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 Embedded Systems
An embedded system is a combination of
computer hardware and software, either
fixed in capability or programmable, that is
specifically designed for a particular
function.
Industrial machines, automobiles, medical
equipment, cameras, household appliances,
airplanes, vending machines and toys (as
well as the more obvious cellular phone and
PDA) are among the myriad possible hosts
of an embedded system.
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Physically, embedded systems range from
portable devices such as digital watches and
MP3 players, to large stationary installations
like traffic lights, factory controllers, or the
systems controlling nuclear power plants.
Embedded systems that are programmable
are provided with programming interfaces
and embedded programming is a specialized
occupation.
It is embedded as part of a complete device
often including hardware and mechanical
parts.
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The key characteristic is being dedicated to
handle a particular task.
The embedded system is dedicated to
specific tasks, design engineers can optimize
it to reduce the size and cost of the product
and increase the reliability and
performance. Some embedded systems are
mass-produced, benefiting from economies
of scale.
Complexity varies from low, with a single
microcontroller chip, to very high with
multiple units, peripherals and networks
mounted inside a large chassis or enclosure.
Examples of Embedded Systems
Characteristics of Embedded Systems

An Embedded systems must have the following

characteristics:
User Interfaces
Simple Systems which Stem from Limited
Functionality
CPU Platforms with Microprocessors or
Microcontrollers
 User Interfaces
Originally, an embedded system had no user
interface.
There was no need for human interaction or
intervention except to install the device and test it.
Many modern embedded systems however, have full-
scale user interfaces although these are only inputs
for data but are not supposed to provide additional
functionality for the system, e.g. QWERTY keyboards
for PDAs used to enter names, addresses, phone
numbers and notes and even full sized documents.
The moment PDAs achieve full desktop computer
functionalities, however, they may no longer be
considered embedded systems.
Simple Systems which Stem from Limited
Functionality
This refers to basic systems such as switches,
small character- or digit-only displays and LEDs
intended to show the health of the embedded
system, but this has also achieved some level of
complexity.
A cash register or an ATM with touch screen
technology is considered an embedded system
since it has limited uses, even if the user
interface (the touch screen) is a complex system.
 CPU Platform
Limited functionality is the key in
defining these as embedded systems.
In a sense, the BIOS chip is considered
an embedded system since it has
limited functions, and works
automatically (when the computer is
booted up).
Peripherals like the USB can also be
considered as embedded systems.
Parts of Embedded Systems
An embedded system consists of
three parts:
Input
Processing Unit
Output
The input device are responsible for
providing input to the embedded
system which is then processed by
the processing unit to produce an
desired output.
 Input Devices-sensors
These devices provide input to the
microcontroller.
In general, we use sensors as input devices while
dealing with microcontrollers.
A sensor is a device that measures a physical
quantity and converts it into a signal which can
be read by an observer or by an instrument.
The output of a sensor is an analog signal. This
signal is utilized in analog sensors.
Digital sensors use this signal after passing them
from comparator IC 741 or IC LM 393. Thus,
Digital sensors are basically a combination of
analog sensors and comparator ICs.
Types of sensors

Temperature,
Pressure,
Level
Humidity
Speed
Motion
Distance,
Light
 Uses of sensors
Sensors are used in everyday objects
such as touch-sensitive elevator buttons
(tactile sensor) and lamps which dim or
brighten by touching the base.
There are also innumerable applications
for sensors of which most people are
never aware.
Applications include cars, machines,
aerospace, medicine, manufacturing
and robotics
 Processing Unit
These devices process the input
provided by the input devices and
produces the output.
All the decisions are taken by this
devices depending upon the algorithm
provided by the user.
The user transfers the algorithm in the
form of program.
Microprocessor or microcontrollers are
used as the basic processing devices.
 Microprocessor

A microprocessor incorporates the functions

of computer's central processing unit (CPU)
on a single integrated circuit (IC or
microchip).
It is a multipurpose, programmable, clock-
driven, register-based electronic device that
accepts digital data as input, processes it
according to instructions stored in its
memory, and provides results as output.
It is an example of sequential digital logic, as
it has internal memory, i.e. its registers.
Microprocessors Architecture
 Microcontroller
A digital computer having microprocessor as the
CPU along with I/O devices and memory is
known as microcomputer.
The microcontroller could be called a one-chip
solution.
It typically includes:
CPU (central processing unit),
RAM (Random Access Memory),
EPROM/ PROM/ROM
I/O (input/output)
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By only including the features
specific to the task (control), cost is
relatively low. A typical
microcontroller has bit manipulation
instructions, easy and direct access to
I/O (input/ output), and quick and
efficient interrupt processing.
Microcontrollers are a one-chip
solution which drastically reduces
parts count and design costs.
Microcontrollers Architecture
Microcontroller Vs Microprocessor
Microprocessor Microcontroller
CPU is stand-alone, RAM, CPU, RAM, ROM, I/O and
ROM, I/O, timer are separate timer are all on a single chip
Designer can decide on the Fix amount of on-chip ROM,
amount of ROM, RAM and RAM, I/O ports
I/O ports. For applications in which cost,
Expansive power and space are critical
Versatility Not versatile
General-purpose Single-purpose
 Output Devices
These devices show the result of our algorithm. A number of devices can
be used. Some of them include LEDs, Motors (DC, Stepper, Servo) etc.