastic cushioning element.

The program instructions written for embedded

systems are referred to as firmware, and are
stored in read-only memory or flash memory chips.

Microcontroller versus generalpurpose microprocessor

Microcontroller versus generalpurpose microprocessor

Microprocessor is an IC which has only

the CPU inside them i.e. only the
processing. Application of microprocessor
includes Desktop PCs, Laptops, notepads
etc.
Microprocessor is the general purpose
microprocessors such as Intels x86 family
(8086, 80286,80386, 80486 and the
Pentium) or Motorolas family

A microcontroller (sometimes
abbreviated C, uC or MCU) is a small
computer on a single integrated circuit
containing a processor core, memory, and
programmable input/output peripherals.

Microprocessor based system

Microprocessor (P)
vs.
Microcontroller (C)
To store the information (during CPU
operation)

CPU / P

Register

ALU

To process the information

Control Unit
To control the direction of information

A system designer using a general-purpose microprocessor

must add RAM, ROM, I/O ports and timers externally to
make them functional.

(CPU, Memory, I/O)

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Micro controller system

P vs. C
C
CPU / P

DATA BUS
ALU

Register

RAM

ROM

I/O

Timer

Serial
COM

Control Unit
ADDRESS BUS

All the support devices like Read only memory, Read

Write memory, Timer, Serial interface, I/O ports are internal.
In other words, the processor, RAM, ROM, I/O ports and
timer are all on a single chip.

CONTROL BUS

Differences between microcontrollers

and microprocessor based system
Microcontroller

Microprocessor

Dedicated to one specific task

Can do many different task

Support devices are internal for a

micro controller

Support devices are external in a

microprocessor based system

Micro controllers offer software

protection

micro processor base system fails

to offer a protection system.

Time required to build the circuit

will be less, the size will be less and
power consumption will be less

Time required to build the circuit

will be more, the size will be more and
power consumption will be more

Not expensive

Expensive

End-of-chapter Problems 1
1.

Microcontrollers are normally less

expensive than microprocessors.
(true/false)

2. When comparing a system board based on a

microcontroller and a general purpose
microprocessor, which one is cheaper?

3.

The advantages of microcontroller

application
Small size
program is difficult to copy because of copy
protection functions and an emulator will be
required to copy it.
Reduce chip count
Many applications do not require as much
computing power
Reduced power consumption
Reduced design cost

End-of-chapter Problems 1 ..cont..

4.

List the differences between microcontroller and

microprocessor.

5.

List the advantages of microcontroller application.

6.

Microcontroller normally has which of the following

devices on-chip?

What does the term embedded system mean?

a) RAM b) ROM

c) I/O

d) all of the above

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Wassalam
Terima Kasih