Embedded Systems

What is Embedded Systems?  Embedded reflects the facts that they are an integral parts of the system.  It is a computer system that is built to control one or few dedicated functions, and is not designed to be programmed by the end user, in the same way, that a desktop computer is.  An embedded system is designed to run on its own without human intervention, and may be required to respond to events in real-time.embedded system Embedded Systems

Embedded systems Architecture: Embedded Systems

Key Components Of Embedded System: Processors:  It is central processing unit known as the heart of the embedded system.  It is the hardware that executes the software and brings life to the embedded system.  Controls the activities of all the other circuits. Embedded Systems

Memory:  Used to store the software that the processor will run.  Also provides storage for data such as program variables, the intermediate result, status information and any other data generated throughout the operation. Embedded Systems

Embedded Systems Are Classified Into Three Types:  Small scale embedded systems  Medium scale embedded systems  Sophisticated embedded systems Embedded Systems

Small Scale Embedded Systems:  These types of embedded systems are designed with a single 8 or 16-bit microcontroller that may even be activated by a battery.  For developing embedded software for small-scale embedded systems, the main programming tools are an editor, assembler, cross assembler and integrated development environment Embedded Systems

Medium Scale Embedded Systems:  These types of embedded systems design with a single or 16 or 32 bit microcontroller, riscs or dsps.  These types of embedded systems have both hardware and software complexities.  For developing embedded software for medium scale embedded systems, the main programming tools are c, c++, and java, visual c++, and rtos, debugger, source code engineering tool, simulator and ide. Embedded Systems

Sophisticated Embedded Systems:  These types of embedded systems have enormous hardware and software complexities that may need asips, ips, plas, scalable or configurable processors.  They are used for cutting-edge applications that need hardware and software co-design and components that have to assemble in the final system. Embedded Systems

Importance of processor in Embedded Systems:  Processor technology involves the architecture of the computation engine used to implement a system’s desired functionality.  Most devices we know have processors embedded in it (microwave)  Choosing the right embedded processor is critical in performing the wanted operations.  Choose the processor that you have the most experience with to minimize design time and avoid problems.  Minimizing design time equals less design cost and faster time-to- market. Embedded Systems

Various Processors:  General purpose processor  Application specific processor  Multi-processor Embedded Systems

General purpose processor:  The system designer only needs to program the processor’s memory to carry out the required functionality of the software portion Multiprocessing:  Multiprocessing is the use of two or more central processing units within a single computer system.  The term also refers to the ability of a system to support more than one processor and the ability to allocate tasks between them Embedded Systems

Application Specific Processor:  An ASIP is designed for a particular class of applications with common characteristics it’s an 'intermediate' solution between a general-purpose and a single-purpose processor and gives more flexibility than a single purpose processor and still better performance, power, size than a general purpose processor.  Of course, this leads to a longer design time (cost), and there's also a compiler problem, you will have to create your compiler usually yourself. Embedded Systems

Advantages:  Easy to design and use (only programming the memory)  Design time is thus low  Design cost is thus low  Programmability - changing functionalities or improving a system becomes easy when you only need to change the program Embedded Systems

Disadvantages:  Performance is not very good  Size is high  They consume much power Embedded Systems

Difference between Microcontroller and Microprocessor: Microprocessor:  Microprocessor is heart of computer system.  It is just a processor. Memory and I/O components have to be connected externally.  Cannot be used in compact systems and hence inefficient  Cost of the entire system increases.  Most of the microprocessors do not have power saving features. Embedded Systems

Micro Controller:  Micro controller is a heart of embedded system.  Microcontroller has external processor along with internal memory and i/o components  Can be used in compact systems and hence it is an efficient technique.  Cost of the entire system is low.  Most of the micro controllers have power saving modes like idle mode and power saving mode. This helps to reduce power consumption even further. Embedded Systems

What is Embedded Processor ?  An embedded processor is a microprocessor that is used in an embedded system. These processors are usually smaller, use a surface mount form factor and consume less power.  Embedded processors can be divided into two categories: ordinary microprocessors and microcontrollers.  Microcontrollers have more peripherals on the chip. Embedded Systems

ARM7 Processor:  Introduced in 1994, the ARM7™ processor family has been immensely successful and has helped establish ARM as the architecture of choice in the digital world.  While the arm7 processor family continues to be used today for simple 32-bit devices, newer embedded designs are increasingly making use of latest arm processors such as the cortex™-m0 and cortex-m3 processors, both of which offer significant technical enhancements over the arm7 family. Embedded Systems

Embedded Systems ARM7 Processor:

INTEL I960:  Intel's i960 (or 80960) was an risc-based microprocessor design that became popular during the early 1990s as an embedded microcontroller.  In spite of its success, intel dropped i960 marketing in the late 1990s as a side effect of a settlement with dec in which intel received the rights to produce the strong arm cpu.  The processor continues to be used in a few military applications. Embedded Systems

Embedded Systems INTEL I960:

Embedded Systems Applications:  Household appliance: microwave ovens, television, DVD, players & recorders  Audio players integrated systems for aircrafts and missiles  Cellular telephones  Electric and electronic motor controllers  Engine controllers in automobiles  Calculators Embedded Systems

Conclusion:  Each of the embedded system is unique and the hardware is highly specialized to the application domain. As a result, embedded systems programming can be widely varying experience and can take years to master.  One common denominator across almost all embedded software development is the use of c programming language.  It seems inevitable that the number of embedded systems will continue to increase rapidly. Embedded Systems