Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is a special-purpose
computer that functions as a component in a
larger product
Consumer Home Automation Process Controllers Computer Devices
Automobiles
Electronics Devices and Robotics and Office Machines
• Mobile and digital • Thermostats • Antilock brakes • Remote monitoring • Keyboards
telephones • Sprinkling systems • Engine control systems • Printers
• Digital televisions • Security modules • Power monitors • Faxes
• Cameras monitoring systems • Airbag controller • Machine • Copiers
• Video recorders • Appliances • Cruise control controllers
• DVD players and • Lights • Medical devices
recorders
• Answering
machines
Page 26 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 27
Chapter 1
Embedded Computers
Page 26 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 28
Figure 1-28 Chapter 1
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
Advantages of Disadvantages of
Using Computers Using Computers
Speed Health Risks
Reliability Violation of Privacy
Consistency Public Safety
Storage Impact on Labor Force
Communications Impact on Environment
Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World
Pages 9 - 10 9
Chapter 1
Classification of Memory Unit
Storage
Capacity
Internal Processor Registers, Cache
Memory
Primary Memory RAM, ROM
Secondary Memory Hard Disk, Floppy etc.
Access COST
time
Cache Memory
Inside a microprocessor
Very very expensive
Manufactured to match the speed of processor.
Gives better access time.
Saves time
Like a library system
Registers
High speed special purpose memory units.
Registers are controlled by Control Unit.
Generally, they hold the intermediate results.
Works like a cash register of a shop keeper.
Some important Registers
Program counter (PC): keeps track of the next
instruction to be executed.
Instruction Register (IR): holds the instruction to be
decoded by the control unit.
Memory Address Register (MAR): holds the address of
the next location in RAM to be accessed.
Some important Registers…...
Memory Buffer Register (MBR): stores data either
coming to the CPU or being transferred by the
CPU.
Accumulator (ACC): A general purpose register used for
storing temporary results.
Data Register (DR): stores operands.
Input/Output Register: communicated with the
input/output devices.
Buses
What is a bus?
Channel that allows devices inside
and attached to the computer to
communicate with each other
A collection of wires which connects
together the internal components of
the computer
Moves data around the system
From Input devices to CPU
CPU to Memory
Memory to Output devices
Works Like a highway
Bits travel along the highway
Bus width determines number
of
Buses
kinds of system bus
Data bus
Carries actual data bits (information)
Moves data among computer system components
Address bus
Transfers locations where data should be sent
Carries the bits of a memory address
Control bus
Carries status information, like commands, command
responses, status codes and similar messages
System Bus