Basic Structure of an Embedded System

Architecture of the Embedded System

1) Sensor:
Sensor helps you to measures the physical quantity and converts it to an electrical signal. It also
stores the measured quantity to the memory. This signal can be ready by an observer or by any
electronic instrument such as A2D converter.
2) A-D Converter:
A-D converter (analog-to-digital converter) allows you to convert an analog signal sent by the
sensor into a digital signal.
3) Memory:
Memory is used to store information. Embedded System majorly contains two memory cells
1) Volatile 2) Non volatile memory.
B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
 Architecture of the Embedded System

4) Processor & ASICs:

This component processes the data to measure the output and store it to the memory.
5) D-A Converter:
D-A converter (A digital-to-analog converter) helps you to convert the digital data fed by
the processor to analog data.
6) Actuator:
An actuator allows you to compare the output given by the D-A converter to the actual
output stored in it and stores the approved output in the memory.

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
 Classification of
Embedded
Systems

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
Classification of Embedded Systems based on
Generation

First Generation
• 8 Bit Microprocessors(8085) and 4 bit Microcontrollers .
Simple in hardware circuits with firmware developed in
assembly code.
Digital Telephone Keypads, Stepper Motor Control units.

Second Generation
• Built around 16 bit microprocessors. 8 bit and 16 bit
microcontrollers. More complex and powerful
Data Acquisition systems, SCADA(supervisory control and
data acquisition) systems

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
Classification of Embedded
Systems based on Generation
Third Generation
• Application and domain specific processors/controllers like
Digital Signal Processors(DSP) and Application Specific
Integrated Circuits(ASICs)
• Instruction set more complex and powerful
• Instruction Pipelining
Fourth Generation
• System on Chip, Reconfigurable processors and multicore
processors
• High performance, tight integration and miniaturization

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
 Classification Based on
Complexity and Performance

Small Scale Embedded Systems

Medium Scale Embedded Systems

Large Scale Embedded Systems

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
Classification of Embedded Systems
based on Complexity and
Performance
Small Scale Embedded Systems
• Simple in application needs, performance
requirements are not time critical
• Built on low cost 8 or 16 bit
microprocessors/microcontrollers
• May or may not contain an operating system for
its functioning

Eg: Electronic Toy

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
Classification of Embedded Systems
based on Complexity and
Performance

Medium Scale Embedded Systems

• Slightly complex in hardware and firmware
requirements
• Built around low cost 16 bit/ 32 bit
microprocessors/microcontrollers
• Usually contain an embedded operating
system

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
Classification of Embedded Systems
based on Complexity and
Performance
Large Scale Embedded Systems
• Highly complex hardware and firmware
requirements.
• Mission critical applications demanding high
performance
• May contain multiple processors/controllers
and co units/ hardware accelerators
• Complex embedded systems usually contain a
high performance RTOS

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
 Classification of Embedded Systems based on
Performance and Functional requirements
Standalone Embedded Systems
 Standalone embedded systems are independent systems that do not depend on other
systems.
 They work by themselves.
 It takes the input either in analog or digital form, processes and produces the output.
 It may either control or drive the connected devices.

Examples of stand-alone embedded systems are mp3 players, Digital cameras, video
game consoles, Microwave ovens and Temperature measurement systems.
B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
Classification of Embedded Systems based on
Performance and Functional requirements
Real Time Embedded Systems
A real-time embedded system is a system that gives a required output within a
specified time.
These systems follow the time deadlines for the completion of a task.
Real-time embedded systems are classified into two types such as soft real-time
embedded systems and hard real-time embedded systems.
Automotive airbag control systems, flight control systems are examples of real-
time embedded systems.

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
Networked Embedded Systems

 These types of embedded systems are related to a network to access the

resources from one place.

 The connected network can be LAN, WAN or the internet.

 The connection can be either wired or wireless. It is also the fastest growing

area in embedded system applications.

