Embedded Systems

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

Each day, our lives become more dependent on 'embedded systems', digital
information technology that is embedded in our environment. More than 98% of
processors applied today are in embedded systems, and are no longer visible to the
customer as 'computers' in the ordinary sense. An Embedded System is a special-
purpose system in which the computer is completely encapsulated by or dedicated
to the device or system it controls. Unlike a general-purpose computer, such as a
personal computer, an embedded system performs one or a few pre-defined tasks,
usually with very specific requirements. Since the system is dedicated to specific
tasks, design engineers can optimize it, reducing the size and cost of the product.
Embedded systems are often mass-produced, benefiting from economies of scale.
The increasing use of PC hardware is one of the most important developments in
high-end embedded systems in recent years. Hardware costs of high-end systems
have dropped dramatically as a result of this trend, making feasible some projects
which previously would not have been done because of the high cost of non-PC-
based embedded hardware. But software choices for the embedded PC platform are
not nearly as attractive as the hardware.

Typically, an embedded system is housed on a single microprocessor board

with the programs stored in ROM. Virtually all appliances that have a digital
interface -- watches, microwaves, VCRs, cars -- utilize embedded systems. Some
embedded systems include an operating system, but many are so specialized that
the entire logic can be implemented as a single program.

Physically, Embedded Systems range from portable devices such as digital watches
and MP3 players, to large stationary installations like traffic lights, factory
controllers, or the systems controlling nuclear power plants.

In terms of complexity embedded systems can range from very simple with a
single microcontroller chip, to very complex with multiple units, peripherals and
networks mounted inside a large chassis or enclosure.

Definition of an Embedded System

Embedded system is defined as, For a particular/specific application

implementing the software code to interact directly with that particular hardware
what we built. Software is used for providing features and flexibility, Hardware =
{Processors, ASICs, Memory,...} is used for Performance (& sometimes security)

(or)

An embedded system is a special-purpose computer system designed to

perform one or a few dedicated functions, often with real-time computing
constraints. It is usually embedded as part of a complete device including hardware
and mechanical parts. In contrast, a general-purpose computer, such as a personal
computer, can do many different tasks depending on programming.

(or)
An embedded system is a single-purpose computer built into a larger system for
the purposes of controlling and monitoring the system. A specialized computer
system that is part of a larger system or machine.

There are many definitions of embedded system but all of these can be
combined into a single concept. An embedded system is a special purpose
computer system that is used for particular task.

Features of Embedded Systems

The versatility of the embedded computer system lends itself to utility in all kinds
of enterprises, from the simplification of deliverable products to a reduction in
costs in their development and manufacture. Complex systems with rich
functionality employ special operating systems that take into account major
characteristics of embedded systems. Embedded operating systems have
minimized footprint and may follow real-time operating system specifics.

The special computers system is usually less powerful than general-purpose

systems, although some expectations do exist where embedded systems are very
powerful and complicated. Usually a low power consumption CPU with a limited
amount of memory is used in embedded systems. Many embedded systems use
very small operating systems; most of these provide very limited operating system
capabilities.

Since the embedded system is dedicated to specific tasks, design engineers can
optimize it, reducing the size and cost of the product, or increasing the reliability
and performance. Some embedded systems are mass-produced, benefiting from
economies of scale.
Some embedded systems have to operate in extreme environment conditions such
as very high temperature & humidity.

For high volume systems such as portable music players or mobile phones,
minimizing cost is usually the primary design consideration. Engineers typically
select hardware that is just “good enough” to implement the necessary functions.

For low volume or prototype embedded systems, general purpose computers may
be adapted by limiting the programs or by replacing the operating system with a
real-time operating system.

Characteristics of Embedded Systems

Embedded computing systems generally exhibit rich functionality—complex

functionality is usually the reason for introducing CPUs into the design. However,
they also exhibit many non-functional requirements that make the task especially
challenging:

• real-time deadlines that will cause system failure if not met;

• multi-rate operation;

• in many cases, low power consumption;

• low manufacturing cost, which often means limited code size.

Workstation programmers often concentrate on functionality. They may consider

the performance characteristics of a few computational kernels of their software,
but rarely analyze the total application. They almost never consider power
consumption and manufacturing cost. The need to juggle all these requirements
makes embedded system programming very challenging and is the reason why
embedded system designers need to understand computer architecture.

Overview of an Embedded System Architecture

Every Embedded system consists of a custom-built hardware built around a central

processing unit. This hardware also contains memory chips onto which the
software is loaded.

Application Software

Operating System

H/
W

The operating system runs above the hardware and the application software runs
above the operating system. The same architecture is applicable to any computer
including desktop computer. However these are significant differences. It is not
compulsory to have an operating system in every embedded system. For small
applications such as remote control units, air conditioners, toys etc.

Applications of Embedded Systems

Some of the most common embedded systems used in everyday life are

Small embedded controllers: 8-bit CPUs dominate, simple or no

Operating system

(e.g., thermostats)

Control systems: Often use DSP chip for control computations

(e.g., automotive engine control)

Distributed embedded control: Mixture of large and small nodes on a real-

time Embedded networks

(e.g., cars, elevators, factory automation)

System on chip: ASIC design tailored to application area

(e.g., consumer electronics, set-top boxes)

Network equipment: Emphasis on data movement/packet flow

(e.g., network switches; telephone switches)

Critical systems: Safety and mission critical computing

(e.g., pacemakers, automatic trains)

Signal processing: Often use DSP chips for vision, audio, or other

Signal Processing (e.g., face recognition)

Robotics: Uses various types of embedded

computing (especially Vision and control)

 (e.g., autonomous vehicles)

Computer peripherals: Disk drives, keyboards, laser printers, etc.

Wireless systems: Wireless network-connected “sensor

networks” and “Motes” to gather and

report information

Embedded PCs: Palmtop and small form factor PCs

Embedded into Equipment

Command and control: Often huge military systems and “systems of

systems (e.g., a fleet of warships with

interconnected Computers)

Home Appliances, intercom, telephones, security systems, garage door openers,

answering machines, fax machines, home computers, TVs, cable TV tuner, VCR,
camcorder, remote controls, video games, cellular phones, musical instruments,
sewing machines, lighting control, paging, camera, pinball machines, toys, exercise
equipment

Office Telephones, computers, security systems, fax machines, microwave, copier,

laser printer, color printer, paging

Auto Trip computer, engine control, air bag, ABS, instrumentation, security
system, transmission control, entertainment, climate control, cellular phone,
keyless entry