Embedded Systems

Embedded Systems

V.Nooka Raju
Asst. Professor
Dept. of EECE,
GST, GITAM
nvaddadi@gitam.edu
9642024514
 Preamble

An embedded system is a multidisciplinary course which requires the

knowledge of both hardware and software. The applications of embedded
systems are enormous, few applications are line following robots, GPS
systems, cameras, ATM cards etc.
Embedded systems are broadly classified into three types- small, medium, and
large embedded systems.
The objective of this course is to provide the knowledge of hardware and
software used in embedded systems. A course is also giving the insides of
interfacing techniques and importance of real time operating system
 Course Objectives

1. To understand purpose of Embedded systems and its building blocks.

2. To familiarize advanced 32-bit ARM architecture.
3. Understand the ASM programming.
4. Understand instruction set of ARM 7 controller.
5. Understand various peripheral interfacing techniques.
 Course Outcomes

1. Identify hardware and software needed for an embedded system.

2. Demonstrate the philosophy of RISC architecture of ARM 7.
3. Explain the structure of ASM and C program and addressing modes
4. Interface display devices, sensors and UART.
5. Understand the need of RTOS in an embedded system
Syllabus
Syllabus
Syllabus
Syllabus
 Module-1: Contents

1.1 What is an Embedded Systems

1.2 Embedded Systems vs. General Computing Systems

1.3 History of Embedded Systems

1.4 Classification of Embedded Systems

1.5 Major Application Areas of Embedded Systems

1.6 Purpose of Embedded System

1.7 Elements of Embedded System

Module-1: Contents
1.1 What is an Embedded System?

An Embedded System is an electronic/electro-mechanical system designed to

perform a specific function and a combination of both hardware and firmware
(software).
Every ES is Unique and hardware as well as the firmware is highly specialized to the
application domain.
ES are becoming an inevitable part of any product or equipment in all fields
including household appliances, telecommunications, medical equipment, industrial
control, consumer products, etc.
1.2 EMBEDDED SYSTEMS vs. GENERAL COMPUTING SYSTEMS
 1.3 History of Embedded Systems
•Embedded systems date back to the 1960s.
•Charles Stark Draper developed an integrated circuit (IC) in 1961 to reduce the size and
weight of the Apollo Guidance Computer, the digital system installed on the Apollo
Command Module and Lunar Module.
•The first computer to use ICs, it helped astronauts collect real-time flight data.
•In 1968, the first embedded system for a vehicle was released; the Volkswagen 1600 used a
microprocessor to control.
•1987, the first embedded operating system, the real-time VxWorks, was released by Wind
River, followed by Microsoft's Windows Embedded CE in 1996.
•By the late 1990s, the first embedded Linux products began to appear. Today, Linux is used
in almost all embedded devices.
1.4 Classification of Embedded Systems

1. Based on Generation

2. Based on Complexity & Performance Requirements

3. Based on deterministic behavior

4. Based on Triggering
1.4 Classification of Embedded Systems
 1.4.1 . Embedded Systems –
Classification based on Generation

The classification of embedded systems is based on the generation in which they are evolved from its initial
version to the latest version.
● First Generation: The early embedded systems built around 8-bit microprocessors like 8085 and Z80
and 4-bit microcontrollers.
● Simple in hardware circuits with firmware developed in assembly code.
● EX. stepper motor control units, Digital Telephone Keypads etc.
 1.4.1 . Embedded Systems –
Classification based on Generation

● Second Generation: Embedded Systems built around 16-bit microprocessors and 8 or 16-bit
microcontrollers, following the first generation embedded systems .
● Instruction set for the second generation processors/controllers is much complex and powerful than
first generation processors/controllers.
● Some of the second generation embedded systems contained embedded operating systems for their
operation.
● EX.SCADA, Data Acquisition Systems etc.
 1.4.1 . Embedded Systems –
Classification based on Generation

● Third Generation: Embedded Systems built around high performance 32-bit Microprocessors and 16-
bit microcontrollers.
● Application and domain specific processors/controllers like Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), and
Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) were introduced into embedded system industry.
● The instruction set is complex and powerful.
● Pipeline concept is evolved.
● Dedicated embedded real time and general purpose operating systems entered into the embedded
market.
● EX. Robotics, media, industrial process control, networking etc
 1.4.1 . Embedded Systems –
Classification based on Generation

