University of Gondar, Institute of Technology
Computer Engineering
Embedded System
By:Temesegen G.
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction to Embedded
Systems
An Embedded System
ü a specialized computer designed to perform a
specific task or function within a larger system.
ü found in devices like microwaves, washing
machines, cars, medical equipment, and industrial
machines.
ü a device that includes a computer, but is not itself
a general- purpose computer.
An Embedded System
ü A combination of computer hardware and
software, and perhaps additional mechanical
parts
ü contains a microprocessor or microcontroller.
ü runs software for its functions.
ü expected to respond, monitor as well as control
external environment using sensors and actuators
An Embedded System
What they do:
• Sense environment (input signals)
• Process input information
• Respond in real-time (output signals)
Example1: Refrigerator
Actuators § Compressor
Compress
§ Display
Embedded
System Human
interface
Sensors § Actual Temp
§ Required Temp
Example: Car
An embedded system in a car may control the engine, airbags, and navigation
system, contributing to the overall functionality of the vehicle.
Embedded system components
• Microcontroller or Microprocessor:
– responsible for executing the software code and controlling the
overall functionality of the system
• Memory: Stores code and data.
• Input Devices (Sensors): Collects data from the environment.
• Output Devices (Actuators): Perform actions based on processed
data.
• Power Supply: Provides energy for the system.
Embedded system components
• Communication Interfaces: Enables communication with other
systems or devices.
• Real-Time Operating System (RTOS): supervises the application
software and provide mechanism to let the processor run a process
as per scheduling by following a plan to control the latencies.
• Peripheral Devices: Add extra functionality. E.g display, keypads
• Input/Output Ports: Connect the system to the environment.
• Development Tools and Software: Tools to design, build, and test
the embedded system
Application of embedded system
• Why Study Embedded System?
• Consumer Electronics: TV, DVD players,
Cameras.
• Household appliances: microwave oven,
washing machine, refrigerator.
• Automotive industry: Ignition System,
braking system, engine control.
• Home automation and security systems: Air
conditioners, fire alarms.
Application of embedded system
• Telecom: Mobile phones, telephone switches.
• Office Automation: Fax Machine Photocopier
Printers, Monitors and Scanners .
• Networking systems: routers and switches.
• Healthcare: Dialysis Machines, Cardiac
Monitors.
• Banking : Automatic teller machines
• Card Readers: Barcode, smart card readers.
Embedded Systems Vs General Purpose Computers
Embedded System General purpose
Properties computer
Hardware Special purpose hardware. Generic hardware.
OS Embedded OS / Real-time OS General purpose OS
Applications Execute specific set of Execute a variety of
applications that are known at applications
design-time.
Program Not programmable by end user Programmable by end user
Power Less More
Consumption
Response Time Usually Critical for some Not critical
applications
Characteristics of Embedded Systems
• Dedicated systems
– An embedded system usually performs a
specialized operation and does the same
repeatedly.
• Reactive systems
– Continually reacts to changes in the system’s
environment (using User-interface and/or
sensors).
Characteristics of Embedded Systems
• Real-time systems
– Must finish operations by deadlines.
• Hard real time: missing deadline could result in a
catastrophe. Eg. Pacemaker system, airplane's
flight control system
• Soft real time: missing deadline results in
unhappiness. Eg. Washing machine, Printers
Characteristics of Embedded Systems
• Safety-critical
– Must not endanger human life and the environment.
• Tightly constrained: All computing systems
have constraints on design metrics, but those
on an embedded system can be especially tight.
Characteristics of Embedded Systems
o A design metric is a measurable feature of a
system’s implementation. The common
relevant metrics are the following
§ NRE cost(Non Recurring Engineering cost):
One time up-front cost for product research,
design, development and testing.
Characteristics of Embedded Systems
– Once the system is designed, any number of units
can be manufactured without incurring any
additional design cost.
§ Unit cost: The cost of manufacturing each copy of
the system excluding NRE cost.
§ Size: The physical space required by the
system ,often measured in bytes for software, and
gates or transistors for hardware.
Characteristics of Embedded Systems
§ Power: the amount of power consumed by the
system, which determines the life time of a battery,
or the cooling requirements of the IC, since more
power means more heat.
§ Flexibility: the ability to change the functionality
of the system without incurring heavy NRE cost.
Characteristics of Embedded Systems
§ Time-to-prototype: The amount of time to build a
working version of the system, which can be used
to verify the system’s usefulness and correctness
and to refine the system's functionality
§ Time-to-market: The amount of time required to
design and manufacture the system to the point the
system can be sold to customers.
Characteristics of Embedded Systems
§ Reliability: R(t) = probability of a system working
correctly at time t provided that it was working at t = 0.
§ Availability: A(t) = probability of system working at
time t.
§ Safety: the probability that the system will not cause
harm.
§ Security: should have confidential and authentic
communication
• Thanks