Embedded

System Design-
BEC601
Chethan k
Assistant Professor
Dept. of ECE
BIT
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
• characteristics and these characteristics are unique to each embedded system.
• Some of the important characteristics of an embedded system are as follows:
(1) Application and domain specifi c
(2) Reactive and Real Time
(3) Operates in harsh environments
(4) Distributed
(5) Small size and weight
(6) Power concerns
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
1.Application and Domain Specific
Embedded systems are highly application-specific and categorized based on the industry they
serve.
🔹 Consumer Electronics:
• Smart TVs, Set-Top Boxes, Digital Cameras, Smartwatches
• Designed for multimedia processing and user-friendly interfaces
🔹 Automotive:
• Engine Control Units (ECU), Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), Airbag Control Systems
• Optimized for real-time processing, high reliability, and safety
🔹 Telecommunications:
• Routers, Modems, Base Stations, Network Switches
• Require high-speed processing and real-time communicati
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
1.Application and Domain Specific
Why Can’t Embedded Systems Be Interchanged?
• Each embedded system is designed for a specific domain and cannot be easily
replaced with another.
• 🚫 Example 1: You cannot replace a microwave oven's embedded controller with an air
conditioner's controller.
• The microwave's controller is optimized for heating control.
• The air conditioner's controller is designed for temperature regulation and compressor
control.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
1.Application and Domain Specific
Why Can’t Embedded Systems Be Interchanged?
• Example 2: A telecom system’s embedded controller cannot replace a consumer
electronics controller.
• Telecom devices require high-speed network processing.
• Consumer electronics focus on user interface and media playback.
• 📌 Why?
• ✔ Different hardware architectures
• ✔ Different software and firmware logic
• ✔ Optimized for specific environmental and operational conditions
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
1.Application and Domain Specific
Key Design Considerations for Application-Specific Embedded Systems
📌 Performance Optimization: Designed to meet real-time processing requirements.
📌 Power Efficiency: Many embedded systems (like IoT devices) must run on low power for
extended durations.
📌 Reliability & Safety: Especially critical in automotive, medical, and aerospace
applications.
📌 Cost Efficiency: Hardware and software are optimized for cost-effective mass
production.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
1.Application and Domain Specific
Key Design Considerations for Application-Specific Embedded Systems
📌 Performance Optimization: Designed to meet real-time processing requirements.
📌 Power Efficiency: Many embedded systems (like IoT devices) must run on low power for
extended durations.
📌 Reliability & Safety: Especially critical in automotive, medical, and aerospace
applications.
📌 Cost Efficiency: Hardware and software are optimized for cost-effective mass
production.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
2.Reactive and Real Time:
A reactive system is an embedded system that continuously interacts with the real world through sensors and
input devices.
How It Works:
• The system monitors events happening in real-time.
• It processes the inputs and executes a control algorithm.
• It adjusts the output to maintain a desired level or state.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
2.Reactive and Real Time:
Examples of Events:
✔ Periodic Events: Occur at regular intervals (e.g., heartbeats in medical monitors).
✔ Unpredicted Events: Occur randomly (e.g., sudden braking in a car).
🚀 Example:
✅ Smart Thermostat: Reacts to room temperature changes by adjusting the AC or heater.
✅ Traffic Light Controller: Changes signals based on sensor input detecting vehicle
presence.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
2.Reactive and Real Time:
What Are Real-Time Systems?
📌 Definition:

A real-time system is an embedded system that must complete tasks within a specific time (known as a deadline).

Key Requirement:

✅ The system's response time must be deterministic (i.e., known and predictable).

✅ It should never miss deadlines for critical tasks.

📌 Types of Real-Time Systems:

🔹 Hard Real-Time: Missing a deadline causes system failure (e.g., flight control system, ABS in cars).

