Introduction to

Microprocessors and
Embedded Systems
Embedded System Microprocessor

ECSE 2104: Microprocessors and Embedded Systems Faculty of Engineering

Lecturer: Lindon Falconer Semester I, Slide ‹#›
 What is a Microprocessor?

A microprocessor is a computer processor that consists of datapath and control unit. The
datapath is a collection of functional units such as arithmetic logic units (ALU) or
multipliers, that perform data processing operations, registers, and buses. The control
unit tells the computer's memory, arithmetic and logic unit and input and output devices
how to respond to the instructions that are to be executed.

ECSE 2104: Microprocessors and Embedded Systems Faculty of Engineering,

Lecturer: Lindon Falconer Semester I, Slide ‹#›
 What is a Microcontroller?
• A microcontroller (uC or MCU) is a small computer on a single
integrated circuit. Its consists of a microprocessor, memory and
input/output units.
• Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and
devices, such as automobile engine control systems, implantable
medical devices, power line monitoring devices, remote controls, office
machines, appliances, power tools, toys and other embedded systems.
• By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a
separate microprocessor, memory, and input/output devices,
microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even more
devices and processes.
• Mixed signal microcontrollers are common, integrating analog
components needed to control non-digital electronic systems. In the
context of the internet of things, microcontrollers are an economical and
popular means of data collection, sensing and actuating the physical
world as edge devices.

ECSE 2104: Microprocessors and Embedded Systems Faculty of Engineering,

Lecturer: Lindon Falconer Semester I, Slide ‹#›
 Microprocessors, Microcontrollers
and Embedded Systems
• The Microprocessor or CPU is central to the implementation of a microcontroller and
the microcontroller is central to the implementation of an Embedded System.

Microprocessor (Left)
Microcontroller (Right) Microcontroller Embedded Systems

ECSE 2104: Microprocessors and Embedded Systems Faculty of Engineering,

Lecturer: Lindon Falconer Semester I, Slide ‹#›
 What are Embedded Systems?
• An embedded system is a computer system designed for specific
control functions within a larger system, often with real-time
computing constraints.

• Embedded Systems are Electronics systems that include an

application Specific Integrated Circuit or a Microcontroller to perform
a specific dedicated application.

• Embedded System is pre-programmed to do a specific function

while a general purpose system could be used to run any program
of your choice. Further, the Embedded Processor Is only one
component of the electronic system of which it is the part. It is
cooperating with the rest of the components to achieve the overall
function.

ECSE 2104: Microprocessors and Embedded Systems Faculty of Engineering,

Lecturer: Lindon Falconer Semester I, Slide ‹#›
 Embedded Systems are everywhere
• Wristwatches, washing machines, microwave ovens,
elevators, mobile telephones, printers, FAX machines,
Telephone exchanges, automobiles, aircrafts

• An average home in developed countries

– has at least one general purpose desktop PC or Laptop
– but has a dozen of embedded systems.

• More prevalent in industrial sectors

– Over 12 embedded computers in modern automobiles
– chemical and nuclear power plants
– Production lines (In some PLCs)
– In SCADA systems used in power grids.

ECSE 2104: Microprocessors and Embedded Systems Faculty of Engineering,

Lecturer: Lindon Falconer Semester I, Slide ‹#›
 Embedded Systems in a Car

ECSE 2104: Microprocessors and Embedded Systems Faculty of Engineering,

Lecturer: Lindon Falconer Semester I, Slide ‹#›
 Embedded Systems in IoT

ECSE 2104: Microprocessors and Embedded Systems Faculty of Engineering,

Lecturer: Lindon Falconer Semester I, Slide ‹#›
 Example of Microcomputer Applications
Consumer Function Performed by Microcomputer
Washing Machine Control the water and spin cycles
Remote Control Accepts key touches and sends infrared (IR) pulses to base system
Exercise equipment Measures speed, distance, calories, heart rate, logs workouts
Communication
Telephone answering machines Plays outgoing message
Cellular Phone and Pagers Keypad and inputs, sound I/O, and communicates with central station
ATM Machines Provides both security and banking experience
Automotive
Automatic Braking Optimizes stopping on slippery surfaces
Theft Deterrent Devices Keyless entry, alarm systems
Military
Smart Weapons Recognizes friendly targets
Global Positioning System (GPS) Determines where you are on the planet
Industrial
Robot System Input from sensors, controls the motors
Bar Code Readers and Writers Input from readers, output to writers for inventory control and shipping
Medical
Pacemaker Helps the heart beat regularly
Dialysis Machines Performs functions normally done by the kidney
Electrical Power Systems
SCADA Implement sensors and control units.
Energy Monitoring Sense current, voltage and phase
 Embedded System Example
• A simple thermostat controller
– Periodically reads the temperature of a room
– Displays the temperature
– and switches on or off the cooling system, as
required.

ECSE 2104: Microprocessors and Embedded Systems Faculty of Engineering,

Lecturer: Lindon Falconer Semester I, Slide ‹#›
 What goes into an Embedded System

• An Embedded system is a device controlled by

instructions stored on a chip. These devices are usually
controlled by a microprocessor that executes the
instructions stored on a Read Only Memory (ROM) chip.
• Two of the most popular programming languages used
for writing embedded systems program are:
– Assembly Language
– C programming Language

• We will be using both languages in this course.

ECSE 2104: Microprocessors and Embedded Systems Faculty of Engineering,

Lecturer: Lindon Falconer Semester I, Slide ‹#›
 Building Microprocessors
• Microprocessors can be built using an hardware
description language such as VHDL or Verilog
and downloading the generated bit file into a
programmable device such as an FPGA.
• In this course students will be introduced to
VHDL programming and using this software tool
to implement microprocessor units.

ECSE 2104: Microprocessors and Embedded Systems Faculty of Engineering,

Lecturer: Lindon Falconer Semester I, Slide ‹#›
ECSE 2104: Microprocessors and Embedded Systems Faculty of Engineering,
Lecturer: Lindon Falconer Semester I, Slide ‹#›