Processors in Embedded systems

What is an Embedded Processor?

• An embedded processor is specifically designed to handle the

needs of an embedded system. It is like a computer chip that has
been embedded in various machines.
• Embedded processors receive and process input to execute
instructions. It is used to perform specific calculations. Embedded
systems don’t need much power to perform their particular tasks.
The primary applications of embedded processors are computers,
power tools, medical equipment, smart home appliances, and
much more.
• An embedded processor is a central processing unit built into an
embedded system that controls the system's basic functions.
Embedded processors are a type of microprocessor and usually
have limited functions. Often, they use minimal power.
What are the different Types of Embedded Processors?

• 1. General Purpose Processors (GPP)

• 2. Microprocessor
• 3. Microcontroller
• 4. Digital Signal Processor
• 5. Single-Purpose Embedded Processor
• 6. System-on-Chip (SoC)
 General Purpose Processors (GPP)

• 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:
• Instruction set: General purpose processors have a large and complex instruction set, which allows them
to perform a wide range of tasks.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Compatibility: General-purpose processors are typically compatible with a wide range of operating
systems and software applications.
• Virtualization: Many general-purpose processors support virtualization, which allows them to run
multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine.
• Power consumption: General-purpose processors can have high power consumption, which can be a
concern in devices where power is limited.
 Microprocessor

• 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:
• Instruction set: Microprocessors have a specific instruction set that defines the operations that they can
perform.
• 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.
• Data bus: The data bus is a communication pathway that is used to transfer data between the
microprocessor and other components in a system.
• 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.
• 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.
• Power consumption: Microprocessors can have relatively high power consumption, which can be a
concern in devices where power is limited.
• Size: Microprocessors are designed to be small, as they are typically used in devices where space is at a
premium.
• 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:
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Low power consumption: Microcontrollers are designed to be low-power, which makes them
suitable for use in battery-powered devices.
• Cost: Microcontrollers are typically less expensive than general-purpose processors, as they are
designed for specific tasks and do not have as many capabilities.
• Size: Microcontrollers are small, which makes them suitable for use in compact devices.
• 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:
• High-speed processing: DSPs are designed to process large amounts of data quickly,
making them well-suited for real-time applications.
• Parallel processing: Many DSPs are designed to perform multiple operations
simultaneously, which can increase their processing speed and efficiency.
• 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.
• Low power consumption: DSPs are often designed to be energy-efficient, making
them well-suited for battery-powered applications.
• 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:
• 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.
• Low power consumption: Single-purpose embedded processors are often designed to be
energy-efficient, making them well-suited for battery-powered applications.
• Compact size: Single-purpose embedded processors are often designed to be small and
lightweight, making them well-suited for applications where space is limited.
• 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.
• 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:
• 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.
• Low power consumption: SoCs can be designed to be highly power efficient,
which can be useful in battery-powered or energy-sensitive applications.
• High performance: SoCs can be designed for high performance, making
them suitable for applications that require a lot of processing power.
• Customization: SoCs can be customized for specific applications, allowing
them to be optimized for the specific requirements of those applications.
• 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.
• 5. Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs)
• Application-specific integrated circuits are specially designed for customers. They are used where the
functional blocks are interconnected and simulated to provide the desired functions and performance
level.
• 6. Bit-Slice Microprocessor (BSM)
• These controllers are made by joining several smaller units together to form a controller of the desired
size. The aim is to design controllers that can be as large or small as needed by combining similar smaller
units. This method creates controllers that fit both standard and unique sizes.
• 7. RISC Microprocessor
• Reduced instruction set computers (RISC) are designed to process simple commands quickly. It uses a small
set of about 30 to 40 basic instructions to simplify operations and speed up processing. All instructions
have the same format and size, which helps each one complete in just one clock cycle. However, this
means more lines of code and memory are required to store these instructions. This approach puts less
strain on the hardware but demands more from the software or compiler that handles the instructions.
• 8. Coprocessor
• These are specialized microprocessors that help the main computer processor by performing complex
tasks, thereby improving the performance of the main processor. The coprocessor works automatically and
can handle tasks quickly because it only needs to follow a few specific instructions. It is used for tasks such
as data processing, managing input/output operations, and handling complex mathematics and graphics.
This processor is a separate piece from the main CPU.
 Processor Selection for an Embedded
System
• The processing unit could be a microprocessor, a microcontroller, embedded
processor, DSP, ASIC or FPGA selected for an embedded system based on the
application requirements.
• The following considerations need to be factored during processor selection for an
embedded system.
• Performance Considerations
1. Power considerations
2. Peripheral Set
3. Operating Voltage
4. Specialized Processing Units
5. Software tools availability
6. Packaging,
7. Memory
8. I/O Ports,
9. Cost etc.
 Performance Considerations:
• Thefirst and foremost consideration in selecting the processor is
its performance.  The performance speed of a processor is
dependent primarily on its architecture and its silicon design. 
Evolution of fabrication techniques helped packing more
transistors in same area there by reducing the propagation delay.
 Alsopresence of cache reduces instruction/data fetch timing. 
Pipelining and super-scalar architectures further improves the
performance of the processor  Branch prediction, speculative
execution etc. are some other techniques used for improving the
execution rate  Multi-cores are the new direction in improving
the performance.  So size of cache, processor architecture,
silicon design etc. has to be taken in to account when comparing
the performance
 Power Considerations:
• Increasing the logic density and clock speed has adverse
impact on power requirement of the processor. 
Ahigherclock implies faster charge and discharge cycles
leading to more power consumption.  Morelogic leads to
higher power density there bymaking the heat dissipation
difficult.  Techniques like  Frequency scaling– reducing
the clock frequency of the processor depending on the
load.  Voltage scaling– varying the voltage based on load
can help in achieving lower power usage.  SoCcomes
with advanced power gating techniques that can shut
down clocks and power to unused modules
 Peripheral Set:

• Every system requires not only a processor but

also peripherals for input and output
operations.  In an embedded system, almost
all the processors used are SoCs, So it is better
if the necessary peripherals are available in
the chip itself. This offers various benefits
compared to peripherals in external IC’s. 
Soitis important to have peripheral set in
consideration when selecting the processor
 Operating Voltages:
• Each and every processor will have its own
operating voltage condition. The operating voltage
maximum andminimum ratings will be provided in
the respective data sheet or user manual.  While
higher end processors typically operate with 2 to 5
voltages including 1.8V for Cores/Analogue
domains, 3.3V for IO lines, needs specialized
PMIC(Power Management IC) devices, it is a
deciding factor in low end micro-controllers based
on the input voltage.
 Specialized Processing Unit:
• Apart from the core, presence of various co-processors and specialized processing
units can help achieving necessary processing performance.
• Co-processors execute the instructions fetched by the primary processor thereby
reducing the load on the primary.
• Some of the popular co-processors include
• Floating Point Co-processor: RISC cores supports primarily integer only instruction
set. Hence presence of a FP coprocessor can be very helpful in application involving
complex mathematical operations including multimedia, imaging, codecs, signal
processing etc. 
• Graphic Processing Unit: GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) also called as Visual
processing unit is responsible for drawing images on the frame buffer memory to be
displayed. GPU’s have become a mandatory requirements for mobile phones,
gaming consoles etc.
• Digital Signal Processors: DSP is a processor designed specifically for signal
processing applications such as voice or video compression, data acquisition, image
processing or noise and echo cancellation.
• Packaging: Is it 40-pin DIP (Dual-inline-package) or
QFP (Quad flat package) This is important in terms of
space, assembling, and prototyping the end-product.
• Software tools: Make sure you have tools such as
compilers, debuggers, and assemblers etc., available
with the processor/controller.
• Cost: Engineers (especially software/firmware
engineers) want to have all the functionality, but
pricing is a factor when designing a system and
choosing the right processor