🔹 Soft Real-Time: Missing a deadline reduces performance but doesn’t cause failure (e.g., video streaming, gaming).
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
2.Reactive and Real Time:
Example:
✅ Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Must react immediately to prevent wheel lockup.
✅ Flight Control System: Must adjust control surfaces instantly to maintain stability.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
3.Operates in Harsh Environment
Unlike general-purpose computers, embedded systems are often deployed in extreme
conditions where they face:
✔ High temperatures (e.g., industrial automation, automotive engine control units)
✔ Dust and dirt (e.g., mining, outdoor IoT sensors)
✔ Vibrations and shocks (e.g., aerospace, military applications)
✔ Power fluctuations (e.g., remote areas with unstable power supply)
✔ Corrosion and component aging (e.g., underwater systems, offshore oil rigs)
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
3.Operates in Harsh Environment
Real-World Examples of Harsh Environment Embedded Systems
✅ Automotive ECU (Engine Control Unit) → Must work under high heat and vibrations
inside a car engine.
✅ Industrial Robots → Operate in dusty, high-temperature factory settings.
✅ Spacecraft & Satellites → Work in vacuum, extreme temperatures, and radiation.
✅ Oil & Gas Monitoring Systems → Deployed in corrosive offshore environments.
✅ Military & Defense Equipment → Must survive shock, vibration, and extreme weather.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
3.Operates in Harsh Environment
No Compromise on Cost for Harsh Environments
📌 Why?
• Consumer-grade components fail in extreme conditions.
• Using high-grade materials ensures reliability and long life.
• Failure in critical systems (e.g., aerospace, medical devices) can cause disasters.
💡 Example:
• Aerospace Embedded Systems use radiation-hardened chips, even though they cost
significantly more.
• Medical Implants (Pacemakers) must function without failure for years, so they use
biocompatible and highly reliable components.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
4.Distributed:
Definition: A distributed embedded system consists of multiple independent embedded
units that work together to perform a larger function.

