Notes 1

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Text Book:

“The AVR Microcontroller and Embedded

Systems” – By Muhammad Ali Mazidi, Sarmad
Naimi and Sepehr Naimi, Pearson Publication

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What is “Microprocessor” ?

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 A programmable machine

Input Micro-
Output
processor

Memory

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The Microprocessor is a programmable integrated
device that has computing and decision -
making capabilities similar to that of the
central processing unit (CPU).

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Organization of a uP based system

Microprocessor
Input /Output
Register
ALU Array
System Bus

Control Memory
ROM R/WM

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• Microcontroller : A device that includes
microprocessor, memory, and I/O signal lines
on a single ship, fabricated using VLSI
technology.

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Microprocessors : Microcontrollers

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 Two categories of products..

System
performance is Issues of space,
critical. power and rapid
development are
critical.

Microprocessors : Microcontrollers
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What is “Embedded System” ? ..

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What is a system ?

A way of working, organizing or performing one

or many tasks according to a fixed set of rules,
program or plan.

Eg. : Democratic Government

Human Nervous System

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What is a system ?

Also an arrangement in which all units

assemble and work together according to a
program or plan.

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Examples of Systems

• Time display system –A watch

• Automatic cloth washing system –A washing
machine

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What is an Embedded System ?

“An embedded system is a system that has

• software embedded into computer-hardware
• which makes a system dedicated for an
application(s) or specific part of an application or
product or part of a larger system.”

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What is an Embedded System ?

“An embedded system is one that has a

dedicated purpose software embedded in a
computer hardware.”

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 EXAMPLES
 Digital cameras  MPEG decoders
 ATM Machines  Network switches/routers
 Camcorders  On-board navigation
 Smart Phones  Satellite Systems
 Cruise control bikes  Photocopiers
 Electronic  Point-of-sale systems
toys/games
 Portable video games
 Fax machines
 Printers
 Fingerprint identifiers
 Stereo systems
 Home security
systems  Teleconferencing systems
 Life-support systems  Televisions
 Broadband Internet  Temperature controllers
Modems  TV set-top boxes
 Embedded System (ES)
Classification

N/W or
Stand Real Time Remote
Mobile ES
Alone ES ES Controlled
ES
 Stand-alone Embedded System
• It is designed to perform a very specific task repetitively

• Simplest form of system,

(e.g. Biometric attendance system)
 Real-time Embedded System
• A real-time embedded system usually monitors the
environment where the embedded system is installed.

• This kind of system is required to respond in time to a

request (e.g. Temperature Controller)

• Examples of such systems are aircraft engine control

systems
 Remote Controlled Embedded System
• It is built using a specialized communication processor,
memory and a number of network access interfaces
(known as network ports), and special software that
implements logic for sending information from and to
this system remotely
 Mobile Embedded System
• It is designed to be continuously on the move

• Mobile Embedded Systems usually are simple, battery

powered systems with resource limitations.
General Architecture of ES
 Embedded Systems

Hardware

Software

Firmware

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 Embedded Systems

Hardware

Software

Firmware

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 Embedded Systems

Hardware

Software

Firmware

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Hardware, Software and “Firmware”..

What is “Firmware” ?

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“The generally fixed, usually small, programs and
data structures that internally control various
electronic devices.”

Examples of devices containing firmware:

Remote Controls, digital camera, even mobiles..

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 Software vs. Firmware
Software: Higher level programs that can be
changed without replacing hardware..
Firmware: very basic low-level operations without
which a device would not function at all !

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 Embedded Systems

Hardware

Software

Firmware

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Hardware in Embedded System ?

Here, computer hardware refers to a

microcontroller or a microprocessor
based system.

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Fundamentals..

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 Embedded Systems

Hardware

Software

Firmware

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Harvard Architecture Vs. Princeton Architecture

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Concepts of CISC and RISC Processors

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CISC : Complex Instruction Set Computing

RISC : Reduced Instruction Set Computing

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Which Microcontroller to use?

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What can be the criteria for selecting a
microcontroller ?

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Criteria for choosing a microcontroller..

1.Computational
need (efficiency,
cost etc)

2. Availability
3. Reliable
of s/w
sources of
development
uC
Tools

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1. Effectively meeting computing needs

• 8-bit vs 16-bit vs 32 bit controller

• Speed
• Power consumption
• Packaging
• Space
• Assembling
• Prototyping end product

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1. Effectively meeting computing needs
• Amount of RAM and ROM on chip

• No. of I/O pins

• No. of timers

• Upgradability to new versions

• Cost per unit

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2. Availability of s/w developmental tools
How easy it is to develop product around it ?

Key considerations: availability of

• Assemblers
• Debugger
• Code-efficient C-language compiler
• Technical support
• In-house and outside expertise

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3. Availability and Reliable sources of uC

• How many companies supply this controller ?

• Are these companies reliable ?
• Will this controller be supported in future ?

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