UNIT-5
Embedded system application development
Embedded System Application design issues:
Embedded system application development involves several design issues that must be addressed to
ensure performance, reliability, and efficiency. Following the key embedded system application
development design issues:
1. Hardware-Software Co-Design
Embedded systems often have limited hardware resources, so software must be designed with
hardware constraints in mind.
Ensuring drivers and low-level code match the microcontroller or processor architecture.
2. Real-Time Constraints
Some systems (e.g., pacemakers) require strict timing guarantees; others (e.g., video streaming) are
more tolerance.
3. Resource Constraint
Embedded systems often have limited RAM/ROM/Flash.
Processing power is usually limited, so code must be optimized.
Particularly critical in battery-operated or IoT devices.
4. Reliability and Stability
Systems often operate continuously and must avoid crashes or memory leaks.
5. Security
Secure boot, encrypted updates, and authentication are key. Preventing tampering and unauthorized
access.
6. Development and Debugging
Fewer debugging tools compared to desktop development. Real-world testing can be complex,
especially with real-time systems.
7. Communication and Interfaces
Protocol supported are UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet, BLE, etc. Handling data exchange between
sensors, actuators, and communication modules.
8. Upgradability and Maintenance
Over-the-air (OTA) updates require secure and reliable mechanisms. Especially for long-life devices
used in industrial settings.
9. Cost Constraints
Design must consider cost limits on components. Designs should be manufacturable and testable at
scale.
10. Compliance and Certification
Regulatory Approval May require time-consuming and costly certification.
CASE STUDY I:
WASHING MACHINE AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM APPLICATION
Washing machine is a typical example of an embedded system providing extensive support in home
automation. An embedded system contains sensors, actuators, control unit & application specific user
interfaces like keyboard display unit etc.
Inputs:
1. User push button- there are various buttons for the interaction with user.
2. Water temperature- the temperature sensor senses the current temperature of the water and
gives this temperature as an input to controller.
3. Water level sensor- this input provides current level of the water.
4. Drum Speed- current speed of the drum is sensed & this input is also given to the controller.
Outputs:
1. Drum Motor- it is connected with washing machine drum & it is used for rotating drum.
2. Water pump- this signal is used to control the water pump of the washing machine.
3. Water valve- this signal is used to open or close the water valve of washing machine.
4. User display- it indicates the current ongoing activity and other signals related to washing
machine.
Fig 1. Block diagram of washing machine system
Process:
The actuator part consists of the motorized agitator
Water drawing pump and inlet valve to control the flow of water into the unit.
The sensor part consists of the water temperature sensor, level sensor etc.
The control part contains a microprocessor or microcontroller-based board with interfaces to the
sensors and actuators & control algorithm running in it.
The sensor data is fed back to the control unit.
Control unit generates the necessary actuator outputs.
Input interface incudes the keyboard which consists of wash type selector wash spin and rinse, cloth
type selector namely light, medium heavy, wash timing setting etc.
Fig 2. Data flow diagram of washing machine system
CASE STUDY II
SMART CARD SYSTEM
A smart card is a plastic card embedded with an integrated chip that can either be a microcontroller or
a memory chip. These cards are widely used in applications requiring secure identification,
authentication, data storage, and application processing. The embedded system in a smart card is
responsible for secure data processing and communication.
Smart card systems are a powerful application of embedded systems, particularly in secure and mobile
environments like public transportation, banking (EMV cards), and identity verification. The use of
embedded systems ensures secure, efficient, and scalable operations.
Fig 1. Chip module of smart card system Fig 2. Smart Card Architecture
Key Functions Handled by Embedded System
1. User Authentication: Secure login using unique card ID and cryptographic keys.
2. Balance Management: Store and update fare balances securely.
3. Transaction Processing: Deduct fare, maintain travel logs, and ensure atomic transactions.
4. Data Security: Employ encryption algorithms (e.g., AES, RSA) for data integrity.
5. Power Efficiency: Operate with minimal power (especially in contactless NFC systems).
Fig 3. Flow diagram of balance check smart card system
The system consists of main four parts-
1. A smart card which is generally a contact memory smart card which contains the information
about the individual.
2. A smart card reader which is generally a contact smart card reader and is used to read the
information from the card.
3. A controller which receives the data form the smart card reader via the RS232 interface.
4. A load that is used to drive a motor and connected to the controller.