📌 Key Characteristics:
✔ Multiple interconnected embedded systems
✔ Work together towards a common goal
✔ Communicate through wired or wireless networks
✔ Improve scalability, efficiency, and fault tolerance
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
4.Distributed:
Examples of Distributed Embedded Systems
• Vending Machine : ✅ Card Reader ✅ Payment Processor ✅ Product Dispensing Unit ✅
Display Screen
• ATM (Automated Teller Machine) :✅ Card Reader ✅ Transaction Processor ✅ Cash
Dispenser ✅ Printer
How Distributed Embedded Systems Communicate?
Communication Method
1. Serial Communication (UART, SPI, I2C): Short-range communication inside a device
2. CAN (Controller Area Network): Used in automotive and industrial control
3. Ethernet/Wi-Fi: ATM network, SCADA systems
4. Zigbee/Bluetooth: IoT sensor networks
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
4.Distributed:
Advantages of Distributed Embedded Systems
✅ Modularity → Each component can be designed and tested independently
✅ Fault Tolerance → If one unit fails, the entire system doesn’t stop working
✅ Scalability → New embedded units can be added without redesigning the whole system
✅ Flexibility → Easier to update and upgrade specific modules
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
4.Distributed:
Real-World Applications of Distributed Embedded Systems
• Smart Cities → Traffic management systems, smart streetlights
• Automotive Systems → ABS, airbag systems, infotainment systems (all work together but are independent)
• Industrial Automation → SCADA-based monitoring of manufacturing plants
• Healthcare Devices → Distributed medical monitoring systems (heart rate, oxygen level sensors)
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
5 Small Size and Weight:
Compactness is a key factor in embedded system design due to:
✔ Aesthetics & User Preference → People prefer sleek, lightweight devices
✔ Portability → Smaller devices are easier to carry and use
✔ Space Constraints → Some applications (e.g., wearables, drones) require ultra-compact
designs
✔ Energy Efficiency → Smaller size often correlates with lower power consumption
✔ Cost Reduction → Smaller components often reduce manufacturing costs
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
5 Small Size and Weight:
Examples of Small-Sized Embedded Systems:
1. Smartphones: Users prefer slim & lightweight designs
2. Wearables (Smartwatches, Fitness Bands): Must be ultra-compact for comfortable wear
3. Medical Implants (Pacemakers, Hearing Aids): Tiny size is crucial for implantation
4. Drones & UAVs: Smaller = Better aerodynamics, lower power consumption
5. IoT Sensors & Devices: Need to be small & unobtrusive
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
5 Small Size and Weight:
How to Achieve Small Size & Low Weight?
✅ Miniaturized Components → Use small-sized microcontrollers (MCUs), sensors, and actuators
✅ System-on-Chip (SoC) Design → Integrate CPU, memory, and peripherals into a single chip
✅ Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) → Use compact, high-density PCB layouts
✅ Flexible & Wearable Electronics → Use bendable circuits for applications like smart textiles
✅ Battery Optimization → Smaller, high-capacity batteries (Li-ion, solid-state batteries)
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1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
5 Small Size and Weight:
Challenges in Miniaturization
• Heat Dissipation → Smaller components may overheat
• Manufacturing Complexity → High precision required for micro-fabrication
• Limited Upgradeability → Hard to modify due to tight integration
• Power Constraints → Smaller devices often have smaller batteries, affecting performance
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
1. Characteristics and Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems,
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
6. Power Concerns:
Why Power Management Matters?
Efficient power management is crucial in embedded systems due to:
✔ Battery Life → Longer battery life = Better user experience
✔ Heat Dissipation → Reducing power usage prevents overheating
✔ Size & Portability → Lower power requirements mean smaller batteries
✔ Energy Efficiency → Essential for IoT, wearables, and mobile applications
✔ Reliability → Less power = Less stress on components = Longer lifespan
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
• Quality attributes define non-functional requirements essential for system design.
• Well-defined and measurable quality attributes enhance system development and ensure a reliable, efficient,
and scalable embedded system.
Embedded system quality attributes are broadly classified into:
1.️Operational Quality Attributes
2️Non-Operational Quality Attributes
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:
The operational quality attributes represent the relevant quality attributes related to the Embedded System
when it is in the operational mode or ‘online’ mode.
The important quality attributes coming under this
category are listed below:
(1) Response
(2) Throughput
(3) Reliability
(4) Maintainability
(5) Security
(6) Safety
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:
1.Response:
• Response Time is the measure of how quickly an embedded system reacts to changes in input variables.
• It determines the system's ability to track real-time events and take appropriate actions.
Key Aspects of Response Time
Real-Time Requirement
• Some embedded systems must respond within a strict deadline to ensure safety and functionality.
• Example: Flight control systems must react instantly to pilot inputs; any delay can compromise safety.
Non-Critical Response
• Some systems do not require immediate response.
• Example: Electronic toys can function without strict timing constraints. A delay in response won’t impact
safety or performance.
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:
1.Response:
Key Aspects of Response Time
Deterministic vs. Non-Deterministic Response
• Deterministic Systems → Always respond within a known time limit (e.g., Anti-lock Braking System).
• Non-Deterministic Systems → Response time varies based on conditions (e.g., smart home devices).
Why Response Time Matters?
✔ Critical for real-time applications (e.g., medical equipment, automotive safety).
✔ Impacts user experience (e.g., smartphone touch response).
✔ Affects system reliability and performance (e.g., network routers, industrial automation).
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:
2.Throughput
• Throughput measures the efficiency of an embedded system by defining how many operations it can
complete within a given time period.
• It represents the rate of execution of processes in the system.

