1. Introduction to Hardware
B.Ramamurthy
University at Buffalo
Amrita-UB-MSES-CSE524-2
5/8/2013

2. Topics Block diagram of general purpose computer vs. embedded system
Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
Evolution of embedded control units
Amrita-UB-MSES-CSE524-2
5/8/2013

3. General Purpose Computer System
Internal
Memory
External
Memory
CPU
Control
ALU
Output
Input
CPU - Central processing unit
ALU - Arithmetic and logic unit
ROM - Read only memory
RAM - Random access memory

4. Microprocessor CPU on a chip is a micrprocessor.
Microprocessors are the enabling hardware for realtime systems.
Examples: vending machines, mobiles phones, alarm systems, washing machines, motor car engine controllers, heart monitors, microwave ovens all operate using embedded microcontrollers running dedicated software.
4/17/2019

5. Embedded System Internal memory Ports
CPU
Control
ALU
Internal memory
Ports
This unit on a single chip is called a microcontroller
Amrita-UB-MSES-CSE524-2
5/8/2013

6. Bus Architecture (in general purpose systems)
CPU
Parallel IO
controller
DMA
controller
Memory
Interrupt controller
Serial IO
controller
Why is this important? What is its relevance to automobile embedded system?
Amrita-UB-MSES-CSE524-2
5/8/2013

7. Embedded control unit
These are embedded systems controlling various major components of a modern automobile
Called ECUs
100’s of ECU in a typical electronic controlled modern car
Each ECU is an embedded system with its own dedicated function
Amrita-UB-MSES-CSE524-2
5/8/2013

8. Evolution of ECU
Long ago the automobiles controllers were all mechanical: levers and gears, relays, etc. : Generation 1 automobiles
Some of the mechanical units were replaced by electronic devices. Eg. Electronic fuel injection system; : Generation 2. The few electronic control units were operating autonomously.
In the next generation many ECUs were developed independently, and they also interacted with each other. Generation 3.
Standards for ECUs were developed and platform-based system evolved resulting in Generation 4. Internal networks that enabled ECUs to interact.
Next generation involves outside networks. Traffic information, vehicle to vehicle communication, realtime weather conditions, road conditions, emergency situations. Generation 5.
Bottom-line is that there is tremendous opportunities for R&D and production capabilities in this area.
Amrita-UB-MSES-CSE524-2
5/8/2013

9. Activity#1
Identify some ECUs in a modern automobile and a possible qualitative requirement.
Example
Justification
Amrita-UB-MSES-CSE524-2
5/8/2013

10. Summary
We looked a very high level view of the hardware components in an embedded system.
Also looked the relevance of embedded system modern automobile design.
Most of the hardware such as system on a chip, VLSI will be covered other courses in this curriculum.
In this course we will focus on software development for RTOS.
Amrita-UB-MSES-CSE524-2
5/8/2013