This document provides an introduction to embedded systems and microcontrollers. It defines an embedded system as a computer system designed to perform a specific task and is contained within a larger system. Microcontrollers are described as the "brain" or central processing unit of an embedded system. Key points include: - Microcontrollers integrate a processor, memory and input/output ports on a single chip, making embedded systems more compact and energy efficient than those using general purpose microprocessors. - Embedded systems have a diverse range of applications from consumer electronics to industrial equipment to automobiles. Nearly every electronic device today contains one or more embedded systems. - Microcontrollers are cheaper and better suited than microprocessors for many embedded applications as they require

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EC501 EMBEDDED SYSTEM APPLICATIONS
CHAPTER 1
LEARNING OUTCOMES
• Understand the concept of embedded system:
INTRODUCTION TO
EMBEDDED SYSTEM
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
POLITEKNIK SULTAN HAJI AHMAD SHAH
Dr. Bakhtiar Bin Md Shaari @ email: dbms@polisas.edu.my
1. Describe the meaning of embedded system
2. Explain microcontroller as the heart of
embedded system
3. Relate embedded system examples with real
life application
4. Differentiate Microcontroller and
microprocessor
5. Discuss the advantages of microcontroller
application
EMBEDDED SYSTEM
Definition
Embedded system is a computer system that cannot be
programmed by the user because it is preprogrammed
for a specific task and embedded within the equipment
which it serves.
(McGraw-Hill Science & Technology Encyclopedia:)
Embedded system is a product controlled by its own
internal microprocessor or microcontroller with a purpose
for specific functions needed for the system
MICROCONTROLLERS AS HEART OF
EMBEDDED SYSTEM
• A microcontroller is the data processing "brain" of an
embedded system.
• Definition for: embedded system
• A combination of hardware and software which together
form a component of a larger machine.
• An example of an embedded system is a microprocessor
that controls an automobile engine.
• An embedded system is designed to run on its own
without human intervention, and may be required to
respond to events in real time.
• Source: www.computeruser.com/resources/dictionary
Microcontroller as the Heart of
Embedded System
Like
• In an embedded system, a microcontroller receives
input signals, processes the input signals and
generates output signals based on the processing.
Microcontroller like brain?? Woww.. It is great
For example, in a thermometer embedded system, the
microcontroller may receive a signal from a temperature
measuring device, process the signal and send data to a
display device to show the temperature being sensed.
right?
Because, the microcontroller will:
Receive Input Signal
Output
Process it
Produce an
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EMBEDDED SYSTEM EXAMPLES
Embedded systems are used in all aspects of
modern life and there are many examples of
their use, including:
1. Telecommunications systems
2. Consumer electronics
3. Transportation systems
EMBEDDED SYSTEM EXAMPLES
..cont…
Physically, embedded systems range from
portable devices such as digital watches
and MP3 players, to large stationary
installations like traffic lights, factory
controllers, or the systems controlling
nuclear power plants.
4. Medical equipment
5. Etc
EMBEDDED SYSTEM EXAMPLES
Line Follower
Robot
• Microcontroller is great…how about our
computer (microprocessor)?
Next slide describe the difference between
uP and uC
Washing Machine
uP
For more
detail, please
refer book
page 25
uC
Air-Bag
Applications
Areas
Application Areas
• TV
• stereo
• remote control
• phone / mobile phone
• refrigerator
• microwave
• washing machine
• electric tooth brush
• oven / rice or bread cooker
• watch
• alarm clock
• electronic musical instruments
• electronic toys (stuffed animals,handheld toys, pinballs, etc.)