Example: In a Card Reader, throughput refers to how many transactions it can process per minute or per hour.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:
2.Throughput
Measurement of Throughput
• Throughput is often measured using a benchmark—a reference point that sets performance expectations.
• Example: A high-speed network switch may have a benchmark throughput of 1 Gbps, meaning it can handle
1 billion bits per second.
Factors Affecting Throughput
• Processor Speed → Faster CPUs can process more instructions.
• Memory Bandwidth → Efficient memory access improves throughput.
• Input/Output (I/O) Operations → Faster peripherals increase system efficiency.
• Software Optimization → Well-optimized code enhances performance.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:
2.Throughput
Real-World Examples
• Industrial Automation → Number of components assembled per minute.
• Network Routers → Data packets processed per second.
• Medical Devices → Number of patient scans processed per hour.
Why is Throughput Important?
✔ Determines system efficiency and performance.
✔ Helps in benchmarking and comparing products.
✔ Essential in real-time and high-performance applications (e.g., 5G networks, AI-driven systems).
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:

3.Reliability:
• Reliability measures how dependable an embedded system is in performing its intended function without
failure over a specified period.
• It is critical in mission-critical applications such as medical devices, aerospace, and industrial automation.

Key Metrics of Reliability

1. Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)
• Represents the average time a system operates before failure.
• Expressed in hours, weeks, or months.
• Higher MTBF = More reliable system.
• Example: A medical ventilator should have a high MTBF to ensure uninterrupted operation.
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1.Operational Quality Attributes:

3.Reliability:
2. Mean Time To Repair (MTTR)

• The average time needed to fix a system after failure.

• Lower MTTR = Faster recovery = More reliable.
• Example: In an automated factory, a robotic arm should have a low MTTR to minimize downtime.

3.Failure Rate (λ)

• Defines how often failures occur per unit time.

• Lower failure rate = More reliable system.
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:

3.Reliability:
4. System Redundancy

• Backup systems improve reliability.

• Example: Aircraft avionics use redundant systems to prevent critical failures.

Importance of Reliability
✅ Mission-Critical Applications (e.g., pacemakers, ABS in cars, satellites).
✅ Minimizes Downtime (important in industrial automation).
✅ Enhances User Trust & Safety (e.g., self-driving cars).
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:

4.Maintainability
• Maintainability refers to how easily an embedded system can be maintained, repaired, or updated to ensure
optimal performance over time.
• It is directly linked to system availability, ensuring minimal downtime.
Types of Maintenance
1. Scheduled or Periodic Maintenance (Preventive Maintenance)

• Performed at regular intervals to prevent failures.

• Based on usage time or output delivered.
• Example: Inkjet printer cartridge replacement after a certain number of prints.
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:

4.Maintainability

2.Maintenance Due to Unexpected Failures (Corrective Maintenance)

• Performed when a failure occurs.

• Requires immediate attention to restore functionality.
• Example: Fixing a paper jam in a printer.
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:

4.Maintainability
Relationship Between Maintainability & Reliability
• ✅ Higher Reliability → Fewer Failures → Less Maintenance Required
• ✅ More Maintenance → Increases System Availability

Formula for Availability (Ai)

where
• Ai = Availability in the ideal condition
• MTBF = Mean Time Between Failures,
• MTTR = Mean Time To Repair
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:

5. Security:
• Security in embedded systems is essential to protect data, applications, and system functionality from
unauthorized access or malicious attacks.
• It is commonly defined by the CIA Triad:
Key Security Principles (CIA Triad)
1. Confidentiality
• Ensures data and applications are protected from unauthorized disclosure.
• Example: Admin-only access in PDAs to sensitive settings.
2. Integrity ️
• Ensures data cannot be modified or tampered with by unauthorized users.
• Example: Read-only access to certain files in a shared system.
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:

5. Security:
• Security in embedded systems is essential to protect data, applications, and system functionality from
unauthorized access or malicious attacks.
• It is commonly defined by the CIA Triad:
Key Security Principles (CIA Triad)
3. Availability
• Ensures authorized users can access the system when needed.
• Example: Username & password authentication to access a shared Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:

