Lesson 1:
Overview:
Computing Systems and
Embedded Systems
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Outlines:
• CPU, Processor and Microprocessor
• Computer and Microcomputer
• Microcontrollers
• Microcontrollers vs Microcomputer
• Embedded Systems
• RISC and CISC Architecture
• Von Neumann and Harvard Architecture
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CPU, Processor and
Microprocessor
• A processor and a CPU (central processing unit)
are acronyms.
• A Microprocessor is a processor (or a CPU)
fabricated in a single integrated circuit (CPU in a
chip).
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Computer and Microcomputer
• What is a “Computer”?
• A Microcomputer is a type of computers.
• A Microcomputer is an integrated system of computer
components capable of a wide variety of applications
(general purposes).
• A microcomputer typically contains:
– microprocessor at the heart of the system
– data storage ICs: RAM, ROM
– mass storage elements: External Drives, Hard Drives, …
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– standard I/O devices: monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer,
Microcontrollers
• Microcontroller: A highly integrated chip that
contains all the components comprising a
computer (computer in a chip).
• Typically this includes a CPU, RAM, some form
of ROM, I/O ports, and timers.
• Unlike a general-purpose computer, which also
includes all of these components, a
microcontroller is designed for a very specific
task - to control a particular system. 5
Microcontrollers vs
Microprocessors
• A microcontroller differs from a microprocessor,
– It is more self-contained, independent, and functions
as a tiny, dedicated computer.
– Sometimes called embedded microcontrollers, which
means that they are part of an embedded system that
is, one part of a larger device or system.
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Good Features of Microcontrollers
• The great advantages of microcontrollers, as
opposed to microcomputers are that they are:
– Lower Cost
– Smaller Size
– Lower Power dissipation
– Higher immunity to power failures and sparks
– Higher Immunity to software failures and bugs
– More suitable for real-time applications
• ......
Good Features of Microcomputers
• On the other hand, advantages of
microcomputers, (as opposed to
microcontrollers) are that they have (are):
– higher computing capabilities
– General purposes and reprogrammable
– More user friendly:
• Have Operating systems
• Easier in Inputs and outputs
• More suitable for user needs and applications
Computing Systems
• Computing systems are everywhere.
• Most of us think of “desktop” computers
– PC’s
– Laptops
– Mainframes
– Servers
• But there’s another type of computing
system
– Far more common...
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Other Computing Systems
• Embedded computing systems
– Computing systems embedded Computers are in here...
within electronic devices and here...
– Hard to define. Nearly any and even here...
computing system other than a
desktop computer
– Billions of units produced yearly,
versus millions of desktop units
Lots more of these,
though they cost a lot
less each.
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Embedded Systems are
Everywhere
• There's a microprocessor in:
– TV and another one in the remote control
– Air conditioner
– Your satellite receiver, CD player, and DVD player An automatic
garage door opener (and each remote control for it), microwave
ovens, …
• Additional Processors in Your PC:
– an 8-bit processor in your keyboard
– Another processor in your mouse
– There’s one in each hard disk drive and floppy drive (if you still have one)
– A CPU buried in your USB interface
– A processor handling your NIC
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“short list” of Embedded Systems
Anti-lock brakes Modems
Auto-focus cameras MPEG decoders
Automatic teller machines Network cards
Automatic toll systems
Automatic transmission
Network switches/routers
Avionic systems On-board navigation
Battery chargers Pagers
Camcorders Photocopiers
Cell phones Point-of-sale systems
Cell-phone base stations
Cordless phones
Portable video games
Cruise control Printers
Curbside check-in systems Satellite phones
Digital cameras Scanners
Disk drives Smart ovens/dishwashers
Electronic card readers
Electronic instruments
Speech recognizers
Electronic toys/games Stereo systems
Factory control Teleconferencing systems
Fax machines Televisions
Fingerprint identifiers Temperature controllers
Home security systems
Life-support systems
Theft tracking systems
Medical testing systems TV set-top boxes
VCR’s, DVD players
Video game consoles
Video phones
Washers and dryers
And the list goes on and on 12
What is an Embedded system?
• It is a specialized computer system that is part of a
larger system or machine.
• Typically, an embedded system is housed on a
single microprocessor board with the programs
stored in ROM.
• Some embedded systems include an operating
system, but many are so specialized that the
entire logic can be implemented as a single
program.
Designing Embedded Systems
• Often (but not always), there is a microcontroller
at the heart of an embedded system.
• Embedded systems Don’t have keyboard and
monitor jacks
– Use ports to perform I/O
– Inputs – to sense things
– Outputs – to control things
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Inside the Microcontroller
• Central Processing Unit ( CPU )
• Read Only Memory ( ROM )
• Random Access Memory (RAM )
• Special Function Registers
• Input / Output Ports
• Power Supply Circuit
• Oscillator
• Program Counter
• Watchdog Timer
• …..
Embedded Systems: Block
Diagram
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Embedded System:
Typical Example Block Diagram
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CISC and RISC Architecture
According to Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) of
the processor, it can classified either to:
• CISC Architecture
– CISC: Complex Instruction Set Computer
• RISC Architecture
– RISC: Reduced Instruction Set Computer
Overview - Von Neumann and
Harvard Architecture
• Von Neumann
(Princeton)
Common program and data
memory
• Harvard
Separate program memory
and data memory
Assignment 1
1. What does the term SoC means. Make a
comparison between SoC and MCU.
2. Compare between the features of RISC and
CISC architectures (do it in a table).
3. Beside RISC and CISC, there is a special one
called DSP processors. What are the main
features that distinguish DSP architecture from
CISC and RISC architecture.
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