Introducing Embedded Systems

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 Outline
• Definition of Embedded Systems
• Examples
• Computer Essentials
• Microprocessors and Microcontrollers
• PIC Microcontrollers
• 12 Series PIC

Mr. Dhiraj Rane 2

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We live in a world stuffed with embedded systems, after reading this article
you would be amazed how much of our technology is based on them. That
digital watch on your wrist, the expensive mobile you are holding right now,
the microwave you use for heating food and the car you use for traveling
here and there, and almost every other thing you can think of, is an
embedded system. Anyhow, Before diving deep into the sea of embedded
systems, let's first define an embedded system.

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 Definition of Embedded Systems
• Embedded system: is a system whose
principal function is not computational,
but which is controlled by a computer
embedded within it.

Mr. Dhiraj Rane 5

Definition of Embedded System
"An embedded system is an isolated system, specially designed to perform
a designated function with the help of its hardware and embedded
software."
The earliest known embedded system is the Appolo guidance
computer which was developed in 1960 by Dr Charles Stark for Appolo
Program.
The first and foremost commercially introduced embedded system or
microprocessor unit was the Intel 4004, released in 1971.

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Components of an Embedded System
In a discussion about embedded systems, it is necessary to mention the
components in detail for a better understanding. The following are some of
the absolute components used in embedded systems.

Hardware
These are the mechanical or electronic parts required to form a complete circuit
including the microcontroller.
Choosing the type of hardware for your embedded system depends on the
engineer who is designing it.

There are many available options  in hardware according to different

system's requirements, some of them are being listed below;

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Microcontroller or Microprocessor 
They form the core of an embedded system.
A microcontroller and a microprocessor are smart efficient devices that are
able to store the programming code within their memory.
The program stored in the memory is responsible for the execution of
designated tasks for which the embedded system has been designed.
Microcontrollers usually come in the size of bits, 6 bits,8 bits, 16 bits or 32 bits.

System on A Chip_ SOC

System on a chip refers to the presence of processor, timers, counters and the
interactive interface along with the other main circuits for regulating power supply,
on a single chip.

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Memory
Have you ever thought, how the instructions are stored in a system and used
later? It is done with the help of memory in the form of RAM, Random Access
Memory or DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory or other advance available
options.
Embedded systems have memory in form of the above-mentioned devices as an
essential component.

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Input devices
Devices such as sensors, actuators, diodes and switches which collect data
from the outside environment for processing are a part of the embedded systems.
For example, sensor nodes of the wireless network system collect data about the
constant change in a physical environment.

Output Devices
Output devices help in the display of results after processing the input with the
microcontroller.
Output devices can be LED displays, buzzers, relays, touch screens and
many other options available in the market.

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Embedded software
A system doesn't work without a set of instructions to run it, for task execution we
need to write the program into a programming language such as C, C++ or any
other one.
There a complex process involved in writing the application software for an
embedded system using the tools such as text editor, compiler, linker and
debugger.
All the above-mentioned tools are available in the Integrated Development
Environment Systems, such as Matlab, Pycharm, QT Creator, and
Eclipse among many others.

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Types of Embedded Systems
You are now well aware of the basic components of an embedded system,
we will discuss the types of embedded systems.
Embedded systems are classified on two bases which are;
Based on the performance of the Microcontroller.
Based on the functional requirements of the system.

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Following are the three types of embedded systems based on the
performance of microcontroller;
Small scale embedded system, using 6 or 8-bit microcontrollers such as a
digital pedometer.
Medium-scale embedded system using one or more microcontrollers of
16bits which includes an ATM.
Sophisticated embedded systems are highly advanced and developed
using microcontrollers of more than 16 bits and 32 bits, examples include
MRI machines, safety-critical systems and much more.

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Based on the functional requirements we can classify the
embedded systems in the following types;
Stand Alone embedded system which works on its own, having all the
necessary components within it, a fully automated washing machine is
one of its proud examples.
Real-time embedded system that responds to the real-time
environment, such as air traffic control using an embedded system.
Networked embedded system, an embedded system connected to a
central hub that controls electronic devices with the help of LAN, WAN or
internet.
Mobile embedded system, an embedded system in modern-day mobile
phones and other digital devices of this niche.

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 Summary
• An embedded system is a product that has one or more computers
embedded within it, which exercise primarily a control function.
• The embedded computer is usually a microcontroller: a microprocessor
adapted for embedded control applications.
• Microcontrollers are designed according to accepted electronic and
computer principles, and are fundamentally made up of microprocessor
core, memory and peripherals.
• Microchip offers a wide range of microcontrollers, divided into a number of
different families. Each family has identical central architecture and
instruction set. However, common features also appear across all their
microcontrollers.
• The Microchip 12F508 is a good microcontroller to introduce a range of
features of microcontrollers in general and of PIC microcontrollers in
particular.

Mr. Dhiraj Rane 23