EMBEDDED SYSTEMS AND
IoT SYSTEM DESIGN
Dr. C.T. KAVITHA
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR/ECE
SJIT
SYLLABUS – UNIT I
• Introduction to Embedded Systems and Elements of embedded
Systems, Classification of an Embedded system, Structural
units in Embedded processor, Memory management methods,
Comparison of General-purpose computers vs embedded
system, Embedded System Design Process, Design example:
Model train controller- Design methodologies- Design flows.
THE LEADING EMBEDDED SYSTEM COMPANIES
Is Embedded Systems a good career option ?
or
What are the career opportunities in Embedded Systems Industry ?
Digital
System
Architect
Smart Digital
System system
Administrator Manager
Embedded Embedded
Software Developer
Architect
Computation Embedded
Sensing Programmer
Embedded
Software
Engineer
What Skills you should have ?
1. Software Skills
• Embedded Programming (Embedded C, C++, Assembly
language, Python, Verilog, Rust, Ada) on Microcontrollers
(AVR, PIC, ARM)
• Interfacing microcontrollers with different sensors and
peripheral
• Kernel Programming
• Device Drivers
• Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
• Innovative Thinking
2. Hardware Skills
• Electronic Circuit Designing
• Power Supply Circuit Designing
• PCB Designing
• Troubleshooting Skills
• High-speed board design of Microcontroller or Processor and peripheral devices like SPI, I ²C,
USB
What is Embedded System
Applications of Embedded Systems
Difference between General Purpose
System and Embedded System
Characteristics and types of Embedded
Systems
WHAT IS EMBEDDED SYSTEM ?
"It is a combination of hardware
HARDWARE
and software intended to perform a
specific task“. Addition task
Embedded System
An embedded system is a computer system (combination of hardware and software) with a dedicated function
within a larger mechanical or electrical system.
Embedded system = information processing systems embedded into a larger product
HARDWARE
Kodak film camera
Computing system Task of capturing image
Digital Camera
“Any sort of device which includes a programmable computer but
itself is not intended to be a general-purpose computer”
Marilyn Wolf
Components of Embedded Systems
Core Components
Processor/System Core: The "brain," often a
Microcontroller (MCU) or Microprocessor (MPU), FPGA, or DSP,
executing instructions.
•Memory: Stores firmware/software (ROM, Flash) and temporary data
(RAM).
•Input/Output (I/O) Ports: Connects to the outside world, with sensors
(input) and actuators (output).
•Software/Firmware: The code (application, OS) that dictates the
system's specific functions.
Hardware Elements
•Sensors: Convert physical phenomena (light, temp) into electrical
signals (e.g., thermometers, cameras).
•Actuators: Convert electrical signals into physical actions
(e.g., motors, LEDs, buzzers).
•Communication Interfaces: For talking to other devices
(USB, I2C, SPI, Ethernet).
•Timers/Counters: For precise timing, delays, and scheduling.
•Power Supply: Manages power delivery.
•Interrupt Controller: Manages requests from peripherals
for processor attention.
Software Layers
•Application Software: The specific program for the
system's task (e.g., controlling a washing machine cycle).
•Real-Time Operating System (RTOS): Manages tasks
with strict deadlines, ensuring timely responses
(e.g., in flight control, medical devices).
Real Time Examples of Embedded Systems
APPLICATIONS OF EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
EVERYWHERE
Is Desktop/Laptop computers an Embedded System ????
An Embedded System is an application oriented system i.e. it is dedicated to perform a single task (or a
limited number of tasks, but all working for a single main aim).
A desktop computer is considered as a General Purpose System as it can do many different tasks
(playing videos, working on office suites, editing images (or videos), browsing the web, etc.) that too
simultaneously.
Embedded system often
includes task-specific
hardware mechanical parts
not usually found in a general-
purpose computer.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GENERAL PURPOSE SYSTEM
AND EMBEDDED SYSTEM
General Purpose System Embedded
System
Designed to perform multiple Tasks Designed to do specific set of Tasks
Task specific hardware component is Requires task specific hardware
not required component
Programmable by end user therefore Not Programmable by end user therefore
applications are alterable by the user applications cannot be altered by the
user
High Power consumption Low Power consumption
Is Mobile Phone an Embedded System????
A first generation digital mobile phone, is probably certainly an embedded system.
Smartphone
is an
Embedded
System
Modify (Install/uninstall) the applications but, smartphone comes with pre-installed
Operating System (OS) that cannot be modified.
Functionality of smartphones cannot be upgraded.
As these conditions are in line with embedded system definition. smartphone can be viewed
as combination of various embedded systems i.e. Camera, Various sensors, Calling function
etc. It is not general purpose computer in true sense.
CHARACTERISTICS OF EMBEDDED SYSTEM
High
Reliability
Task
Real Time
Specific
Characteristics
of Less
Low Cost Embedded Power
system
Complex Multirate
Algorithm
Minimal
User
Interface
TYPES OF EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
Based on Performance Based on the
and Functional Performance of the
Requirements Microcontroller
Stand Real Small Medium Sophisticated
Networked Mobile
Alone Time Scale Scale System
System System
System System System System
Stand Alone Embedded System
• Does not require a host system
• Takes input, processes it and produces the result through the connected devices.
Real time Embedded System
• Produces output within a specified time limit.
• Gives quick response to critical situation
Types of Real time Systems
1. Hard Real Time System
Entire system collapses if misses deadline
2. Soft Real Time System
Missing deadline will only degrade the performance.
Networked Embedded System
• Connected to the network (LAN or WAN) to access the resource
Mobile Embedded System
• Used in portable devices like mobile phones, digital cameras, mp3 players.
Based on the Performance of the
Microcontroller
Medium Sophisticated
Small Scale
Scale System
System
System