Introduction To PIC and Embedded Systems
Introduction To PIC and Embedded Systems
Embedded Systems
What is Embedded System?
If we take any engineering product that
needs control, and if a computer is
incorporated within that product to
undertake the control, then we have an
embedded system. OR,
A system whose principal function is not
computational, but which is controlled by a
computer embedded within it.
Examples of an Embedded System
The derbot Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV)
Two microswitch bump detectors
ultrasound detector
Two light sensors
compass as navigational system
Locomotion is provided by two geared DC motors
piezo-electric sounder is included for the AGV to alert
its human user
Instruction sets – CISC and RISC
CISC
many instructions and considerable
sophistication.
Complexity of the design tends to lead to slow
operation.
RISC
Each instruction is contained within a single
binary word.
Every instruction normally takes the same
amount of timeto execute.
Organizing memory
Von Neumann
The computer has just one address bus and one data bus.
Simple and logical, and gives a certain type of flexibility.
Disadvantage: If the CPU is accessing program memory, then
data memory must be idle and vice versa.
Harvard structure
Every memory area gets its own address bus and its own data
bus.
Greater flexibility in bus size, but pay for it with a little more
complexity
Disadvantage: Reinforces the distinction between program and
data memory. Example, when data is stored in program memory
as a table, but is actually needed in the data domain.
Microprocessors and
microcontrollers
Microprocessors:
These were amazing devices, which for the
first time put a computer CPU onto a single
IC.
At first, all other functions, like memory and
input/output interfacing, were outside the
microprocessor.
The development of the microprocessor led
very directly to applications like the personal
computer.
Microprocessors and
microcontrollers
Microcontroller:
No need for high computational power, or huge
quantities of memory, or very high speed.
Special category of microprocessor emerged that was
intended for control activities, not for crunching big
numbers.
After a while this type of microprocessor gained an
identity of its own, and became called a
microcontroller.
The microcontroller took over the role of the
embedded computer in embedded systems.
Microcontrollers
Primarily,it must have excellent
input/output capability
Because many embedded systems are
both size and cost conscious, it must be
small, self-contained and low cost.
May need to put up with the harsh
conditions of the industrial or motor car
environment, and be able to operate in
extremes of temperature.