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 Introduction to Embedded System

What is Embedded System?

An Electronic/Electro mechanical system which is designed to perform a
specific function and is a combination of both hardware and firmware
(Software)

E.g. Electronic Toys, Mobile Handsets, Washing Machines, Air Conditioners,

Automotive Control Units, Set Top Box, DVD Player etc…

Embedded Systems are:

 Unique in character and behavior
 With specialized hardware and software

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 Embedded Systems Vs General Computing Systems

General Purpose System Embedded System

A system which is a combination of generic hardware A system which is a combination of special purpose hardware
and General Purpose Operating System for executing and embedded OS for executing a specific set of applications
a variety of applications
Contain a General Purpose Operating System (GPOS) May or may not contain an operating system for functioning

Applications are alterable (programmable) by user (It The firmware of the embedded system is pre-programmed and it
is possible for the end user to re-install the Operating is non-alterable by end-user (There may be exceptions for
System, and add or remove user applications) systems supporting OS kernel image flashing through special
hardware settings)
Performance is the key deciding factor on the Application specific requirements (like performance, power
selection of the system. Always ‘Faster is Better’ requirements, memory usage etc) are the key deciding factors

Less/not at all tailored towards reduced operating Highly tailored to take advantage of the power saving modes
power requirements, options for different levels of supported by hardware and Operating System
power management.
Response requirements are not time critical For certain category of embedded systems like mission critical
systems, the response time requirement is highly critical

Need not be deterministic in execution behavior Execution behavior is deterministic for certain type of
embedded systems like ‘Hard Real Time’ systems

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 Introduction to Embedded System

History of Embedded Systems:

First Recognized Modern Embedded System: Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC)
First Mass Produced Embedded System: Autonetics D-17 Guidance computer

Classification of Embedded Systems:

 Based on Generation
 Based on Complexity & Performance Requirements
 Based on deterministic behavior
 Based on Triggering

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 Introduction to Embedded System

Embedded Systems - Classification based on Generation

First Generation: The early embedded systems built around 8bit microprocessors
like 8085 and Z80 and 4bit microcontrollers
Second Generation: Embedded Systems built around 16bit microprocessors and 8
or 16bit microcontrollers, following the first generation embedded systems
Third Generation: Embedded Systems built around high performance 16/32 bit
Microprocessors/controllers, Application Specific Instruction set processors like
Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), and Application Specific Integrated Circuits
(ASICs)
Fourth Generation: Embedded Systems built around System on Chips (SoCs),
Re-configurable processors and multicore processors

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 Introduction to Embedded System

Embedded Systems - Classification based on Complexity &

Performance

Small Scale: The early embedded systems built around 8bit microprocessors like
8085 and Z80 and 4bit microcontrollers
Medium Scale: Embedded Systems built around 16bit microprocessors and 8 or
16bit microcontrollers, following the first generation embedded systems
Large Scale/Complex: Embedded Systems built around high performance 16/32
bit Microprocessors/controllers, Application Specific Instruction set processors
like Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), and Application Specific Integrated Circuits
(ASICs)

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 Introduction to Embedded System

Major Application Areas of Embedded Systems

 Consumer Electronics: Camcorders, Cameras etc.
 Household Appliances: Television, DVD players, Washing machine, Fridge, Microwave
Oven etc.
 Home Automation and Security Systems: Air conditioners, sprinklers, Intruder detection
alarms, Closed Circuit Television Cameras, Fire alarms etc.
 Automotive Industry: Anti-lock breaking systems (ABS), Engine Control, Ignition
Systems, Automatic Navigation Systems etc.
 Telecom: Cellular Telephones, Telephone switches, Handset Multimedia Applications
etc.
 Computer Peripherals: Printers, Scanners, Fax machines etc.
 Computer Networking Systems: Network Routers, Switches, Hubs, Firewalls etc.
 Health Care: Different Kinds of Scanners, EEG, ECG Machines etc.
 Measurement & Instrumentation: Digital multi meters, Digital CROs, Logic Analyzers
PLC systems etc.
 Banking & Retail: Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) and Currency counters, Point of
Sales (POS)
 Card Readers: Barcode, Smart Card Readers, Hand held Devices etc. 7
 Introduction to Embedded System

Purpose of Embedded Systems

Each Embedded Systems is designed to serve the purpose of any one

or a combination of the following tasks.