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
Mobile Embedded Systems

Mobile embedded systems are compact, easy to use and require fewer resources.

They are used in portable embedded devices like mobile phones, digital cameras, mp3

players and personal digital assistants, etc.

For example, the embedded web server is a type of system wherein all embedded

devices are connected to a web server, accessed and controlled by a web browser.

Home security system, ATM machines, card swipe machines are examples of networked

embedded systems.

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
 Based on deterministic behavior

Hard Real time system

 A real-time operating system should strictly adhere to the timing constraints for a task.

 A hard real-time system must meet the timing deadlines without any delay.

 Missing the deadline would cause serious failure to the system or user.

 The airbag control system and antilock braking system of vehicles are typical examples for

hard real-time systems.

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
 Based on deterministic behavior

Hard Real time system

 When a vehicle is met with an accident, the airbag control system should operate

immediately without any delay to safeguard the passenger.

 If there is any delay in the deployment of airbags, it will lead to the death of passengers

in the vehicle.

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
 Based on deterministic behavior

Soft Real time system

In these types of embedded systems deadline is not strictly followed.

Missing deadlines for tasks are acceptable for soft real-time systems, but the frequency of

deadlines missing should be within the compliance limit.

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
Based on triggering
The embedded systems are classified into two types based on the triggering of the
systems:
Time-triggered and Event-triggered.
If a system is activated or triggered based on the pre-defined task or preset time,

then such a system is said to be the time-triggered embedded system. Deterministic

Behaviour

If the system is triggered based on some activity like change in

temperature or change in pressure, such system is said to be an event
triggered embedded system.
B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
Event-triggered.

Example: Smart home devices like motion-sensing lights, responding

when motion is detected.
Time-triggered embedded system.

An example could be a real-time control system in aerospace, executing

tasks based on a fixed time frame.

If the system is triggered based on some activity like change in

temperature or change in pressure, such system is said to be an event
triggered embedded system.

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
 Purpose Of Embedded Systems:-

Each Embedded system is designed to serve the purpose of any

one or a combination of the following tasks.

1. Data collection/Storage/Representation
2. Data communication
3. Data (Signal) processing
4. Monitoring
5. Control
1. Data collection is usually done for storage, analysis, manipulation

and transmission.

2. The term “Data” refers all kinds of information, viz. text, voice, image, electrical

signals & other measurable quantities.

3. Data can be either analog (continues) or Digital (discrete).

4. Embedded system with analog data capturing techniques collect data directly in

the form of analog and converts the analog to digital signal by using A/D

converters and then collect the binary equivalent of the analog data.
representation. 15
5. If the signal is digital it can be directly captured without any additional

interface by digital embedded system.

6.The collected data may be stored directly in the system or may be

transmitted to other systems or it may be processed by the system or it may

be deleted instantly after giving a meaningful

representation. 15
 A digital camera is a typical example of an embedded system with data collection /
storage / representation of data.
 Images are captured and the captured image may be stored with in the memory of the
camera. The captured image can also be presented to the user through a LCD display
unit.
 Data communication
 Embedded data communication systems are developed in
applications ranging from complex satellite communication
systems to simple home networking systems.

Figure: - A wireless network router for data communication

 Monitoring
 All embedded products coming under the medical domain are
with monitoring functions only. They are used for determing the
state of some variables using input sensors.
 A very good example is the electro cardiogram (ECG) machine for
monitoring the heartbeat of patient.

Figure:- A patient monitoring system for monitoring for heartbeat 19

 Control
 Embedded system with control functionalities impose control over some
variables according to the input variables.
 A system with control functionality contains both sensors and actuators.
 Sensors are inputs ports for capturing the changes in environment variables or
measuring variable.
 Actuators are output ports are controlled according to the changes in input variable.

