Fundamentals of Embedded System

What is a system?
 A system is a way of working, organizing or doing one or many
tasks according to a fixed plan, program or set of rules. A
system is also an arrangement in which all its units assemble
and work together according to the plan or program.
System example:
Watch: It is a time display SYSTEM
Parts: Hardware, Needles, Battery, Dial, Chassis and Strap
 Rules
1) All needles move clockwise only
2) A thin needle rotates every second
3) A long needle rotates every minute
4) A short needle rotates every hour
5) All needles return to the original position after 12 hours
What is Embedded Systems?
 An embedded system is one kind of a computer system mainly
designed to perform several tasks like to access, process, store
and also control the data in various electronics-based systems.
 Embedded systems are a combination of hardware and
software where software is usually known as firmware that is
embedded into the hardware.
 One of its most important characteristics of these systems is, it
gives the o/p within the time limits.
 Embedded systems support to make the work more perfect and
convenient. So, we frequently use embedded systems in simple
and complex devices too.
 The applications of embedded systems mainly involve in
our real life for several devices like microwave,
calculators, TV remote control, home security and
neighborhood traffic control systems, etc.
 Embedded systems are designed for a specific task. Although
they use computer techniques, they cannot be used as a general
purpose computer using a variety of different programmes for
different task. In this way their function can be focussed onto
what they need to do, and they can accordingly be made
cheaper and more efficiently.
 The software for embedded systems is normally referred to as
firmware. Rather than being stored on a disc, where many
programmes can be stored, the single programme for an
embedded system is normally stored on chip and it is referred
to as firmware.
 Embedded systems contain two main elements:
Embedded system hardware: As with any electronic system,
an embedded system requires a hardware platform on which to
run. The hardware will be based around a microprocessor or
microcontroller. The embedded system hardware will also
contain other elements including memory, input output (I/O)
interfaces as well as the user interface, and the display.
Embedded system software: The embedded system software
is written to perform a particular function. It is typically written
in a high level format and then compiled down to provide code
that can be lodged within a non-volatile memory within the
hardware.
Microcontroller : Embedded Systems
 When developing an embedded system, one of the options is to
base the computational hardware around a microcontroller,
MCU rather than a microprocessor, MPU.
 Both approaches have their attractions, but generally they will
be found in different applications. Typically the
microcontroller, MCU, is found in applications where size, low
power and low cost are key requirements.
 The MCU, microcontroller is different to a microprocessor in
that it contains more elements of the overall processing engine
within the one chip.
 Bringing most of the processing engine components onto a
single chip reduces size and cost. This enables it to become
economical viable to digitally control even more devices and
processes.
 it is found that mixed signal microcontrollers are being
increasingly used, integrating analogue components needed to
control non-digital electronic systems.
Microprocessor: Embedded Systems
 A microprocessor is a single chip semi conductor device also
which is a computer on chip, but not a complete computer.
 Its CPU contains an ALU, a program counter, a stack pointer,
some working register, a clock timing circuit and interrupt
circuit on a single chip.
 To make complete micro computer, one must add memory
usually ROM and RAM, memory decoder, an oscillator and a
number of serial and parallel ports.
VARIOUS PROCESSOR
 General Purpose processor (GPP)
 Application Specific System Processor (ASSP)
 Multi Processor System using GPPs
Microcontroller VS Microprocessor
Embedded System Applications
 The applications of an embedded system basics include smart
cards, computer networking, satellites, telecommunications,
digital consumer electronics, missiles, etc.
Embedded Systems in Automobiles
 Motor Control System
 Cruise Control System
 Engine or Body Safety
 Robotics in Assembly Line
 Car Entertainment
 Car multimedia
 Mobile and E-Com Access
Embedded systems in Telecommunications
 Mobile computing
 Networking
 Wireless Communications

Embedded Systems in Smart Cards

 Banking
 Telephone
 Security Systems
Embedded Systems in Missiles and Satellites
 Defense
 Aerospace
 Communication

Embedded Systems in Computer

Networking & Peripherals
 Networking Systems
 Image Processing
 Printers
 Networks Cards
 Monitors and Displays
Embedded Systems in Digital Consumer
Electronics
 DVDs
 Set top Boxes
 High Definition TVs
 Digital Cameras
Advantages of embedded system
 The embedded system is easy for mass production.
 The embedded system is highly reliable.
 It has very few interconnections.
 The embedded system is small in size.
 The embedded system has less expensive.
 It has fast operation.
 It has improved product quality.
 It optimizes use of system resources.
 It has low power operation
Disadvantages of embedded system
 Difficult to upgrade
 If any problem occurs then you need to reset settings
 Nearly not scalable
 Hardware is limited
 Troubleshooting is difficult
 Difficult to transfer data from one system to other