Introduction of Embedded Systems | Set-1

Before going to the overview of Embedded Systems, Let’s first know the two
basic things i.e., embedded and system, and what actually do they mean.
System is a set of interrelated parts/components which are designed/developed
to perform common tasks or to do some specific work for which it has been
created.
Embedded means including something with anything for a reason. Or simply we
can say something which is integrated or attached to another thing. Now after
getting what actual systems and embedded mean we can easily understand
what are Embedded Systems.

What is Embedded System?

Embedded system is a computational system that is developed based on an
integration of both hardware and software in order to perform a given task. It can
be said as a dedicated computer system has been developed for some particular
reason. But it is not our traditional computer system or general-purpose
computers, these are the Embedded systems that may work independently or
attached to a larger system to work on a few specific functions. These embedded
systems can work without human intervention or with little human intervention.
Understanding embedded systems is essential for designing hardware-software
interfaces. System design plays a crucial role in creating efficient embedded
systems. To explore the intricacies of system design and its applications, you can
enroll in the System Design Course, which covers various design strategies
and methodologies relevant to embedded systems.
Components of Embedded Systems
1. Hardware 2. Software 3. Firmware
Examples of Embedded Systems
 Digital watches
 Washing Machine
 Toys
 Televisions
 Digital phones
 Laser Printer
 Cameras
 Industrial machines
 Electronic Calculators
 Automobiles
 Medical Equipment
Application of Embedded System
 Home appliances
 Transportation
 Health care
 Business sector & offices
 Defense sector
 Aerospace
 Agricultural Sector
Characteristics of an Embedded System
 Performs specific task: Embedded systems perform some specific
function or tasks.
 Low Cost: The price of an embedded system is not so expensive.
 Time Specific: It performs the tasks within a certain time frame.
 Low Power: Embedded Systems don’t require much power to operate.
 High Efficiency: The efficiency level of embedded systems is so high.
 Minimal User interface: These systems require less user interface and
are easy to use.
 Less Human intervention: Embedded systems require no human
intervention or very less human intervention.
 Highly Stable: Embedded systems do not change frequently mostly fixed
maintaining stability.
 High Reliability: Embedded systems are reliable they perform tasks
consistently well.
 Use microprocessors or microcontrollers: Embedded systems
use microprocessors or microcontrollers to design and use limited memory.
 Manufacturable: The majority of embedded systems are compact and
affordable to manufacture. They are based on the size and low complexity
of the hardware.