• medical home equipment (e.g. blood
pressure, thermometer)
•…
• [PDAs?? More like standard computer system]
Consumer Products
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Application Areas
• Medical Systems
– pace maker, patient monitoring systems, injection systems,
intensive care units, …
• Office Equipment
– printer, copier, fax, …
• Tools
– multimeter, oscilloscope, line tester, GPS, …
• Banking
– ATMs, statement printers, …
• Transportation
– (Planes/Trains/[Automobiles] and Boats)
• radar, traffic lights, signalling systems, …
Application Areas
• Automobiles
– engine management, trip computer, cruise
control, immobilizer, car alarm,
– airbag, ABS, ESP, …
• Building Systems
– elevator, heater, air conditioning, lighting, key
card entries, locks, alarm systems, …
• Agriculture
– feeding systems, milking systems, …
• Space
– satellite systems, …
Application Areas
• Facts:
– 1997: The average U.S. household has over 10
embedded computers (source: www.it.dtu.dk/~jan)
Automobiles
• 1998: 90% Embedded Systems vs. 10%
Computers
– (source: Frautschi, www.caliberlearning.com)
• 2001: The Volvo S80 has 18 embedded
controllers and 2 busses (source: Volvo)
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Embedded in a Shoe!
Characteristics of Embedded System
• Embedded systems are designed to do a
specific task
• Embedded systems are not always standalone
devices
The microprocessor embedded in this adidas running shoe
calculates the pressure between the runner's foot and the
ground five million times per second and continuously
changes the cushioning to match an adjustable comfort level.
The computer controls a motor that lengthens and shortens a
cable attached to a plastic cushioning element.
• The program instructions written for embedded
systems are referred to as firmware, and are
stored in read-only memory or flash memory chips.
Microcontroller versus generalpurpose microprocessor
Microcontroller versus generalpurpose microprocessor
• Microprocessor is an IC which has only
the CPU inside them i.e. only the
processing. Application of microprocessor
includes Desktop PC’s, Laptops, notepads
etc.
• Microprocessor is the general purpose
microprocessors such as Intel’s x86 family
(8086, 80286,80386, 80486 and the
Pentium) or Motorola’s family
• A microcontroller (sometimes
abbreviated µC, uC or MCU) is a small
computer on a single integrated circuit
containing a processor core, memory, and
programmable input/output peripherals.
Microprocessor based system
Microprocessor (µP)
vs.
Microcontroller (µC)
To store the information (during CPU
operation)
CPU / µP
Register
ALU
To process the information
Control Unit
To control the direction of information
A system designer using a general-purpose microprocessor
must add RAM, ROM, I/O ports and timers externally to
make them functional.
(CPU, Memory, I/O)
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Micro controller system
µP vs. µC
µC
CPU / µP
DATA BUS
ALU
Register
RAM
ROM
I/O
Timer
Serial
COM
Control Unit
ADDRESS BUS
All the support devices like Read only memory, Read –
Write memory, Timer, Serial interface, I/O ports are internal.
In other words, the processor, RAM, ROM, I/O ports and
timer are all on a single chip.
CONTROL BUS
Differences between microcontrollers
and microprocessor based system
Microcontroller
Microprocessor
Dedicated to one specific task
Can do many different task
Support devices are internal for a
micro controller
Support devices are external in a
microprocessor based system
Micro controllers offer software
protection
micro processor base system fails
to offer a protection system.
Time required to build the circuit
will be less, the size will be less and
power consumption will be less
Time required to build the circuit
will be more, the size will be more and
power consumption will be more
Not expensive
The advantages of microcontroller
application
Expensive
End-of-chapter Problems 1
1.
Microcontrollers are normally less
expensive than microprocessors.
(true/false)
• Small size
• program is difficult to copy because of copy
protection functions and an emulator will be
required to copy it.
• Reduce chip count
• Many applications do not require as much
computing power
• Reduced power consumption
• Reduced design cost
End-of-chapter Problems 1 ..cont..
3.
List the differences between microcontroller and
microprocessor.
5.
List the advantages of microcontroller application.
6.
2. When comparing a system board based on a
microcontroller and a general purpose
microprocessor, which one is cheaper?
4.
Microcontroller normally has which of the following
devices on-chip?
What does the term embedded system mean?
a) RAM b) ROM
c) I/O
d) all of the above
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Wassalam
Terima Kasih
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