Embedded Systems

• Embedded System


  A computer system designed to perform specific tasks
• Embedded System


  • Primary purpose is to control and monitor the operation of device or system
  • Embedded or integrated into a larger device
  • Combination of hardware and software designed to do specific functions
  • Typically small, low-cost, and low-power
  • Used in real-time applications
• Microcontroller


  Small computer on a single integrated circuit (IC) consisting of CPU, memory, I/O peripherals – all integrated onto a single chip
• Microprocessor


  A CPU that requires external components such as memory and I/O devices to function, more expensive and has higher power consumption
• Block Diagram of Embedded Systems
• Jack Ganssle


  Coined the term "embedded systems"
• ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was the first electronic digital computer built during World War II
• Intel 4004 was released in 1971
• 1. bit Microcontrollers, such as Intel 8051 and Motorola 68HC11, gained popularity and enabled the development of a wide range of embedded systems
• Rapid advancements in semiconductor technology, lower costs, and increased memory sizes allowed for more complex embedded systems to be developed in the 1990's-2000's
• The adoption of real-time operating systems (RTOS) became more prevalent in the 1990's-2000's
• Embedded systems began incorporating connectivity and networking features in the 2000's-Present
• Application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques in embedded systems has become more prevalent in the 2010's-Present
• Standalone Systems


  Operate independently and perform specific functions without relying on external communication or network connectivity
• Networked Systems


  Connected to a network, allowing for communication and coordination with other devices or systems
• Real-Time Systems


  Have strict timing requirements, where tasks must be completed within specified deadlines
• Hard real-time systems


  Critical tasks with strict timing constraints (ex. Aircraft flight control systems, nuclear power plant)
• Soft real-time systems


  Non-critical tasks with flexible timing constraints (ex. Multimedia streaming, traffic signal)
• High-Performance Systems


  Require significant computational power, often utilizing advanced processors, GPUs, or dedicated hardware accelerators
• Small-Scale Embedded Systems


  Characterized by their compact size and limited resources, often employ microcontrollers with low power consumption and minimal memory
• Medium-Scale Embedded Systems


  More complex than small-scale systems and may incorporate more powerful microcontrollers or microprocessors, have larger memory capacity and can handle more intricate tasks
• Large-Scale Embedded Systems


  Highly complex, often comprising multiple processors, distributed components, and extensive software stacks
• Automotive Embedded Systems


  Specifically designed for automotive applications (ex. engine control units (ECUs), infotainment systems, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and in-vehicle networking)
• Medical Embedded Systems


  Systems used in healthcare settings, including medical devices, patient monitoring systems, implantable devices, and medical imaging equipment
• Industrial Embedded Systems


  Systems employed in industrial automation and control, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, robotics, and process control systems
• Consumer Electronics Embedded Systems


  Systems found in everyday consumer devices, such as smartphones, smart TVs, etc.
• BASIC Stamp 2 Microcontroller


  Brains inside of electronics projects and applications that require a programmable microcontroller, developed by Parallax Inc. and released in 1993
• BASIC Stamp 2SX Microcontroller


  Able to control and monitor motors and sensors, programming is performed in PBASIC language, developed by Parallax Inc. and introduced in 1995, based on PIC16C57 microcontroller
• BASIC Stamp 2P40 Microcontroller


  Enhanced version of BASIC Stamp 2, developed by Parallax Inc. and released in 2002
• Arduino UNO


  Most used and documented board, ATmega328P microcontroller
• Arduino MEGA2560


  Designed for projects that require more I/O lines, more sketch memory and more RAM
• Arduino UNO R4 Minima


  Features a microcontroller based on the Renesas RA4M1 (Arm® Cortex®-M4) with an operating voltage of 5 V
• Arduino UNO R4 WiFi


  Designed based on 32-bit microcontroller RA4M1 from Renesas while also featuring a ESP32 module for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• Raspberry Pi 3 Model B


  A low cost, credit-card sized computer that plugs into a computer monitor or TV, and uses a standard keyboard and mouse, enables people to explore computing and to learn how to program
• Intel Compute Stick


  Turns any HDMI* display into a fully functional computer: same operating system, same high quality graphics, and same wireless connectivity
• Gizduino UNO-SE


  100% code compatible with Arduino Uno, built for the budget but with the best possible quality, uses USB bridge CH340 universally used by China UNO compatible manufacturers
• Gizduino X


  Based on an ATMEGA1281 MCU
• Gizduino IOT-644


  Compatible with Arduino and has on-board 100MBps Ethernet for IoT projects
• Parallel Input and Output


  Method of exchanging data between the embedded system and external devices using a parallel interface, allow multiple bits of data to be transferred simultaneously using multiple data lines, can provide high-speed data transfer, but requires a larger number of wires and can be more complex to implement
• Data Acquisition


  Done by utilizing sensors for input to the embedded system