Different Types of Embedded Processor

An embedded processor is a microprocessor that is designed especially for
handling the needs of an embedded system. It is a class of computer or
computer chip that is embedded in various machines. The article focus on
discussing different types of embedded processor.
What is a Processor in a System?
A processor, also known as a central processing unit (CPU), is the primary
component in a computer that performs most of the processing. It executes
instructions that are stored in memory and perform basic arithmetic, logic, and
input/output operations.
 The processor is the “brain” of the computer and is responsible for
carrying out the instructions of a computer program.
 It reads and interprets the instructions and performs the actions required
by the instructions.
 The processor is an essential component of a computer system, as it
determines the speed and performance of the system.
What is an Embedded Processor?
An embedded processor is a microprocessor that is used in an embedded
system. An embedded system is a computer system that is designed to perform
a specific task within a larger system. It is a self-contained system that is
embedded within a larger device or system and is used to control the operation
of the device.
 Embedded processors are typically found in devices that require real-time
processing capabilities, such as industrial control systems, automotive
systems, and consumer electronics.
 Embedded processors are designed to be small, low-power, and efficient,
as they are typically used in devices where space and power are at a
premium.
 They are also designed to be reliable and to operate for long periods of
time without failure.
 Some examples of devices that use embedded processors include
smartphones, TVs, washing machines, and aircraft systems.
Types of Embedded Processors
Below are the different types of embedded processors:
1. General Purpose Processors (GPPs)
General purpose processors, also known as central processing units (CPUs), are
processors that are designed to be capable of executing a wide range of tasks.
They are used in computers and other devices that require high-performance
processing capabilities. Some features of general-purpose processors include:
1. Instruction set: General purpose processors have a large and complex
instruction set, which allows them to perform a wide range of tasks.
2. Multi-core: Many general-purpose processors are multi-core, which
means they have multiple processors on a single chip. This allows them to
perform multiple tasks concurrently, improving performance.
3. Clock speed: The clock speed of a processor determines how fast it can
execute instructions. General-purpose processors typically have high clock
speeds, which allows them to perform tasks quickly.
 4. Cache: General-purpose processors have one or more levels of cache,
which is a small amount of high-speed memory that is used to store
frequently accessed data. This helps to improve the performance of the
processor.
5. Compatibility: General-purpose processors are typically compatible with
a wide range of operating systems and software applications.
6. Virtualization: Many general-purpose processors support virtualization,
which allows them to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical
machine.
7. Power consumption: General-purpose processors can have high power
consumption, which can be a concern in devices where power is limited.
2. Microprocessors
A microprocessor is a processor that is contained on a microchip, or integrated
circuit (IC). It is a central processing unit (CPU) that executes the instructions of a
computer program. Some features of microprocessors include:
1. Instruction set: Microprocessors have a specific instruction set that
defines the operations that they can perform.
2. Clock speed: The clock speed of a microprocessor determines how fast it
can execute instructions. Microprocessors typically have high clock
speeds, which allows them to perform tasks quickly.
3. Data bus: The data bus is a communication pathway that is used to
transfer data between the microprocessor and other components in a
system.
4. Address bus: The address bus is a communication pathway that is used
to transfer the address of a memory location between the microprocessor
and other components in a system.
5. Cache: Many microprocessors have one or more levels of cache, which is
a small amount of high-speed memory that is used to store frequently
accessed data. This helps to improve the performance of the
microprocessor.
6. Power consumption: Microprocessors can have relatively high power
consumption, which can be a concern in devices where power is limited.
7. Size: Microprocessors are designed to be small, as they are typically used
in devices where space is at a premium.
8. Cost: Microprocessors can vary in cost depending on their capabilities and
features.
3. Microcontrollers
A microcontroller is a small, low-power computer that is contained in a single
integrated circuit (IC). It is a type of embedded processor that is used in a wide
range of devices, including consumer electronics, industrial control systems, and
automotive systems. Some features of microcontrollers include:
1. On-chip peripherals: Many microcontrollers have a variety of on-chip
peripherals, such as timers, serial ports, and analog-to-digital converters,
which allow them to interface with external devices.
2. Memory: Microcontrollers have both program memory, which stores the
instructions that are executed by the processor, and data memory, which
is used to store variables and other data.
3. Input/output (I/O) pins: Microcontrollers have a set of I/O pins that can
be used to interface with external devices, such as sensors or actuators.
4. Low power consumption: Microcontrollers are designed to be low-
power, which makes them suitable for use in battery-powered devices.
5. Cost: Microcontrollers are typically less expensive than general-purpose
processors, as they are designed for specific tasks and do not have as
many capabilities.
6. Size: Microcontrollers are small, which makes them suitable for use in
compact devices.
7. Flexibility: Microcontrollers are highly flexible and can be programmed to
perform a wide range of tasks.
4. Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
Digital signal processors (DSPs) are specialized microprocessors that are
designed to process digital signals. They are used in a wide range of
applications, including audio and video processing, telecommunications, and
control systems. Some key features of DSPs include:
1. High-speed processing: DSPs are designed to process large amounts of
data quickly, making them well-suited for real-time applications.
2. Parallel processing: Many DSPs are designed to perform multiple
operations simultaneously, which can increase their processing speed and
efficiency.
3. Hardware support for common operations: DSPs often include
specialized hardware to support common operations, such as filtering and
FFTs (Fast Fourier Transforms), which can reduce the processing overhead
and improve performance.
4. Low power consumption: DSPs are often designed to be energy-
efficient, making them well-suited for battery-powered applications.
5. Programmability: Most DSPs are programmable, which means that they
can be customized to perform specific tasks. This allows them to be used
in a wide range of applications.
5. Single-Purpose Embedded Processor
Single-purpose embedded processors, also known as application-specific
embedded processors, are microprocessors that are designed to perform a
specific task or set of tasks. They are used in a wide range of applications,
including automotive systems, industrial control systems, and consumer
electronics. Some key features of single-purpose embedded processors include:
1. Specialized functionality: Single-purpose embedded processors are
designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks, making them well-
suited for applications that require highly specialized functionality.
2. Low power consumption: Single-purpose embedded processors are
often designed to be energy-efficient, making them well-suited for battery-
powered applications.
3. Compact size: Single-purpose embedded processors are often designed
to be small and lightweight, making them well-suited for applications
where space is limited.
4. High reliability: Single-purpose embedded processors are often designed
to be highly reliable, as they are typically used in mission-critical
applications where downtime is not an option.
5. Low cost: Single-purpose embedded processors are often less expensive
than general-purpose processors, as they are designed to perform a
specific set of tasks and do not require the same level of flexibility and
programmability.
6. System-on-Chip (SoC)
System-on-Chip (SoC) is an integrated circuit that integrates all components of a
computer or other electronic system onto a single chip. Some key features of
SoCs include:
 1. Integration: SoCs integrate all or most of the components of a system
onto a single chip, which can reduce the size and complexity of the
system.
2. Low power consumption: SoCs can be designed to be highly power
efficient, which can be useful in battery-powered or energy-sensitive
applications.
3. High performance: SoCs can be designed for high performance, making
them suitable for applications that require a lot of processing power.
4. Customization: SoCs can be customized for specific applications,
allowing them to be optimized for the specific requirements of those
applications.
5. Reduced component count: Because many components are integrated
onto a single chip, SoCs can reduce the component count of a system,
which can make the system simpler and easier to manufacture.

