Lesson 1: Electronic Systems Made Easy
What Does a System Consist Of?
A system consists of input, processing, and output.
The human body is the most suitable example of a complex and intelligent system.
We mainly take input through our eyes, ears, and skin.
We process this information using the brain.
And we provide output through our hands, legs, and mouth.
But what is the relationship between this concept and electronics or technology?
System Concept in Technology
In the world of technology, the word “system” is used very frequently.
One of the most important systems without which modern technology would be almost useless is
the Embedded System.
Working Principle of an Embedded System
An embedded system is a modern addition to applied electronics.
Before its invention, it was very difficult to add intelligence to electronic systems or electronic
circuits.
An embedded system is an intelligent electronic system that can:
Take input
Process data
Provide output
Store information when required
An embedded system is a microcontroller-based electronic system designed to perform a
dedicated task.
Examples of Embedded Systems
There are countless examples of embedded systems around us.
From microwave ovens and digital clocks to mobile phones, cameras, printers, photocopiers,
ATM machines, and robots—all are embedded systems.
In short, it is very rare to find any modern electronic or mechatronic device that does not use
an embedded system.
Example: ADSL Modem as an Embedded System
In the image below, you can see an ADSL modem.
If you enlarge the picture, you will notice that component number 4 is the main controller of
the modem, known as the microcontroller.
Components 6 (RAM) and 7 (Flash Memory) further confirm that this device is a complete and
perfect example of an embedded system.
An ADSL modem is an excellent example of an embedded system.
Main Components of an Embedded System
The core component of an embedded system is the microcontroller, which is essentially a
single-chip computer.
Inside a single Integrated Circuit (IC), it contains:
Processor (CPU)
Memory
Input ports
Output ports
Timers, and more
Microcontroller Manufacturers
Microcontrollers are manufactured by many companies, such as:
Intel
Texas Instruments
Microchip
Atmel
Fujitsu
Freescale
However, due to the availability of development tools and software, in Bangladesh, the
following microcontrollers are more popular:
Atmel AVR / ATmega series
Microchip PIC microcontrollers
Skills Required for a Good Electronic Systems Engineer
A good systems engineer must possess multidisciplinary skills. These include:
1. Practical Electronics
2. Programming / Software
3. Microprocessor and Computer Architecture
4. Digital Electronics
5. Mechanical Systems
6. Control Systems
7. Communication Systems and Protocols
8. Sensors and Actuators
9. Application Sense of Theoretical Knowledge
The last point—application sense of theoretical knowledge—is the most important.
Many people fail in this field simply because they lack this skill.
A microcontroller is a powerful tool for system development.
The solution to a real-world problem must first come from the human brain.
Only then should we think about how to use the powerful tool called a microcontroller to
solve that problem.
Microcontroller vs Microprocessor
Nature of Work
A microcontroller is used for dedicated tasks.
For example, the microcontroller inside your microwave oven, washing machine, air
conditioner, or refrigerator performs only the specific tasks defined through programming.
On the other hand, a microprocessor is used for general-purpose computing.
In microprocessor-based systems, users perform tasks according to their needs.
Laptops and smartphones are the most common examples of microprocessor-based systems.
Structural Components
In a microprocessor-based system, the CPU is a separate component.
RAM, ROM, I/O, and timers are also separate components.
In a microcontroller, the CPU, RAM, ROM, I/O ports, and timers are all integrated inside a
single IC (chip).
Expansion
A microcontroller has fixed-capacity RAM and ROM.
In most cases, this capacity is much smaller than that of microprocessor-based systems.
The number of I/O ports is also fixed.
In contrast, in a microprocessor-based system, RAM and ROM capacity can be increased or
decreased as required.
Applications
Compared to microprocessor-based systems, microcontrollers are preferred because they:
Cost less
Occupy less space
Consume less power
These advantages make microcontrollers ideal for embedded system development.
Microcontroller vs PLC
Structurally and functionally, microcontrollers and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)
are quite similar.
Microcontrollers are used to add intelligence to electronic circuits
PLCs are primarily used in industrial automation
If you tear down a PLC, you will find a microcontroller-like core, along with a power circuit
and some relays.
PLC-Based Systems
PLC-based systems allow:
Faster and easier operation
Easy configuration and system modification
They are designed for extreme industrial environments, where:
High temperature
High humidity
Vibration
PLCs also have high noise immunity.
PLCs can be programmed relatively easily using graphical programming languages, such as:
Ladder Logic
Functional Block Diagram (FBD)
Engineer’s Perspective
For an experienced microcontroller engineer, working with PLC-based systems is relatively
easy.
However, if someone has only PLC knowledge, it becomes difficult to go deep into
microcontrollers or embedded systems.
Compared to PLCs, embedded systems involve more complex circuit-level design, user
interface development, and programming processes.