Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION
TO
EMBEDDED SYSTEM
Mr. Azhar Bin Jaffar
Lecturer
Electrical Engineering Department
Politeknik Ungku Omar

Discussion
What are some components of a
computer?
What is a Microprocessor?
A Microcontroller?
An Embedded System?

Components of a Computer
Central Processing Unit
Interprets and carries out all the instructions
contained in software

Memory
Used to store instructions and data
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Read Only Memory (ROM)

Input/Output
Used to communicate with the outside world

Block diagram of a computer system

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Central processing unit (CPU)

Main memory
Secondary memory
Input unit
Output unit

Microprocessor
A single chip that contains a whole CPU
Has the ability to fetch and execute
instructions stored in memory
Has the ability to access external memory,
external I/O and other peripherals

Examples:
Intel P4 or AMD Athlon in
desktops/notebooks
ARM processor in Apple iPod

Microcontroller
Essentially a microprocessor with on-chip memories
and I/O devices
Designed for specific functions

All in one solution - Reduction in chip count

Reduced cost, power, physical size, etc.
Examples
PIC16F877A, MC68332, MC68HC11, PPC555
More details of components
A/D and D/A converters, PWM, communications,
timing circuits, many others

Microcontroller and its component

Microprocessor in a Microcontroller

Micro P VS Micro C
Microprocessor-based System

A/D

Analog
I/O

Input
and
output
ports

EEPROM

Microprocessor

ROM

RAM

Serial I/O
Input
and
output
ports

Parallel I/O
Timer

D/A
PWM

Microcontroller-based System

Micro P VS Micro C
The microprocessor is a processor
on one silicon chip.
The microcontrollers are used in
embedded computing.
The microcontroller is a
microprocessor with added circuitry.

1.1 What Is an Embedded System?

An embedded system is a special-purpose
computer system designed to perform one or a few
dedicated functions, often with real-time computing
constraints.
It is usually embedded as part of a complete device
including hardware and mechanical parts.
In contrast, a general-purpose computer, such as a
personal computer, can do many different tasks
depending on programming.
Embedded systems control many of the common
devices in use today.
-- Wikipedia

Definition
Hard to define
Computing systems embedded within
electronic devices
Nearly any computing system other
than a desktop computer

Embedded System Application

Microcontroller in a car

Car Electronic System

Embedded System Example

Automotive:

Ignition System
Engine Control
ABS
Air Bag
Instrumentation
Security System
Transmission
Control
Entertainment
Climate Control
Cellular Phone
Keyless Entry

Home
Automation:

Office
Automation:

Fax Machine
Laser Printers
Color Printer
Scanners
Paging
Copier
Air conditioner

Industrial
Control:

Robotics and Control Systems

Appliances
Intercom
Telephones
Security Systems
TVs
Cable TV Tuner
Camcorder
DVD Player
Remote control
Video Games
Lighting Control
Toys
Sewing Machines

Common Characteristics of Embedded Systems

Single-functioned
Executes a single program, repeatedly.
Tightly-constrained
Low cost, low power, small, fast, etc.
Reactive and real-time
Continually reacts to changes in the systems environment.
Must compute certain results in real-time without delay

Advantages of Microcontroller
Application

Design and Efficiency

The central processing core in embedded systems is generally
less complicated, making it easier to maintain.
The limited function required of embedded systems allows them
to be designed to most efficiently perform their functions.

Cost
The streamlined make-up of most embedded systems allows
their parts to be smaller less expensive to produce.

Advantages of Microcontroller
Application

Accessibility
Embedded systems are difficult to service because they are
inside another machine, so a greater effort is made to carefully
develop them.
This concern is sometimes addressed in the design stage, such
as by programming an embedded system so that it will not affect
related systems negatively when malfunctioning.

Maintenance
Embedded systems are easier to maintain because the supplied
power is embedded in the system and does not require remote
maintenance.

Redundancies
Embedded systems do not involve the redundant programming
and maintenance involved in other system models.

Advantages of Microcontroller
Application

Replacement of discrete logic-based circuits.

Provide functional upgrades.

Improve mechanical performance.
Replacement of analog circuits.