Applications of Embedded Processors

Embedded processors are used in a wide range of applications, including:
1. Consumer electronics: Embedded processors are used in many types of
consumer electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other
portable devices.
2. Industrial control systems: Embedded processors are used to control
and monitoring industrial equipment, such as robots, conveyor belts, and
other manufacturing systems.
3. Automotive systems: Embedded processors are used in automotive
systems, such as engine control, traction control, and advanced driver
assistance systems (ADAS).
 4. Medical devices: Embedded processors are used in medical devices,
such as monitoring devices, imaging devices, and drug delivery systems.
5. Military systems: Embedded processors are used in military systems,
such as missiles, aircraft, and other defense systems.
6. Communication systems: Embedded processors are used in
communication systems, such as routers, switches, and other networking
equipment.
7. Home automation systems: Embedded processors are used in home
automation systems, such as smart thermostats, security systems, and
lighting control systems.
8. Other applications: Embedded processors are used in many other
applications, such as point-of-sale systems, cash registers, vending
machines, and many others.

The hardware components of an embedded

system include:
 Sensors: Convert physical data into electrical signals
 Analog-to-digital converters (A-D converters): Change analog
electrical signals into digital ones
 Processors: Process digital signals and store them in memory
 Digital-to-analog converters (D-A converters): Change digital data
from the processor into analog data
 Actuators: Convert electrical signals into physical actions to control the
mechanical motion of the system
 Power supply: The power source for the system
 Memory: Volatile and/or non-volatile memory
 Timers: A component of the embedded system
 Serial communication ports: A component of the embedded system
 Microcontroller or microprocessor: A programmable digital electronic
component that processes digital data
 Field programmable gate arrays (FPGA): A hardware element of an
embedded device
 Communication interfaces: A hardware element of an embedded
device
 Graphics processing unit (GPU): A hardware element of an embedded
device
  Power management units: Ensure the system operates efficiently and
within its power constraints

An embedded system is a special-purpose system that performs pre-defined

tasks. Examples of embedded systems include ATMs, cell phones, printers,
thermostats, calculators, and videogame consoles.