● Fourth Generation: Embedded Systems built around System on Chips (SoC’s), Reconfigurable
processors and multicore processors.
● It brings high performance, tight integration and miniaturization into the embedded device market.
● SoC technique implements a total system on a chip by integrating different functionalities with a
processor core on an integrated circuit.
● Fourth generation embedded systems are making use of high performance real time embedded
operating systems for their functioning.
● EX Smart phone devices, mobile internet devices (MIDs), smart devices,digital cameras etc.
 1.4.2 Embedded Systems –
Classification based on Complexity &
Performance

● Small Scale Embedded Systems:

● The embedded systems built around low performance and low cost 8 or 16 bit microprocessors/
microcontrollers.
● It is suitable for simple applications where performance is not time critical.
● It may or may not contain OS for its functioning.

● Ex: electronic toy

 1.4.2 Embedded Systems –
Classification based on Complexity &
Performance

● Medium Scale Embedded Systems:

● These are slightly complex in hardware and firmware.
● Embedded Systems built around medium performance, low cost 16 or 32 bit microprocessors /
microcontrollers or DSPs.
● They usually contain an embedded operating system (either general purpose or real time operating
system) for functioning.
 1.4.2 Embedded Systems –
Classification based on Complexity &
Performance

● Large Scale Embedded Systems/ Complex Systems:

● It requires complex hardware and software.
● Used in critical applications require high performance.
● Embedded Systems built around high performance 32 or 64 bit RISC processors/controllers, reconfigurable
system on chip (RSoC) or multi-core processors and programmable logic devices (PLD).
● These system may contain multiple processors/controllers and co-units/hardware accelerators for offloading
the processing requirements from the main processor.
● It contains high performance RTOS for task scheduling, prioritization and management.

● Ex: decoding/encoding of media, cryptographic function implementation that are implemented using a co-
processor/hardware accelerator.
 1.4.3 Embedded Systems –
Classification based on deterministic behavior

● It is applicable for Real Time systems.

● The application/task execution behavior for an embedded system can be either deterministic or non-
deterministic
● These are classified in to two types
1. Soft Real time Systems: Missing a deadline may not be critical and can be tolerated to a certain degree.
● Ex: ATM machine, washing machine
2. Hard Real time systems: A real-time operating system should strictly adhere to the timing constraints for
a task. A hard real-time system must meet the timing deadlines without any delay. Missing the deadline
would cause serious failure to the system or user. (Missing a program/task execution time deadline can
have catastrophic consequences (financial, human loss of life, etc.)
● Ex: airbag control system and antilock braking system of vehicles
 1.4.4 Embedded Systems –
Classification based on Triggering

● 1. Time triggering embedded system: A system is activated or triggered based on the pre-defined task
or preset time
● 2. Event triggered embedded system: A system is triggered based on some activity like change in
temperature or change in pressure
1.4 Classification of Embedded Systems
 1.5 Major Application Areas of
Embedded Systems

● Consumer Electronics: Camcorders, Cameras etc.

● Household Appliances: Television, DVD players, washing machine, Fridge, Microwave Oven etc.
● Home Automation and Security Systems: Air conditioners, sprinklers, Intruder detection alarms,
Closed Circuit Television Cameras, Fire alarms etc.
● Automotive Industry: Anti-lock breaking systems (ABS), Engine Control, Ignition Systems, Automatic
Navigation Systems etc.
● Telecom: Cellular Telephones, Telephone switches, Handset Multimedia Applications etc.
● Computer Peripherals: Printers, Scanners, Fax machines etc.
● Computer Networking Systems: Network Routers, Switches, Hubs, Firewalls etc.
● Health Care: Different Kinds of Scanners, EEG, ECG Machines etc.
● Measurement & Instrumentation: Digital multi meters, Digital CROs, Logic Analyzers PLC systems etc.
● Banking & Retail: Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) and Currency counters, Point of Sales (POS)
● Card Readers: Barcode, Smart Card Readers, Hand held Devices etc.
 1.6 Purpose of
Embedded Systems

