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Fundamentals of Computer Organiza-

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WEEK 6 - AN INTRODUCTION TO EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

For this week’s material, you will be introduced to embedded systems.

The following will be covered this week:

A. An introduction to Embedded Systems

o Embedded systems

o Embedded design and development process

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AN INTRODUCTION TO EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

An Embedded System (ES) can be described as a specialised computer that has dedicated function-

ality as part of a larger mechanical or electrical system (Barkalov et al., 2019, p. 4). Embedded sys-

tems are found in consumer electronic devices, automotive electronics, aircraft electronics, medical

systems, network communication devices, military systems and a range of Internet of Things (IoT)

including smart systems and devices such as smartphones that are commonly used in the modern age.

A range of applications of embedded systems is summarised in the table below.

Application area Examples

Consumer electronics Smart-TVs, Smartwatches, Smartphones
 Added functionality for specific tasks typical in larger computer devices
 Functional device for portability and productivity
Washing Machines, Dishwashers
 Added functionality such as scheduling and programming machine wash cycles
Video Game Consoles
 System built with microprocessors designed for dedicated performance for
graphics, audio and video processing
Aircraft electronics Avionics
 Systems for flight control, anti-collision, informational and communicational
Medical systems Smart Medical Devices
 Traditional medical devices with enhanced and automated functionality includ-
ing defibrillators, x-rays, activity monitors, remote monitoring
Automotive electronics Airbags, Anti-braking System (ABS), Engine control, Car Sensors
 Specific systems used to ensure the optimal running of a car
 Additional systems for driver and passenger comfort and safety
Geographical Positioning System (GPS)
 Integrated navigation system
Military systems Drones, Ballistic Missiles, Fire-control
 Systems used for tactical, defence, intelligence or security purposes
IoT Smart devices
 ‘Smart’ heating, ventilation and air-conditioning control
 ‘Smart’ lighting and other forms of automated security
Telecommunication sys- Routers, cryptographic systems, access points
tems
 Network based structure that provides an avenue for IoT systems and smart de-
vices to communicate with each other in a variety of different ways

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Embedded systems have common characteristics that describe the way they work within a larger

system.

1. Cyber-physical systems

A cyber-physical system can automatically adapt to its environment, regulate and monitor

itself to ensure successful achievement of its objectives. These are systems have input, pro-

cessing, output and a feedback loop/control.

2. Real time systems

The ability for an embedded system to work in real-time is essential, therefore any computa-

tion or operations needs to be performed on time. A good example of this necessity is in an

automotive system controlling the inflation of airbags where the non-occurrence of these com-

putations or operations within a specified time period results in reduced safety, passenger in-

jury or fatality.

3. Dedicated systems

These types of system can be designed for a highly specific purpose and will provide dedicated

control, computation and optimisation for that purpose.

4. Reactive systems

Reactive systems are event based and execute monitoring the state of a controlled object

(Barkalov et al., 2019, p. 17). For this form of system, functionality is a result of waiting for

events to occur based on input signals that are provided by the system.

5. Systems with a dedicated user-interface (UI)

Systems with dedicated user-interfaces differ from general purpose computers as the set-up

of a keyboard, mouse and monitor may not be ideal.

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Requirements for embedded systems

In order for a system to be truly an embedded system there are a range of functional requirements

that must be met.

1. Reliability – a system should be built with a low probability of failure, and in the case of

such failure, the damage should be minimized.

2. Availability – a system should be useable for the majority of its use cycle through the im-

plementation of some form of control that ensures availability such as diagnostic control and

knowledge control.

3. Maintainability – a failed system should be repaired in a timely manner by fixing issues or

replacing faulty components that can affect the lifespan of the system.

4. Safety – a system should be built with safety measures that can prevent physical harm being

done to the user.

5. Security – a system should be built with security features to prevent unauthorized access or

damage due to malicious intent. Security concerns are that of availability, integrity, confi-

dentiality and non-repudiation of stored data.

6. Survivability – a system should be able to still function if an attack occurs

EMBEDDED DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

An embedded system can be designed and developed using the following methodologies;

1. Bottom-up methodology – smaller parts of the system are built prior to building the whole

system

2. Top-down methodology – the design of the system is built first, then based on the initial

design, the structure of the system and the functionality of the various components is built

3. Meet-in-the-middle methodology – a middle methodology which attempts to merge the ad-

vantages of both top-down methodologies

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Fundamentals of Computer Organiza-
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The image below is an illustration of the bottom-up methodology for the design and development

of embedded systems.

The image below is an illustration of the top-down methodology for the design and development of

embedded systems.

The image below is an illustration of the meet-in-the-middle methodology for the design and devel-

opment of embedded systems.

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Fundamentals of Computer Organiza-
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REFERENCES

Abd-El-Barr, M., & El-Rewini, H. (2005). Fundamentals of Computer Organization and Architecture

(Wiley Series on Parallel and Distributed Computing) (1st ed.). Wiley-Interscience.

Barkalov, A., Titarenko, L., & Mazurkiewicz, M. (2019). Foundations of Embedded Systems (Studies

in Systems, Decision and Control, 195) (1st ed. 2019 ed.). Springer.

Brookshear, J. G., & Brylow, D. (2015). Computer Science: An Overview (12th Edition). Pearson

Education.

Forouzan, B. A. (2017). Foundations of Computer Science. Cengage Learning.

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