 Data Collection/Storage/Representation
 Data Communication
 Data (Signal) Processing
 Monitoring
 Control
 Application Specific User Interface

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 Introduction to Embedded System

Purpose of Embedded Systems – Data Collection/Storage/Representation

 Performs acquisition of data from the

external world.
 The collected data can be either analog or
digital
 Data collection is usually done for storage,
analysis, manipulation and transmission
 The collected data may be stored directly in
the system or may be transmitted to some
other systems or it may be processed by the
system or it may be deleted instantly after
Digital Camera for Image capturing/storage/display
giving a meaningful representation Photo Courtesy of Casio -Model EXILIM ex-Z850
([Link])

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 Introduction to Embedded System

Purpose of Embedded Systems – Data Communication

 Embedded Data communication systems are
deployed in applications ranging from complex
satellite communication systems to simple home
networking systems
 Embedded Data communication systems are
dedicated for data communication
 The data communication can happen through a
wired interface (like Ethernet, RS-
232C/USB/IEEE1394 etc) or wireless interface
(like Wi-Fi, GSM,/GPRS, Bluetooth, ZigBee etc)
 Network hubs, Routers, switches, Modems etc are Wireless Network Router for Data Communication
typical examples for dedicated data transmission Photo Courtesy of Linksys ([Link]).
A division of CISCO system
embedded systems

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 Introduction to Embedded System

Purpose of Embedded Systems – Data (Signal) Processing

 Embedded systems with Signal processing

functionalities are employed in applications demanding
signal processing like Speech coding, synthesis, audio
video codec, transmission applications etc
 Computational intensive systems
 Employs Digital Signal Processors (DSPs)

Digital hearing Aid employing Signal

Processing Technique
Siemens TRIANO 3 Digital hearing aid;
Siemens Audiology Copyright © 2005

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 Introduction to Embedded System

Purpose of Embedded Systems – Monitoring

 Embedded systems coming under this category are
specifically designed for monitoring purpose
 They are used for determining the state of some
variables using input sensors
 They cannot impose control over variables.
 Electro Cardiogram (ECG) machine for monitoring
the heart beat of a patient is a typical example for this
 The sensors used in ECG are the different Electrodes
connected to the patient’s body
 Measuring instruments like Digital CRO, Digital Patient Monitoring system
Multi meter, Logic Analyzer etc used in Control & Photo courtesy of Philips Medical Systems
([Link]/)
Instrumentation applications are also examples of
embedded systems for monitoring purpose

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 Introduction to Embedded System
Purpose of Embedded Systems – Control
 Embedded systems with control functionalities are used for imposing control over some variables
according to the changes in input variables
 Embedded system with control functionality contains both sensors and actuators
 Sensors are connected to the input port for capturing the changes in environmental variable or
measuring variable
 The actuators connected to the output port are controlled according to the changes in input
variable to put an impact on the controlling variable to bring the controlled variable to the
specified range
 Air conditioner for controlling room temperature is a typical example for embedded system with
‘Control’ functionality
 Air conditioner contains a room temperature sensing element (sensor) which may be a thermistor
and a handheld unit for setting up (feeding) the desired temperature
 The air compressor unit acts as the actuator. The compressor is controlled according to the current
room temperature and the desired temperature set by the end user.

Air Conditioner for controlling room temperature

Photo Courtesy of Electrolux Corporation 13
([Link]/au)
 Introduction to Embedded System

Purpose of Embedded Systems – Application Specific User Interface

 Embedded systems which are designed for a specific

application
 Contains Application Specific User interface (rather than
general standard UI ) like key board, Display units etc
 Aimed at a specific target group of users
 Mobile handsets, Control units in industrial applications
etc are examples for this

Patient Monitoring system

Photo courtesy of Philips Medical Systems
([Link]/)

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 Introduction to Embedded System
‘Smart’ running shoes from Adidas – The Innovative
bonding of Life Style with Embedded Technology
 Shoe developed by Adidas, which constantly adapts
its shock-absorbing characteristics to customize its
value to the individual runner, depending on
running style, pace, body weight, and running
surface
 It contains sensors, actuators and a microprocessor
unit which runs the algorithm for adapting the
shock-absorbing characteristics of the shoe
 A ‘Hall effect sensor’ placed at the top of the
“cushioning element” senses the compression and
passes it to the Microprocessor
 A micro motor actuator controls the cushioning as
per the commands from the MPU, based on the
compression sensed by the ‘Hall effect sensor’
What an innovative bonding of Embedded Electronics-enabled “Smart” running shoes
from Adidas
Technology with Real life needs !!! Photo Courtesy of Adidas – Salomon AG 15
([Link])