Figure:- An Air conditioner for

controlling room temperature
 Data (Signal) Processing
 The data collected by embedded system may be used for
various kinds of signal processing.
 A digital hearing aid is a typical example of an embedded system
employing data processing.
Data (Signal) Processing
 Application specific user interface
 These are embedded systems with
application specific user interfaces like
buttons, switches, keypad, lights, bells,
display units, etc..
 Mobile phone is an example for this, in
mobile phone the user interface is
provided through the keyboard,
graphic LCD module, system speaker,
vibration alert, etc…
 Embedded Systems Vs General Computing Systems
Criteria General purpose Computing system Embedded system

Contents It is combination of generic hardware and It is combination of special

a general purpose OS for executing a purpose hardware and embedded OS for
variety of applications executing specific set of applications
Operating It contains general purpose operating It may or may not contain operating system.
System system.
Alterations Applications are alterable (programmable) Applications are non-alterable by the user.
by the user.
Key factor Performance is the key deciding factor Application specific requirements (power,
memory etc )are key factors
Execution Execution behavior is not deterministic Execution behavior is deterministic
behavior
Response Response time requirement is not critical Response time requirement are Critical for
Time some applications
Elements of an Embedded Systems
FPGA/ASIC/DSP/SoC
Microprocessor/controller Embedded
Firmware

Memory

Communication Interface

System
I/p Ports Core O/p Ports
(Sensors)
(Actuators)

Other supporting
Integrated Circuits &
subsystems

Embedded System

Real World
B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
Sensors measure both continuous process and discrete variables.
Sensors are essential components of embedded systems that enable
them to interact with the physical world.
Choosing the right sensors for your project can be a challenging task, as
you need to consider various factors such as accuracy, reliability, cost,
power consumption, and compatibility
A sensor will convert any physical attribute to a control signal, while an
actuator does the opposite, changing the control signal to physical action
B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
A device that changes electrical signals into mechanical work is known as

an actuator

Actuators are connected to a system's output. It receives an electrical

signal as input and produces mechanical movement as output. It

receives input or instruction from a system or a signal conditioning

device and outputs it to the environment..

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
Communication Interfaces:

•Microcontrollers and Microprocessors communicate with peripherals and

other devices or systems using various communication protocols.

• These protocols define the rules and standards for data exchange and
communication between different components.

•A few communication protocols are UART, SPI, I2C, Ethernet, USB, CAN,
wireless protocols, and many more.

•Hence communication protocols are also considered the key components of

embedded system.

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
 General Purpose and Domain Specific
Processors
• Microprocessors
Embedded System
• Microcontrollers
• Digital Signal Processors

Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)

Core of the

Application Specific Integrated

Circuits (ASICs)

Commercial off the shelf

Components (COTS)
B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
Applications of Embedded Systems

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
 Major Applications of Embedded Systems
Home Automation and
Automotive Industry: Anti-
Household Appliances: Security Systems: Air
lock breaking systems (ABS),
Consumer Electronics: Television, DVD players, conditioners, sprinklers,
Engine Control, Ignition
Camcorders, Cameras etc. Washing machine, Fridge, Intruder detection alarms,
Systems, Automatic
Microwave Oven etc. Closed Circuit Television
Navigation Systems etc.
Cameras

Telecom: Cellular
Computer Peripherals: Computer Networking Health Care: Different Kinds
Telephones, Telephone
Printers, Scanners, Fax Systems: Network Routers, of Scanners, EEG, ECG
switches, Handset
machines etc. Switches, Hubs, Firewalls etc. Machines etc.
Multimedia Applications etc.

Measurement &
Banking & Retail: Automatic
Instrumentation: Digital Card Readers: Barcode,
Teller Machines (ATM) and
multi meters, Digital CROs, Smart Card Readers, Hand
Currency counters, Point of
Logic Analyzers PLC systems held Devices etc.
Sales (POS)
etc.

