Introduction to Embedded

Systems
Lecture #1
 Why study this course?
• Children need embedded systems to play smart video games and to operate

automatic chocolate vending machines!

• Young people need embedded systems to borrow smart cards from parents to

see movies!

• Housewives need embedded systems for smart Internet-compliant home

appliances, such as microwave, television, music system, and so on.

• The driver needs it for automatic cruise control of car (Speed ).

• Organisations require embedded systems for network systems and products.

– There are uncountable examples of the applications of embedded systems.

 System ?

• A way of working, organizing or performing one or many

tasks according to a fixed set of rules, program or plan.
• Also an arrangement in which all units assemble and
work together according to a program or plan.
• Examples of Systems
– Time display system – A watch
– Automatic cloth washing system – A washing machine
 Embedded System
• An embedded system is a system that has software
embedded into computer-hardware, which makes a
system dedicated for an application.
or
• An embedded system is one that has a dedicated
purpose software embedded in a computer hardware.
• The word embedded means it is built into the
system. It is a permanent part in a bigger system.

• For example,
A controller is embedded in an elevator and tells the
motor to move the elevator to different floors based on
buttons that are pushed.

A decoder is embedded in a satellite television

set-top box to read a signal from the dish and send
something that a TV understands.
 Embedded Systems Vs. PC
• An embedded system can be defined as a control system or
a computer system designed to perform a specific or the
dedicated task.

• Single functioned: Embedded systems usually execute a

specific program repeatedly.

E.g.: A pager is always a pager while a PC executes a variety of

programs, like word processors, games, calculator, etc and
new programs can be added frequently.
 Applications of Embedded Systems
• Consumer applications: – Washing machine, Remote controlled toys,
Entertainment (Audio/Video), Clocks, Wristwatches, Games, Toys

• Communication applications: – Wireless (Pager, Cell phone), Telephone,

Answering machines, Networking (ATM, Credit card, Ethernet), Global Positioning
Systems (GPS).

• Automotive applications: – Motor control (Ignition, Exhaust), Power windows,

Safety (Airbag, ABS), Elevators.

• Military applications: – Target recognition, Guidance, Navigation, Aircrafts

• Industrial applications: – Traffic Control, Robotics, Production, Inventory, Stock

management, Chemical and Nuclear power plants.

• Medical applications: – Cardiac Monitors, Treatment, Prosthetics, Dialysis

machines, Pacemaker and many more.
 Types of Embedded Systems
• Embedded Systems can be categorized based
on the complexity in building, cost factors,
purpose of the system, tools and other related
environment availability, etc.
1. Small Scale Embedded Systems
2. Medium Scale Embedded Systems
3. Sophisticated Embedded Systems