ELEC 5260/6260/6266

Embedded Computing Systems

Spring 2019
Victor P. Nelson
Text: “Computers as Components, 4th Edition”
Prof. Marilyn Wolf (Georgia Tech)
Course Web Page:
http://www.eng.auburn.edu/~nelsovp/courses/elec5260_6260/
 Course Topics (1)
 Embedded system design and implementation
 The embedded computing space – what is “embedded computing”?
 System design methodologies (including UML)
 Platforms: system-on-chip (SoC), microcontrollers, FPGAs,
networks.
 CPUs for embedded systems (ARM, DSP)
 ARM Cortex-M4 and “Discovery Kit” development board
 System architectures, applications, methodologies.
 Hardware, software, system.
 Hierarchical software design for embedded systems

(continued)
Course Topics (continued)
 Input/output devices, interrupts, timing
 Sensors, data acquisition, and control systems
 Real-time operating systems for embedded systems
 Internet of Things, IoT networks
 Automotive and Aerospace systems
 Standards-based design.
 Case studies

This is not simply a “microcontroller course”.

 Introduction to embedded systems
 What is an embedded system?
 Application-specific computer system
 Component of a larger system
 Interacts with its environment embedded
 Often has real-time computing system

constraints

Embedded Computer Output to

Input from Software
environment Hardware
environment

User interface Link to other systems

Benefits of Embedded Computer Systems
 Greater performance and efficiency
 Software makes it possible to provide sophisticated control
 Integrated functions often more efficient than external ones
 Lower costs
 Less expensive components can be used
 Manufacturing, operating, and maintenance costs reduced
 More features
 Many not possible or practical with other approaches
 Better dependability/security
 Adaptive system which can compensate for failures
 Better diagnostics to improve repair time
 Potential for distributed system design
 Multiple processors communicating across a network can lower
parts and assembly costs and improve reliability
 Application examples
 Simple control: microwave oven front panel
 Canon EOS 3 has three microprocessors.
 32-bit RISC CPU runs auto-focus and eye control systems.
 Digital TV: programmable CPUs + hardwired logic.
 Smart phone: keyboard, communications, games, app’s
 Internet of Things (IoT) - distributed sensors/controllers
 Vehicle control (automotive, aerospace, etc.)
 Industrial process control (nuclear power plant)
 OTHER EXAMPLES??

ASSIGNMENT #1: 4-page report on a current multimedia

system/device or an IoT system
 Example embedded system: bike computer
 Functions
 Speed and distance measurement
 Constraints Input:
Wheel rotation
 Size Mode key
 Cost
 Power and energy
 Weight
 Inputs
 Wheel rotation indicator
Output:
 Mode key Display speed
 Output and distance

 Liquid Crystal Display

 Use Low Performance Microcontroller
 8-bit, 10 MIPS
 Gasoline automobile engine control unit
 Functions  Many inputs and outputs
 Fuel injection  Discrete sensors & actuators
 Air intake setting  Network interface to rest of car
 Spark timing
 Exhaust gas circulation  Use high performance microcontroller
 Electronic throttle control  e.g. 32-bit, 3 MB flash memory,
 Knock control
150 - 300 MHz

 Constraints
 Reliability in harsh
environment
 Cost
 Weight
Embedding a computer

output “device”

input “device”
CPU

mem
embedded
computer
 Options for Building Embedded Systems
Implementation Design Unit Upgrades Size Weight Power System
Cost Cost & Bug Speed
Fixes
Dedicated Hardware

Discrete Logic low mid hard large high ? very fast

ASIC high very low hard tiny - 1 die very low low extremely
($500K/ fast
mask set)

Programmable logic – low mid easy small low medium to very fast
FPGA, PLD high

Microprocessor + low to mid mid easy small to low to medium moderate

Software Running on

med. moderate
Generic Hardware

memory + peripherals

Microcontroller (int. low mid to low easy small low medium slow to
memory & moderate
peripherals)
Embedded PC low high easy medium moderate medium to fast
to high high
Microprocessors vs custom circuits?
 Microprocessors can be very efficient:
 Use same logic to perform many different functions.
 Create families of products.
 Create upgradable systems.
 Alternatives:
 Custom System on Chip (SoC) implemented with ASICs, field-
programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.
 May or may not include microprocessor
 “Platform” FPGA – implement one or more microprocessor
hard/soft cores, with embedded memory and programmable
logic
Microprocessor options
 Microcontroller: includes I/O devices, on-chip memory.
 Digital signal processor (DSP): microprocessor
optimized for digital signal processing.
 Application-Specific Processor (ASP): instruction set
& architecture tailored to application (graphics, network,
etc.)
 Soft core: microcontroller or CPU model to be synthesized
into a system on chip (SoC)
 Hard core: microcontroller or CPU implemented as part
of a SoC, “platform FPGAs”
Early history
 Late 1940’s: MIT Whirlwind computer was designed for
real-time operations.
 Originally designed to control an aircraft simulator.
 HP-35 calculator used several chips to implement a
microprocessor in 1972.
 First microprocessor was Intel 4004 in early 1970’s.
 4-bit microcontrollers created in the 1970’s
 8-bit microcontrollers in mid 1970’s
 and so on …
 Early history, continued.
 Automobiles have used microprocessor-based engine
controllers starting in 1970’s.
 Control fuel/air mixture, engine timing, etc.
 Multiple modes of operation: warm-up, cruise, hill climbing, etc.
 Provides lower emissions, better fuel efficiency.
 High-performance 32- and 64-bit microcontrollers enable
movement of functions from HW to SW
 Radio.
 Multimedia.
 Communications
 Complex control.
 Networks of lower-level microcontrollers distribute tasks
 Automotive embedded systems
 High-end automobile may have dozens of microprocessors:
 8-bit microcontroller checks seat belt;
 Microcontrollers run dashboard devices;
 16/32-bit microprocessor controls engine.
 Network of microcontrollers control antilock brakes
 Entertainment systems
 Navigation systems
 Collision avoidance
 Autonomous operation (self-driving)
BMW 850i brake & stability control system
 Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
 Pump brakes to reduce skidding.
 Automatic stability control + traction (ASC+T)
 Control engine to improve stability (throttle, ignition
timing, differential brake, gears).
 ABS and ASC+T communicate.
 ABS was introduced first---needed to interface to existing ABS
module.
Diagram – next slide
BMW 850i, cont’d.
sensor sensor

brake brake

hydraulic
ABS
pump

brake brake

sensor sensor
High-end embedded system characteristics
 Complex algorithms: high performance & functionality.
 High data rates
 Large data structures
 Varied user/device interfaces.
 Multiple tasks, heterogeneous.
 Real-time operation/precise timing.
 Low-power operation.
 Safe, reliable, secure operations.
 Manufacturable, sustainable, cost-effective.

Often have to make trade-offs to meet constraints

Challenges in embedded system design
 How much hardware do we need?
 CPU computing power? Memory?
 What peripheral functions?
 Implement in HW or SW?
 How do we meet timing constraints?
 Faster hardware or cleverer software?
 Real-time operating system or custom design?
 How do we minimize power consumption?
 How do we optimize cost?
 How do we ensure system security/reliability?
 How do we meet our time-to-market deadline?