CONTENTS
• Introduction
• History
• Applications of Embedded System
• Embedded Operating System and
Interfaces
• Typical Embedded System Constraints
• Conclusion
• References
EMBEDDED
SYSTEM
Picture of the internals of a Netgear ADSL modem/router. A modern example of an
embedded system. Labeled parts include microprocessor (4), RAM (6) & flash memory (7).
INTRODUCTION:
An Embedded System is a special-purpose computer system
designed to perform one or a few dedicated functions, often with real-
time computing constraints.
It is usually embedded as part of a complete device including
hardware and mechanical parts. In contrast, a general-purpose
computer, such as a personal computer, can do many different tasks
depending on programming. Embedded systems control many of the
common devices in use today.
A computer (CPU) without conventional keyboard/screen
interface. Frequently the embedded system interfaces with the world
through sensors and actuators.
Complexity varies from low, with a single microcontroller chip, to
very high with multiple units.
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.
Virtually all appliances that have a digital interface -- watches,
microwaves, VCRs, cars -- utilize embedded systems. Eg. Mobile phones,
digital watches, MP3 players,microwave oven, washing machines, toys,
trains, planes, automobiles, space vehicles, robots, cameras, even in
home appliances and many more to name
Some embedded systems include an operating system, but many
are so specialized that the entire logic can be implemented as a single
program.
Embedded systems that are programmable are provided with a
programming interface, and embedded systems programming is a
specialized occupation.
Certain operating systems or language platforms are tailored for
the embedded market, such as Embedded Java and Windows XP
Embedded. However, some low-end consumer products use very
inexpensive microprocessors.
HISTORY:
In the earliest years of computers in the 1930-40s, computers
were sometimes dedicated to a single task, but were far too large and
expensive for most kinds of tasks performed by embedded computers
of today.
One of the first recognizably modern embedded systems was the
Apollo Guidance Computer, developed by Charles Stark Draper at the
MIT Instrumentation Laboratory.
An early mass-produced embedded system was the Autonetics D-
17 guidance computer for the Minuteman missile, released in 1961. It
was built from transistor logic and had a hard disk for main memory.
Minuteman II went into production in 1966, the D-17 was
replaced with a new computer that was the first high-volume use of
integrated circuits.
Intel developed the Microcomputer chip (4004) in 1971 for the
Busicom Desktop Calculator. It sold for $200, and ran at 92.5 KHz
internally. Intel's initial strategy was to use this device to sell more
memory chips. The 4004 was an unexpected hit and was quickly
followed by a flurry of similarly enhanced devices from Intel, Motorola,
Zilog, and Texas Instruments.
EXAMPLES OF EMBEDDED SYSTEM:
1. Telecommunications Systems
Telecommunications systems employ numerous embedded systems
from telephone switches for the network to mobile phones at the
end-user.
Symbol Technologies' WS Cellular phones
5000 Wireless Switch
2. Transportation Systems
Transportation systems from flight to automobiles increasingly use
embedded systems.
New airplanes
Various electric motors —induction motors and DC motors — are
using electric/electronic motor controllers.
Automobiles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles are increasingly
using embedded systems to maximize efficiency and reduce
pollution.
Other automotive safety systems such as anti-lock braking system
(ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC/ESP), traction control
(TCS) and automatic four-wheel drive.
3. Consumer Electronics
Personal digital assistants (PDAs),
Mp3 players,
Mobile phones,
Videogame consoles,
Digital cameras,
DVD players,
GPS receivers
Printers
4. Many Household Appliances, such as
Microwave ovens,
Washing machines
Dishwashers,
Are including embedded systems to provide flexibility, efficiency
and features.
5. Medical Equipment
Medical equipment is continuing to advance with more embedded
systems for vital signs monitoring,
Electronic stethoscopes for amplifying sounds and various medical
imaging (PET, SPECT, CT, MRI) for non-invasive internal inspections.
6. Robotics
Sony Robotic DOG – 64 bit RISC microprocessor
7. The Sonicare® Elite 7650 –
The Toothbrush of
Sonicare Elite's
bristle tips move
three times faster
than all other
leading power
toothbrushes to
create dynamic
cleaning action.
PRICE:
$ 159.95
EMBEDDED OPERATING SYSTEM AND
INTERFACES:
The simplest form of embedded system is an on chip CPU with
firmware. Embedded operating system provides more flexibility in use
and so does the user interfaces. But both depend upon the requirement
specifications.
1. Embedded operating system:
An embedded operating system is dedicated to a specific purpose
in the embedded system. It is real time operating system. Its use
depends upon the applications such as airline reservation systems.
Embedded operating systems are very efficient than others as
they exclude non-embedded functionalities.
Almost meet the real-time constraints. Embedded operating
system resides on ROM-read only memory, as its task never changes.
Commonly used operating systems such as windows XP or Linux
are also used as Embedded windows XP, Embedded Linux, Embedded
JAVA for some embedded systems.
2. Embedded System Interfaces:
The interfaces not only depend upon requirements but also the
way designers handle it. For example use of touch screen instead of
separate keypads and displays. But also keeping in mind the cost issue.
Reducing the user actions simplifies the design.
One way to reduce user actions is to use a light indicator for any
information. Most often designers use red color for danger indication,
green for OK and yellow indicating may be there is an error.
TYPICAL EMBEDDED SYSTEM
CONSTRAINTS:
As till now, we have discuss about embedded system. But now it’s
time to come to focus on the constraints which should be followed
before creating any embedded systems. They are:
1. Small Size, Low Weight: ES should be small in size, and having
low weight. Hand-held electronic Transportation applications
--weight costs money.
2. Extreme cost sensitivity: $.05 adds up over 1,000,000 units. So
the embedded systems are cost sensitive.
3. Low Power: Battery power for 8+ hours (laptops often last only 2
hours) Limited cooling may limit power even if AC power available
4. Harsh environment: Power fluctuations, RF interference,
lightning, Heat, vibration, shock, Water, corrosion, physical abuse
Or in any other such type of harsh environment, our embedded
system can work efficiently and properly.
5. Safety-critical operation: Must function correctly and
Must not function incorrectly. If the embedded system not works
properly then the complete embedding system in which the
embedded system is place can’t work. So we have to check that
our system always in safety condition.
CONCLUSION:
Embedded System = A computer which is integrated into another
system, the embedding system. Embedded systems are part of a bigger
system. Embedded System programming is programming with resource
constraints.
An embedded system is based on specifications. Specific
requirements are defined and based on these requirements an
embedded system is developed.
In short an embedded system works for a predefined task. On
the whole a hardware chip programmed for a dedicated task results in
an embedded system.
As integrated circuits get continuously cheaper, more capable and
power efficient, complexity of chip designs are constantly growing.
This is illustrated by new design approaches such as multi-core
technologies.
As there is no foreseeable end to this development of embedded
system, higher abstractions for the design process need to be
invented.
REFERENCES:
www.google.com
www.wikipedia.com
www.whatis.com
www.seminartopics.org
