Introduction to Embedded Systems

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Outline
 Introduction to Embedded Systems
 CPUs vs. MCUs vs. Embedded Systems

 Examples of Embedded Systems

 Options for Building Embedded Systems

 Features of Embedded Systems

 Building Embedded Systems

 Building Embedded System using MCUs

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Introduction to Embedded Systems
 What is an Embedded System?
 Application-specific computer system
 Built into a larger system
Embedded
 Often with real-time computing constraints
System
 Why add a computer to a larger system?
 Better performance
 More functions and features
 Lower cost e.g. through automation
 More dependability

Embedded Computer
Input from Software Output to Environment
Environment Hardware

User Interface Link to other Systems

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CPUs vs. MCUs vs. Embedded Systems
 Microprocessor (CPU)
 Defined typically as a single processor core that supports at least instruction fetching, decoding,
and executing
 Normally can be used for general purpose computing, but needs to be supported with memories
and Input/Outputs(IOs)

Instruction fetcher Memory Interface To memory

blocks
Instruction decoder

Register banks

ALU
Microprocessor

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CPUs vs. MCUs vs. Embedded Systems
 Microcontroller (MCU)
 Typically has a single processor core
 Has memory blocks, Digital IOs, Analog IOs, and other basic peripherals
 Typically used for basic control purpose, such as embedded applications

Program Data
Microprocessor
Memory Memory
System Bus
Other
Digital IO Analog IO Timer
peripheral
Microcontroller

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CPUs vs. MCUs vs. Embedded Systems
 Embedded System
 Typically implemented using MCUs
 Often integrated into a larger mechanical or electrical system
 Usually has real-time constraints

Embedded
System

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Example Embedded System: Bike Computer
 Functions
 Speed and distance measurement
Input:
 Constraints Wheel rotation
 Size Mode key
 Cost
 Power and Energy
 Weight
 Inputs
 Wheel rotation indicator
 Mode key
 Output
Output:
 Liquid Crystal Display
Display speed and
 Use Low Performance Microcontroller distance
 8-bit, 10 MIPS

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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, 150 - 300 MHz
 Knock control

 Constraints
 Reliability in harsh environment
 Cost
 Weight

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 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 fast
($500K/
mask set)
Programmable logic – low to mid mid easy small low medium to very fast
FPGA, PLD high

Microprocessor + low to mid mid easy small to med. low to medium moderate
memory + peripherals moderate
Software Running on
Generic Hardware

Microcontroller (int. low mid to easy small low medium slow to

memory & peripherals) low moderate

Embedded PC low high easy medium moderate to medium to fast

high high

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Benefits of Embedded Systems
 Greater performance and efficiency
 Software makes it possible to provide sophisticated control

 Lower costs
 Less expensive components can be used
 Manufacturing costs reduced
 Operating costs reduced
 Maintenance costs reduced

 More features
 Many not possible or practical with other approaches

 Better dependability
 Adaptive system which can compensate for failures
 Better diagnostics to improve repair time
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Functions of Embedded Systems

 Closed-loop control system

 Monitor a process, adjust an output to maintain desired set point (temperature, speed, direction,
etc.)
 Sequencing
 Step through different stages based on environment and system

 Signal processing
 Remove noise, select desired signal features

 Communications and networking

 Exchange information reliably and quickly

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Attributes of Embedded Systems
 Interfacing with larger system and environment
 Analog signals for reading sensors
 Typically use a voltage to represent a physical value
 Power electronics for driving motors, solenoids
 Digital interfaces for communicating with other digital devices
 Simple - switches
 Complex – displays

 Concurrent, reactive behaviours

 Must respond to sequences and combinations of events
 Real-time systems have deadlines on responses
 Typically must perform multiple separate activities concurrently

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Attributes of Embedded Systems

 Fault handling
 Many systems must operate independently for long periods of time, requiring them to handle likely
faults without crashing
 Often fault-handling code is larger and more complex than the normal-case code

 Diagnostics
 Help service personnel determine problems quickly

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Constraints of Embedded Systems

 Cost
 Competitive markets penalize products which don’t deliver adequate value for the cost

 Size and weight limits

 Mobile (aviation, automotive) and portable (e.g. handheld) systems

 Power and energy limits

 Battery capacity
 Cooling limits

 Environment
 Temperatures may range from -40°C to 125°C, or even more

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Impact of Constraints
 Microcontrollers used (rather than microprocessors)
 Include peripherals to interface with other devices, respond efficiently
 On-chip RAM, ROM reduce circuit board complexity and cost

 Programming language
 Programmed in the C language rather than the Java language (resulting in smaller and faster code,
so less expensive MCU)
 Some performance-critical code may be in assembly language (a lower level language)

 Operating system
 Typically no OS, but instead simple scheduler (or even just interrupts + main code
(foreground/background system)
 If OS is used, likely to be a lean RTOS

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 Building Embedded Systems

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Building Embedded Systems using MCUs
 In most embedded systems, MCUs are chosen to be the best solution, since they offer:
 Low development and manufacturing cost
 Easy porting and updating
 Light footprint
 Relatively low power consumption
 Satisfactory performance for low-end products

 In the following labs, we will learn how to develop a variety of embedded systems, using an easy-to-start
MCU design suite: Arduino IDE.
 Open software library tools

 Low cost hardware platforms, e.g. Arduino UNO

 Online Integrated development environment (IDE)

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