5. Security:
Security Implementation in Embedded Systems
• ✅ User Authentication – Implement passwords, biometrics, or multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• ✅ Data Encryption – Use AES, RSA, or ECC encryption for sensitive data.
• ✅ Access Control – Define user roles (Admin, User, Guest) for controlled access.
• ✅ Firmware Security – Protect against unauthorized updates and firmware tampering.
• ✅ Network Security – Use firewalls, VPNs, and secure protocols (TLS/SSL, SSH, HTTPS).
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:

6. Safety
Safety in embedded systems focuses on preventing harm to:
✔️Operators (people using the system)
✔️The Public (bystanders or general users)
✔️The Environment (e.g., emissions, waste)
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
1.Operational Quality Attributes:

6. Safety
Types of Safety Threats in Embedded Systems
1. Sudden Threats (Immediate Failures)
• Example: Car ABS failure, leading to a crash.
2 Prevention: Redundant sensors, fail-safe design, watchdog timers.
Gradual Threats (Long-Term Hazards)
• Example: Radiation leaks from medical devices.
• Prevention: Regular safety audits, controlled emissions, compliance with safety standards.
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1.Operational Quality Attributes:

6. Safety
How to Ensure Safety in Embedded Systems?
• Use Fail-Safe Mechanisms – System should gracefully handle failures (e.g., power backup in critical
devices).
• Follow Safety Standards – Compliance with ISO 26262 (Automotive), IEC 61508 (Industrial), or DO-178C
(Aerospace).
• Perform Risk Analysis – Use FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to predict & mitigate potential
hazards.
• Implement Watchdog Timers – Reset system if it hangs or malfunctions
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
2. Non-Operational Quality Attributes
• The quality attributes that needs to be addressed for the product ‘not’ on the basis of operational aspects are
grouped under this category.
• The important quality attributes coming under this category are listed below.
(1) Testability & Debug-ability
(2) Evolvability
(3) Portability
(4) Time to prototype and market
(5) Per unit and total cost
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
2. Non-Operational Quality Attributes
1. Testability & Debug-ability
• Testability = How easily the hardware & firmware can be tested.
• Debug-ability = How efficiently we can identify and fix errors in the system.
Testability in Embedded Systems
• Testability ensures the system works as expected by verifying both:
• 📌 Hardware Testing
• 🔹 Checking if all peripherals (sensors, actuators, communication interfaces) function
correctly.
• 🔹 Methods: Boundary Scan (JTAG), Built-in Self-Test (BIST), Oscilloscopes, Logic Analyzers.
• 📌 Firmware Testing 📝
• 🔹 Ensuring that the software logic functions as intended.
• 🔹 Methods: Unit Testing, Functional Testing, Simulation, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing.
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
2. Non-Operational Quality Attributes
1. Testability & Debug-ability
Debug-ability in Embedded Systems
Debugging involves identifying, analyzing, and fixing issues.
📌 Hardware Debugging 🔧
✅ Finding faults in circuit design, faulty ICs, or incorrect wiring.
✅ Tools: Multimeters, Oscilloscopes, JTAG Debuggers, Logic Analyzers.

