INTRODUCTION TO EMBEDDED SYSTEM

What is an embedded system??? Embedded??? What is that?

embedded system definition

Hardware and software which forms a component of some larger system and which is expected to function without human intervention. An embedded system may include some kind of operating system but often it will be simple enough to be written as a single program. It will not usually have any of the normal peripherals such as a keyboard, monitor, etc. or any kind of user interface software unless these are required by the overall system of which it is a part. Often it must provide real-time response.
Source : http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/embedded+system

An embedded system is some combination of computer hardware and software, either fixed in capability or programmable, that is specifically designed for a particular function.

Some low-end consumer products use very inexpensive microcontroller or microprocessors and limited storage, with the application and operating system both part of a single program. The program is written permanently into the system's memory in this case, rather than being loaded into RAM (random access memory) like programs on a personal computer.

So, which one is best for embedded system? Microcontroller or microprocessor

Differences between microcontroller and microprocessor

Microprocessors:
General-purpose microprocessor
CPU for Computers No RAM, ROM, I/O on CPU chip itself ExampleIntels x86, Motorolas 680x0
Many chips on mothers board

CPU GeneralPurpose Microprocessor

Data Bus

RAM

ROM

I/O Port

Timer

Serial COM Port

Address Bus General-Purpose Microprocessor System

Microcontroller :
A smaller computer On-chip RAM, ROM, I/O ports... ExampleMotorolas 6811, Intels 8051, Zilogs Z8 and PIC 16X

CPU

RAM ROM

A single chip
I/O Port
Serial Timer COM Port Microcontroller

Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller

Microprocessor CPU is stand-alone, RAM, ROM, I/O, timer are separate designer can decide on the amount of ROM, RAM and I/O ports. expansive versatility general-purpose Microcontroller CPU, RAM, ROM, I/O and timer are all on a single chip fix amount of on-chip ROM, RAM, I/O ports for applications in which cost, power and space are critical single-purpose

Examples: Refrigerator

Dr. Gheith Abandah

12

Examples: Car Door

Dr. Gheith Abandah

13

Examples: Derbot Autonomous Guided Vehicle

Dr. Gheith Abandah

14

Embedded Systems Design

When approaching embedded systems architecture design, several models can be applied to describe the cycle of embedded system design. The big-bang model: there is essentially no planning or processes in place before and during the development of a system. The code-and-fix model: product requirements are defined but no formal processes are in place before the start of development. The waterfall model: there is a process for developing a system in steps, where results of one step flow into the next step. The spiral model: there is a process for developing a system in steps, and throughout the various steps, feedback is obtained and incorporated back into the process.

 the embedded system design and development process is divided into four phases: creating the architecture, implementing the architecture, testing the system, and maintaining the system. phase 1 is defined as being made up of six stages: having a strong technical foundation (stage 1), understanding the Architectural Business Cycle (stage 2), defining the architectural patterns and models (stage 3), defining the architectural structures (stage 4), documenting the architecture (stage 5), and analyzing and reviewing the architecture (stage 6).