EMBEDDED SYSTEM

Block diagram
&
Uses of von neumann and Harvard Architecture
 Block Diagram of embedded system

■ An embedded basically a microprocessor or microcontroller-based automation system which is designed and installed to
perform a specific task. An embedded system is the combination of input devices, output devices, and memory.
■ The complexity of the circuit depends upon the objective of the work. If the operation is more complex then the circuit
also is more complex as it has multiple inputs, outputs, etc. But if the operation is simple, the circuit will be simple.
■ The definition of Embedded system (hardware with software embedded in it). It consists of Hardware and Software.
Advantages
■ This system is highly reliable for everyday life.
■ It has very few interconnections.
■ This system is tiny in size.
■ They are cheap.
■ It has a quick operation.
■ It has improved product quality and better performance.
■ It has low power operation and efficient.
■ They are less error-prone.
 The architecture and different parts of
an embedded system
Sensors(Input Devices)
In a practical embedded system, there are some many devices and circuits that are used with sensors to increase their sensit ivity, power control,
noise.
Analog to digital converter
Most of the sensors are generate analog signals only. But the processor cannot read and process the analog signals. So an analog to digital
converter to convert the analog signals generated by the sensor into digital signals which will be processed by the microproc essor or microcontroller.
Processer
Microprocessor, Microcontroller, Digital Signal Processor(DSP), Gate arrays are examples of devices that can be used as a processor in an
embedded system. Any one of them is used for processing purposes. This also depends upon the objective of work or operation.
Memory
Memory is a data storing device that stores all the data of the embedded system. Read-Only Memory(ROM), Random Acess Memory(RAM), Flash
Memory, Cache Memory, etc are used in an embedded system. This also depends upon the task and processor used in the system.
Digital to Analog Converter
A digital to analog converter is required to convert the digital signal generated by the processor into analog signals that will be used to operate
analog output devices. Digital output devices such as displays do not require the digital to analog converter, it can be inte rfaced directly to the
processor using a driver circuit.
Actuator(Output Device)
The actuator is a device that makes physical changes when an electrical or electronic signal is applied to it. stepper motor, electromagnet, etc are
examples of actuators used in an embedded system.
 Practical Examples of Embedded
System
Consumeapapplicationsons-Washing machine, Remote controlled toys, Entertainment
(Audio/Video), Clocks, Wristwatches, Games, Toys.
Communication applications-Wireless (Pager, Cell phone), Telephone, Networking (ATM,
Credit card, Ethernet), Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
Military applications-Target recognition, Guidance, Navigation, and Aircrafts.
Industrial applications-Traffic Control, Robotics, Production, Inventory, and Stock
Management, Chemical and Nuclear power plants.
Medical applications-Cardiac Monitors, Treatment, Dialysis Machines, Pacemaker and
many more.
Types of embedded systems
Real-time embedded systems – Real-time embedded systems are required when there
is a need for output at a specific time. The output can be scheduled in a dynamic or a
static manner. These are further divided into two categories which are hard real-time
and soft embedded systems.(Ex)Aircraft control system.
Standalone embedded systems –Standalone embedded systems don’t require a host
computer to function. They can produce outputs independently. (Ex)Digital cameras.
Network embedded systems –Network, or networked, embedded systems rely on wired
or wireless networks and communication with web servers for output
generation.(Ex)Automated teller machines (ATMs).
Mobile embedded systems –Mobile embedded systems refer specifically to small,
portable embedded devices, such as cellphones, laptops, and calculators.
 Von Neumann Architecture
■ All microcontrollers use one of two basic
design models: Harvard Architecture and
von-Neumann architecture. They represent
two different ways of exchanging data
between CPU and memory. MCs with
Harvard architecture are called “RISC MCs”.
MCs with von- Neumann’s architecture are
called ‘CISC MCs’.

■ Von Neumann Architecture is a digital

computer architecture whose design is
based on the concept of stored program
computers where program data and
instruction data are stored in the same
memory. This architecture was designed by
the famous mathematician and physicist
John Von Neumann in 1945.
Harvard Architecture

■ As its name suggests, the Harvard

architecture was designed and invented at
Harvard University for the Harvard Mark 1
computer.
■ Harvard architecture has two separate
buses for instruction and data. Hence, the
CPU can access instructions and
read/write data at the same time. This is
the major advantage of Harvard
architecture.
■ In practice, Modified Harvard Architecture
is used where we have two separate
caches (data and instruction). This is
common and used in X86 and ARM
processors.
Difference between Von Neumann and
Harvard Architecture :
VON NEUMANN HARVARD ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
■ It is ancient computer architecture based on stored ■ It is modern computer architecture based on
program computer concept. Harvard Mark I relay based model.
■ Same physical memory address is used for ■ Separate physical memory address is used for
instructions and data. instructions and data.
■ There is common bus for data and instruction ■ Separate buses are used for transferring data and
transfer. instruction.
■ Two clock cycles are required to execute single ■ An instruction is executed in a single cycle.
instruction.
■ It is costly than Von Neumann Architecture.
■ It is cheaper in cost.
■ CPU can access instructions and read/write at the
■ CPU can not access instructions and read/write at same time.
the same time.
■ It is used in micro controllers and signal processing.
■ It is used in personal computers and small
computers.