● Embedded systems are used in various domains like consumer electronics, home automation,
telecommunications, automotive industry, healthcare, control & instrumentation, retail and banking
applications, etc.
● Within the domain itself, according to the application usage context, they may have different
functionalities.
● Each embedded system is designed to serve the purpose of any one or a combination of the following
tasks:
● (1) Data collection/Storage/Representation
● (2) Data communication
● (3) Data (signal) processing
● (4) Monitoring
● (5) Control
● (6) Application specific user interface
 1.6.1 Data Collection/Storage
/Representation

● Embedded systems designed for the purpose of data collection performs acquisition of data from the
external world.

● Data collection is usually done for storage, analysis, manipulation, and transmission.

● The term “data” refers to all kinds of information, viz. text, voice, image, video, electrical signals and
any other measurable quantities. Data can be either analog (continuous) or digital (discrete).

● Embedded systems with analog data capturing techniques collect data directly in the form of analog
signals whereas embedded systems with digital data collection mechanism converts the analog signal
to corresponding digital signal using analog to digital (A/D) converters and then collects the binary
equivalent of the analog data.

● If the data is digital, it can be directly captured without any additional interface by digital embedded
systems
 1.6.1 Data Collection/Storage
/Representation

● Depending on the purpose of embedded system, the collected data may be stored directly in the
system or may be transmitted to some other systems or it may be processed by the system or it may
be deleted instantly after giving a meaningful representation.

● In control and instrumentation domain, embedded system is used only for measurement applications
without storage  collects data and gives a meaningful representation of collected data by means of
graphical representation or quantity value and deletes the collected data when the new data arrives
at the data collection terminal.

● Ex: analog and digital CRO’s without storage memory

 1.6.1 Data Collection/Storage
/Representation

● Some embedded systems store the collected data for processing and analysis. For such systems
incorporate a built-in/plug-in storage memory for storing the captured data.

● Some of them give the user a meaningful representation of the collected data by visual or audible
means using display units LED, LCD, buzzers, alarms etc.

● Certain embedded systems store the data and will not give a representation of the same to the user
but the data is used for internal processing.

● Ex: digital camera for image capture, storage and display

 1.6.2 Data Communication

● Embedded data communication systems are deployed in applications ranging from complex satellite
communication systems to simple home networking systems.

● Data collected by an embedded terminal may require transferring of the same to some other system
located remotely.

● The transmission is achieved either by a wire-line medium or by a wireless medium.

● Wire-line medium was the most common choice in all olden days embedded systems.
 1.6.2 Data Communication

● As technology is changing, wireless medium is becoming the de-facto standard for data
communication in embedded systems.

● A wireless medium offers cheaper connectivity solutions and make the communication link free from
the hassle of wire bundles.

● Data can either be transmitted by analog means or by digital means.

● Modern industry trends are settling towards digital communication.

 1.6.2 Data Communication

● Data collecting embedded terminal itself can incorporate data communication units like wireless
modules (Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, EDGE-Enhanced Data GSM Environment, GPRS, etc.) or wire-
line modules (RS232C, USB, TCP/IP, PS2, etc.).

● These embedded systems act as a dedicated transmission unit between the sending and receiving
terminals, offering sophisticated functionalities like data packetizing, encrypting and decrypting.

● Network hubs, routers, switches, etc. are typical examples of dedicated data transmission
embedded systems.

● They act as mediators in data communication and provide various features like data security,
monitoring etc.
 1.6.3 Data (Signal) Processing

● Data (voice, image, video, electrical signals, and other

measurable quantities) collected by embedded systems
may be used for various kinds of data processing.