📌 Firmware Debugging 💾
✅ Detecting and fixing logical errors, memory leaks, and timing issues in software.
✅ Tools: GDB (GNU Debugger), OpenOCD, Serial Debugging, On-Chip Debugging (OCD).
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
2. Non-Operational Quality Attributes
1. Testability & Debug-ability
Best Practices for Testability & Debug-ability
✅ Modular Design – Easier to test and debug individual components.
✅ Use Debug Ports (JTAG, SWD) – Helps in real-time debugging.
✅ Implement Logging & Error Handling – Logs help trace issues faster.
✅ Automated Testing – Use unit tests & integration tests to detect bugs early.
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
2. Non-Operational Quality Attributes
2. Evolvability
Evolvability = The ability of an embedded system to adapt, upgrade, and evolve with new technologies (both
hardware & firmware).
Why is Evolvability Important?
🔸 Future-Proofing – Avoids redesigning from scratch when new tech emerges.
🔸 Cost-Effective – Reduces expenses on major overhauls.
🔸 Longer Product Lifespan – Supports firmware updates & modular upgrades.
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
2. Non-Operational Quality Attributes
3. Portability
Portability = The ability of an embedded system to function across different platforms, including processors,
controllers, and operating systems, with minimal modifications.
Why is Portability Important?
🔸 Reduces Development Effort – Saves time when migrating to new hardware.
🔸 Enhances Reusability – Code can be used across multiple projects.
🔸 Ensures Scalability – Easily adapts to future hardware advancements.
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
2. Non-Operational Quality Attributes
3. Portability
Key Aspects of Portability
📌 1️. Firmware Portability
✅ High-Level Programming (C, C++) – Avoids direct hardware dependencies.
✅ Minimal Processor-Specific Code – Reduces modifications when migrating.
✅ HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) – Separates hardware-dependent code for easy porting.

📌 2️. Hardware Portability

✅ Modular Design – Uses standardized interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART).
✅ Cross-Platform Compatibility – Can run on different microcontrollers (ARM Cortex, RISC-V, ESP32).
✅ Standardized Peripherals – E.g., USB, Ethernet, CAN for easy integration.
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
2. Non-Operational Quality Attributes
3. Portability
Key Aspects of Portability
📌 3️. Operating System Portability ⚙
✅ RTOS (Real-Time Operating Systems) – Supports FreeRTOS, Zephyr, etc.
✅ Middleware & API Standards – Ensures OS-independent functionality.
✅ Use of Virtual Machines (JVM, MicroPython) – Enables cross-platform execution.
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
2. Non-Operational Quality Attributes
4.Time-to-Prototype and Market
1. Time-to-Market (TTM) = The time taken from a product’s idea stage to its commercial availability.
2. Time-to-Prototype (TTP) = The time taken to create a working prototype before full-scale production.
Why is TTM & TTP Critical?
🔹 Competitive Edge – Early market entry increases success chances.
🔹 Technology Evolution – Rapid tech changes demand quick adaptation.
🔹 Cost Efficiency – Faster development minimizes R&D costs.
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
2. Non-Operational Quality Attributes
4.Time-to-Prototype and Market
How to Reduce TTM & TTP?
✔ Use Off-the-Shelf Components – Reduces design effort (e.g., ESP32, STM32, Raspberry Pi).
✔ Leverage Open-Source Software & Middleware – Faster development using existing solutions (FreeRTOS,
Zephyr).
✔ Modular & Reusable Design – Avoids reinventing common functionalities.
✔ Rapid Prototyping Tools – 3D printing, PCB fabrication services (JLCPCB, PCBWay).
✔ Agile Development & Iterative Testing – Faster validation through sprints.
✔ Simulation & Virtual Testing – Debugging before hardware deployment (MATLAB, Proteus).
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2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
2. Non-Operational Quality Attributes
5. Per Unit Cost and Revenue:
Why is Cost Management Important?
✅ For Customers – Affordable pricing drives higher adoption.
✅ For Manufacturers – Balancing cost & profit ensures long-term success.
✅ For Market Positioning – Competitive pricing prevents market failure.
Key Cost Factors in Embedded Systems
🔹 Component Costs – Processors, memory, sensors, PCB, power supply, casing.
🔹 Development Costs – R&D, software development, testing, certifications.
🔹 Manufacturing Costs – Assembly, packaging, logistics, supply chain.
🔹 Marketing & Distribution – Branding, advertising, retail/distribution costs.
🔹 Maintenance & Support – Warranty, software updates, customer support.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
2. Non-Operational Quality Attributes
The Product Life Cycle (PLC):
The Product Life Cycle (PLC) represents the different stages an embedded product (or any product) goes
through from its development to retirement.
The diagram consists of five phases:
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
2. Non-Operational Quality Attributes
1. Product Development Phase
🔹 Activities: Idea generation, prototyping, roadmap definition, actual design &
development.
🔹 Key Point: High investment, no revenue (negative profit).
🔹 Example: A new ESP32-based IoT device in the R&D phase.
2. Product Introduction Phase
🔹 Activities: Product enters the market, marketing & promotions begin.
🔹 Key Point: Sales are low, unit cost is high, profit is still negative.
🔹 Example: A newly launched mobile phone with a high price.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
2. Non-Operational Quality Attributes
3. Growth Phase
🔹 Activities: Increased sales, brand recognition, expanding customer base.
🔹 Key Point: Rapid revenue increase, profits begin to rise.
🔹 Example: The iPhone or a new microcontroller gaining popularity.

