St.

Thomas College of Engineering and

Technology

Title: Role of sensors, actuators and their interfacing with I/O

subsystems of an embedded System
Name: Shilpa Naskar
Class roll no.: 44
University Roll No.: 12200321060
Department: Electronics and Communication
Engineering
Subject: EMBEDDED SYSTEM (PE – EC 703A)
Date: 04.08.2023
 INTRODUCTION
▪ An embedded system is a combination of computer hardware and software designed for a
specific function. Embedded systems may also function within a larger system. The systems can
be programmable or have a fixed functionality.

▪ Most embedded systems contain some type of input or output to control or communicate with the
external world. The scope of the I/O subsystem in an embedded system includes sensors and
actuators, conversion of signals between the analog and digital realm and delivery to (or from)
the controlling function. The main purpose of the I/O interfaces is to transmit and receive data.

▪ Sensors are used to detect changes in the surrounding environment and collect relevant real-time
data. Embedded sensor systems include cameras, radars, ultrasonic sensors, wheel-speed sensors,
global positioning systems (GPS) and so on. Sensors convert the physical characteristics from
their environment to electrical signals for the system.

▪ An actuator is a device that produces a motion by converting energy and signals going into the
system. Popular examples of actuators include hydraulic cylinders, comb drives, and electric
motors.
 CLASSIFICATION OF SENSORS
Basis of classification Types Example

Requirement for an external 1. Active sensors – RADAR and LiDAR

excitation signal 2. Passive sensors – Photographic, electric field
sensing, infrared, seismic,
radiometer
Means of detection 1. Biosensors – Immunosensors,
Aptasensors, Genosensors
2. Radioactive sensors – Geiger-Mueller detector
– breathalyzer, carbon
3. Chemical sensors monoxide sensor
– LDR(Light Dependent
4. Electrical sensors Resistor)
Output type 1. Analog sensors – accelerometers, pressure
sensors, light sensors, sound
sensors, temperature sensors
– door sensor (magnetic), the
2. Digital sensors LED lights, alarms, the push
button switches
 I/O SUB-SYSTEM IN AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM

≈ The I/O (Input/Output) subsystem in an embedded system is a crucial component responsible

for managing the interaction between the embedded system and its external environment.

≈ It serves as the bridge that allows the embedded system to receive input from various sensors
and user interfaces, and also enables the system to control actuators and communicate with
external devices.

≈ Following are some functionalities of I/O subsystems in an embedded system:

• Input Interfaces: The I/O subsystem includes input interfaces that are responsible for receiving
data and signals from various input devices.

• Sensor Interfacing: It allows the system to read data from sensors such as temperature sensors,
humidity sensors, light sensors, proximity sensors, accelerometers, and more.
 Continued ...
• Signal Conditioning: Signal conditioning involves processes like amplification, filtering, and
linearization to ensure that the data is accurate, reliable, and suitable for the intended application.

• Analog-to-Digital Conversion

• Output Interfaces: The I/O subsystem also includes output interfaces responsible for controlling
actuators and providing feedback or information to users.

• Actuator Interfacing: It provides the necessary signals to actuators such as motors, solenoids, relays, or
other devices to produce physical actions or responses.

• Communication Interfaces: The I/O subsystem may include communication interfaces such as UART,
SPI, I2C, Ethernet, CAN, or wireless protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).

• Data Processing and Control: The I/O subsystem plays a vital role in data processing and control.

• Interrupts, Event Handling, Error Handling, Fault Tolerance

 INTERFACING SENSORS WITH I/O SUB-SYSTEM

≈ We live in a World of Sensors. We can find different types of sensors in our homes, offices, cars
etc. working to make our lives easier by turning on the lights by detecting our presence,
adjusting the room temperature, detect smoke or fire, make us delicious coffee, open garage
doors as soon as our car is near the door and many other tasks.

≈ Sensors are input devices which provide an output (signal) with respect to a specific physical
quantity (input).

≈ Sensors act as the input devices in the I/O subsystem, and their primary function is to sense
various physical parameters and convert them into electrical signals that can be processed by the
embedded system. Here are the key roles of sensors in the I/O subsystem of an embedded
system:

▪ Data Acquisition: Sensors are responsible for acquiring real-world data and information. By
providing this data to the embedded system, sensors enable the system to monitor and perceive
its environment.
 Continued ...
▪ Environmental Sensing: Sensors allow the embedded system to be aware of changes in the
environment.

▪ User Interaction: Some sensors can also facilitate user interaction with the embedded system. By
detecting user inputs, the embedded system can respond accordingly and execute specific tasks.

▪ Control and Automation: Sensors play a vital role in providing feedback to the embedded system,
allowing it to control actuators and implement automation.

▪ Safety and monitoring: n industrial applications, sensors are commonly used to monitor critical
parameters, ensuring safe and efficient operation of machines and processes.

▪ Feedback Loop: Sensors are an integral part of the feedback loop in many embedded systems. The
system constantly gathers data from sensors, processes it, and takes actions based on the analysis.

Overall, sensors form the foundation of the I/O subsystem in an embedded system.
 INTERFACING ACTUATORS WITH I/O SUB-SYSTEM

Actuators act as the output devices in the I/O subsystem, and they are responsible for converting
digital or electrical signals into mechanical, thermal, or other forms of energy. Here are the key
roles of actuators in the I/O interfacing of an embedded system:

▪ Physical Response: Actuators enable the embedded system to interact with the physical world
by producing physical responses.

▪ Automation and Control: Actuators can control valves, motors, relays, solenoids, and other
devices to carry out specific tasks based on the input received from sensors or user commands.

▪ Display and Indication: Actuators can be used to provide visual or audio feedback to users.

▪ Energy Conversion: Actuators are responsible for converting electrical signals into various
forms of energy.
Continued ...
▪ Motion Control: Actuators, particularly motors, are frequently used for precise motion control
in various applications. They can control the movement of robotic arms, conveyor belts, CNC
machines, and other automated systems.

▪ Actuator Synchronization: The embedded system ensures that actuators operate harmoniously
to carry out complex tasks efficiently.

▪ Safety and Protection: Actuators in industrial control systems can quickly shut down
machinery in response to safety hazards.

▪ Remote Control and Telemetry: Actuators can be controlled remotely, enabling the embedded
system to communicate with other devices or systems.

Overall, actuators are essential components of the I/O subsystem in an embedded system, as
they enable the system to interact with the physical world and carry out various tasks, actions,
and responses based on the data received from sensors and the decisions made by the
microcontroller or processor.
 CONCLUSION

A sensor monitors conditions and signals when it detects specific, pre-determined changes.
An actuator receives a signal and performs an action, often in the form of movement in a
mechanism.
Sensors are often used to measure asset temperature, vibration, pressure or fluid levels.
Industrial applications of actuators include operating dampers, valves, and couplings.
Actuators are present in almost all the industrial and domestic appliances we use today. Yet
innovations in the domain get little coverage in media compared to cutting edge technologies
like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, etc.
The key advantages of sensors include improved sensitivity during data capture, almost
lossless transmission, and continuous, real-time analysis. Real-time feedback, and data analytics
services ensure that processes are active, and are executed optimally.
With modern sensors and software components, embedded sensors are an active and
growing area of embedded computing.
Thank you