● Embedded systems with signal processing functionalities

are employed in applications demanding signal
processing like speech coding, synthesis, audio video
codec, transmission applications, etc.
A digital hearing aid
● A digital hearing aid is a typical example of an employing signal
embedded system employing data processing. Digital processing technique
hearing aid improves the hearing capacity of hearing (Siemens TRIANO 3
Digital hearing aid;
impaired persons.
Siemens Audiology)
 1.6.4 Monitor

● Embedded systems coming under this category are specifically

designed for monitoring purpose.
● They are used for determining the state of some variables using
input sensors.
● They cannot impose control over variables.
● Electro Cardiogram (ECG) machine for monitoring the heart beat of
a patient is a typical example for this.
● The sensors used in ECG are the different Electrodes connected to
the patient’s body.
● Measuring instruments like Digital CRO, Digital Multi meter, Logic
Analyzer etc used in Control & Instrumentation applications are also
examples of embedded systems for monitoring purpose. They are
used for knowing (monitoring) the status of some variables like
current, voltage, etc. they cannot control the variables in turn.
 1.6.5 Control

● Embedded systems with control functionalities are used for imposing control
over some variables according to the changes in input variables.
● Embedded system with control functionality contains both sensors and
actuators
● Sensors are connected to the input port for capturing the changes in
environmental variable or measuring variable.
● The actuators connected to the output port are controlled according to the
changes in input variable to put an impact on the controlling variable to
bring the controlled variable to the specified range.
● Air conditioner for controlling room temperature is a typical example for
embedded system with Control functionality. Air conditioner contains a
room temperature sensing element (sensor) which may be a thermistor and
a handheld unit for setting up (feeding) the desired temperature.
● The air compressor unit acts as the actuator. The compressor is controlled
according to the current room temperature and the desired temperature set
by the end user.
 1.6.6 Application Specific User
Interface

● These are embedded systems with application-specific user interfaces like buttons, switches,
keypad, lights, bells, display units, etc.

● Mobile phone is an example for this.

● In mobile phone the user interface is provided through the keypad, graphic LCD module, system
speaker, vibration alert, etc
 1.7 ELEMENTS OF EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

An embedded system is a combination of 3 things, Hardware, Software, Mechanical

Components and it is supposed to do one specific task only.
A typical embedded system contains a single chip controller which acts as the master brain of
the system.
Diagrammatically an embedded system can be represented as follows:
Embedded systems are basically designed to regulate a physical variable (such
Microwave Oven) or to manipulate the state of some devices by sending some signals
to the actuators or devices connected to the output port system (such as temperature
in Air Conditioner), in response to the input signal provided by the end users or sensors
which are connected to the input ports.
Hence the embedded systems can be viewed as a reactive system.

DEPARTMENT OF CSE, GIT

Thursday, August 10, 2023 COURSE CODE AND COURSE TITLE: 19ECS431: EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
 The control is achieved by processing the
information coming from the sensors and user
interfaces and controlling some actuators that
regulate the physical variable.

Keyboards, push button, switches, etc. are

Examples of common user interface input devices
and LEDs, LCDs, Piezoelectric buzzers, etc
examples for common user interface output devices
for a typical embedded system.

The requirement of type of user interface changes

from application to application based on domain.

DEPARTMENT OF EECE, GIT

Thursday, August 10, 2023 COURSE CODE AND COURSE TITLE: 19EEC450: EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
● Some embedded systems do not require any manual intervention for their operation.

● They automatically sense the input parameters from real world through sensors which are connected
at input port.

● The sensor information is passed to the processor after signal conditioning and digitization.

● The core of the system performs some predefined operations on input data with the help of
embedded firmware in the system and sends some actuating signals to the actuator connect
connected to the output port of the system.
The memory of the system is responsible for holding the code (control algorithm and other important
configuration details). There are two types of memories are used in any embedded system. Fixed
memory (ROM) is used for storing code or program. The user cannot change the firmware in this type of
memory. The most common types of memories
used in embedded systems for control algorithm storage are OTP,PROM,UVEPROM,EEPROM and FLASH
An embedded system without code (i.e. the control algorithm) implemented memory has all the
peripherals but is not capable of making decisions depending on the situational as well as real world
changes.
Memory for implementing the code may be present on the processor or may be implemented as a
separate chip interfacing the processor
In a controller based embedded system, the controller may contain internal memory for storing code
such controllers are called Micro-controllers with on-chip ROM, eg. Atmel AT89C51.

DEPARTMENT OF EECE, GIT

Thursday, August 10, 2023 COURSE CODE AND COURSE TITLE: 19EEC450: EMBEDDED SYSTEMS