4. Maturity Phase
🔹 Activities: Sales and revenue reach peak levels, competition increases.
🔹 Key Point: Stable profit and market dominance.
🔹 Example: Widely used microcontrollers like ARM Cortex-M3.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
2. Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems
2. Non-Operational Quality Attributes
5. Product Retirement / Decline Phase
🔹 Activities: Drop in sales due to competition or technology advancements.
🔹 Key Point: Revenue & profit decline, product is phased out.
🔹 Example: Older Nokia phones or outdated processors.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
3 Embedded Systems-Application and Domain specific
• A washing machine is a perfect example of an application-specific embedded system,
as it is designed for a dedicated function—washing clothes with automation and
efficiency.
Components of an Embedded System in a Washing Machine
1️.Sensors – Detects various parameters such as:
• Water Level Sensor – Ensures the correct amount of water is used.
• Temperature Sensor – Regulates water temperature for different fabric types.
• Weight Sensor – Adjusts water usage based on the laundry load.
2️. Actuators – Controls mechanical operations like:
• Motor Control – Rotates the drum for washing and spinning cycles.
• Water Inlet/Drain Valves – Controls the flow of water into and out of the drum.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
3 Embedded Systems-Application and Domain specific
• A washing machine is a perfect example of an application-specific embedded system,
as it is designed for a dedicated function—washing clothes with automation and
efficiency.
Components of an Embedded System in a Washing Machine
3. Control Unit (Microcontroller/Processor)
• Acts as the brain of the washing machine, processing sensor data and controlling
actuators based on predefined wash programs.
4️. User Interface (UI)
• Display Panel – Shows washing time, selected mode, temperature, etc.
• Keypad/Touch Buttons – Allows users to select washing programs, spin speed, and
temperature settings.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
3 Embedded Systems-Application and Domain specific
Sensors (Input Components)
• Level Sensor – Detects the water level inside the tub and
ensures sufficient water is present.
• Temperature Sensor – Monitors the water temperature to
adjust according to the fabric type.
Actuators (Output Components)
• Motorized Agitator – Rotates back and forth, helping in
scrubbing and cleaning clothes.
• Tumble Tub (Inner Tub) – Rotates to mix clothes with
water and detergent.
• Water Drawing Pump – Pumps water out from the inner
tub after washing.
• Inlet Valve – Regulates the flow of water into the washing
tub from the water supply.
 Embedded System Design Concepts-2
3 Embedded Systems-Application and Domain specific
Control Unit (Microcontroller/Processor)
• Acts as the brain of the washing machine
• Takes input from sensors and user settings to control
actuators.
• Manages different washing stages:
• Wash Cycle – Agitation and detergent mixing.
• Rinse Cycle – Removes detergent by flushing clean water.
• Spin Cycle – Uses high-speed rotation to remove excess
water.
4. User Interface (Control Panel)
• Keypad & Display – Allows users to select washing modes
like "Light, Medium, Heavy."
• LED Display – Shows washing time, water level, and cycle
status.