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
THANK YOU

B.C.Divakara,Dept of ECE,GAT
• Examples
• Smartwatches
• Embedded systems in smartwatches
combine sensors, processors, and
wireless connectivity to track health
data, display notifications, and interact
with smartphones.
• Fitness Trackers
• Fitness trackers like smart watches etc.
use embedded systems to monitor
physical activity, heart rate, and sleep
patterns, providing users with valuable
health insights.
• Home Automation Systems
• Embedded systems in home
automation systems control and
automate various aspects of a home,
such as lighting, temperature, security,
and entertainment systems.
• Automotive Systems (e.g., engine control units)
• Embedded systems in automotive systems manage
engine performance, vehicle diagnostics, and provide
entertainment and navigation features.
• .
• Air Conditioning Systems
• Air conditioning systems use embedded controllers
to regulate temperature, fan speed, and air quality
based on user preferences and environmental
conditions.

• Digital Cameras
• Embedded systems in digital cameras process
image data, control camera settings, and enable
features such as autofocus and image stabilization

• Traffic Light Control Systems

• Traffic light control systems use embedded
controllers to manage traffic flow, adjusting signal
timings based on traffic conditions.
 Embedded systems
in security systems
Security Systems
power surveillance
(e.g., surveillance Electronic Voting
cameras, process
cameras, access Machines
video feeds, and
control)
control access to Embedded systems
Embedded systems secure areas. in GPS devices
in voting machines receive satellite
ensure accurate GPS Navigation signals, calculate
vote recording, Devices routes, and provide
security, and tallying Embedded systems turn-by-turn
of results. in barcode scanners navigation
process barcode instructions.
data, decode it, and
Barcode Scanners provide product
information for
inventory
management and
retail operations.
Automatic Doors

Embedded systems in automatic doors control sensors, motors, and safety

mechanisms to open and close doors based on proximity or user input.

Satellite Communication Systems

Embedded systems in satellite communication enable data transmission, reception,

and control for various applications.

ATM Machines

Embedded systems in ATM machines manage transaction processing, user

authentication, and cash dispensing in automated teller machines.

Elevator Control Systems

Embedded systems in elevator control systems manage elevator operations, including

floor selection, motor control, and safety mechanisms.
• Electronic Locks
• Embedded systems in electronic locks use
authentication methods such as keycards or
biometrics to control access to doors or safes.

• Fire Alarm Systems

• Embedded systems in fire alarms monitor
smoke or heat levels and trigger alarms or alerts
to warn occupants and initiate emergency
response.
•
Traffic Monitoring Systems
• Embedded systems in traffic monitoring
systems collect and process data from sensors
or cameras to monitor traffic flow and detect
anomalies.

• Wireless Sensor Networks

• Embedded systems in wireless sensor
networks collect data from distributed sensors,
transmit it wirelessly, and enable remote
monitoring and control.
An automated teller machine (ATM) is a

computerized machine used in banking that

communicates with a host bank computer over a

network. The bank computer verifies all the data

entered by the users and stores all transactions,

while the embedded system in the ATM displays

the transaction data and processes inputs from

the ATM keyboard.

The GPS is a navigation system that uses satellites and

receivers to synchronize data related to location, time,

and velocity. Receiver or device that receives the data

has an integrated embedded system to facilitate the

application of a global positioning system. The

embedded GPS devices allow people to find their

current locations and destinations easily. Thus, they are

gaining rapid momentum and becoming the most

widely used navigation tools for automobiles.

Fitness trackers are wearable devices that can

monitor your health and track activities like

sleeping, running, and walking. These devices

use embedded systems to garner data related to

your heart rate, body temperature, and the

number of footsteps, which is further sent to

servers via WAN like LTE(Long Term Evolution) or

GPRS.( General Packet Radio Services)

Electric vehicle charging stations are equipped

with charging points or units that supply electric

power to charge connected vehicles. An

embedded system resides in the charging station

to provide processing for graphics displays, report

any issues with the device and alert technicians

when maintenance is required. This embedded

solution provides an easy and cost-effective

approach to monitoring and maintaining the

charging infrastructure.