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Any electronic system that uses a computer chip, but that

is not a general-purpose workstation, desktop or laptop
computer, uses microcontrollers (MCUs) or
microprocessors (MPUs), or they may use custom-
designed chips.
 
 is the name given to the physical devices and
circuitry of the computer.

 refers to the programs written for the computer.

  is the term given to programs stored in ROMs

or in Programmable devices which permanently keep
their stored information.
 ow is Partitioning Done for
Embedded Systems?
Partitioning into hw and sw
blocks done early ë


± During conceptual stage
Sw design done separately
from hw design
Attempts since late 1980s to
automate not yet successful
± Partitioning manually is
reasonably straightforward
± Spec is informal and not Sw spec w spec
machine readable
± Sw algorithms may differ
from hw algorithms Sw design w design
± No compelling need for
tools

ASIC

 
New Platforms Invite New Efforts in
w/Sw Partitioning
Ô
Ô  
 è







ë




± FPGA: Field
Field--programmable
gate array System Partitioning
Programmable just like
software u Flexible
Intended largely to Sw spec
implement single-
single-purpose w spec
processors
Sw design
Can we perform a later w design
partitioning to improve the
 
 too? Partitioning



ASIC
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1. Approximately 3 billion embedded CPUs are sold each year, with smaller (4-, 8-, and 16-
bit) CPUs dominating by quantity and aggregate dollar amount. Yet, most research and
tool development seems to be focussed on the needs of high-end desktop and
military/aerospace embedded computing.
2. The extreme diversity of embedded applications makes generalizations difficult.





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Entertainment Adaptive control
Generation II ABS Satellite services radio/GPS
eads-up monitoring Tele-operation
Night vision Software control
Back-up collision sensor Rain-sensing
Navigation Auto parking
Tire pressure sensing Simulators
olonomic non-holonomic motion Testing
 SYSTEM DESIGN

 

 
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SYSTEM 
 
 
   
 


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IC CIP

 
 

³IC¶S WILL BE DESIGNED BY SYSTEM DESIGNERS´

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There are endless uses for embedded systems in consumer products, with new methods of
exploiting them presented every year at such industry events as the MEDC and the
Embedded Systems Conference. The most obvious beneficiaries are those enterprises
concerned with the manufacture and sale of electrical devices, as the inclusion of
microcontrollers to replace general purpose microprocessors can drive down unit
manufacturing costs and end user prices dramatically, resulting in increased sales and an
improved profit margin.

The only realistic alternative to using embedded systems in a modern automobile would be
to install a fully functional PC within the car to control all of the functions currently managed
by microcontrollers. While this may be feasible it would raise several issues:

* Size & Weight: Microcontrollers are designed to deliver maximum performance for
minimum size and weight. A centralized on-board computer system would greatly outweigh
a collection of microcontrollers.

* Efficiency: Microcontrollers are designed to perform repeated functions for long periods of
time without failing or requiring service. Other computer systems are prone to software and
hardware failure as well as a whole host of other problems recognizable to the users of any
home computer. Above all other considerations, computer systems must be 100% reliable
when trusted to control such functions as braking in an automobile.
 Õ




There are, however, several downfalls to embedded technology. When
problems develop with a personal computer the manufacturers can develop
and release a software patch to their customers, who can then rectify the
problem themselves. Problems with embedded systems, however, are more
difficult to fix. Embedded systems are not designed for user interaction, so the
majority of embedded systems are just that ± embedded within the product,
with no easy method of updating or repairing their software.

Since embedded systems are often used to control such functions as braking
in an automobile or the guidance system on an intercontinental missile they
cannot be released onto the market before they have been extensively tested
and retested. Quite simply, there can be no margin of error. As a result the
cost of embedded systems can often be deceptively high. While the
manufacturing costs are reduced, the testing and quality control costs can be
higher than expected.

With advances in technology these drawbacks are steadily becoming less

important, and industry expert organisations such as the Embedded Systems
Institute, the National Science Foundation and Fermilab work steadily to
minimise the difficulties associated with the use of Embedded Systems.
 ’
 
Aibo 4 legged Robot

Indoor Robots DLR Gripper NASA Mars Rover

Asimo umanoid

Robot Base Station

Qurio umanoid Robocup Team
’
 

Robot educational kits

Robot sensors

××


×

 PC-based Measurement and
Control

Pc Board CAN BUS

Serial/paralell
GPIB
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