Embedded

Systems
Introduction and Applications
S RAGURAAM
RVCE22BME036
What is an Embedded
System?

• An embedded system is a microprocessor or

microcontroller based system which can interact with its
environment to perform a specific task.
• It usually part of a larger electromechanical system or
device.
• Embedded systems can process inputs from sensors and
other data to achieve real time control as well as decision
making
Applications of
Embedded System
• Embedded systems are extensively used in
industrial
equipment, consumer products and devices,
vehicles, robotics, spacecraft systems etc.
• Medical health monitors and various sensing
devices are used to track patients health.
• Embedded systems are used in alarms and
other safety applications such as smoke
alarm, air quality monitor, tectonic activity
measurement etc.
General Representation
of Embedded System
Memory
Sensors Actuator

Analog to Digital Microprocessor Digital to Analog

Converter or Microcontroller Converter

Manual Input

Power Supply
Comparison of Microprocessor and
Microcontroller
Microprocessor
• Microprocessors contain only
Arithmetic Logic Unit without
supporting components such as
Memory, Timers, Counters etc.
• Microprocessors are intended for
general purpose and multipurpose
applications.
• Microprocessors are usually faster
and use more instruction sets
making them complex and
expensive.
Microcontroller
• Microcontrollers contain ALU as
well as supporting components such
as Memory, Timers, counters,
converters etc.
• Microcontrollers are intended for
specific applications and cannot be
used for multipurpose operations.
• Microcontrollers use reduced
instruction set and are generally less
powerful making them simpler and
inexpensive
Architecture of Microprocessor and
Microcontroller
Microprocessor
• Microprocessors contain smaller
number of registers and rely on
Memory based operations.
• Microprocessors use an external
bus to interface RAM, ROM, and
other peripherals, allowing
customization according to the
requirements of the application.
• High capacity external memory
and storage can be connected
with limitations on read and write
speeds.
Microcontroller
• Microcontrollers contain more
registers enabling easier
programming
• Microcontrollers use an
internal bus to interface with
memory and peripherals,
leading to high speed with no
customizability.
• Microcontrollers have limited
capacity internal memory with
faster read and write speeds.
ARM Microcontrollers
• ARM stands for Advanced RISC Machine.
RISC is Reduced Instruction Set Computer.
• ARM microcontrollers run on simpler
architecture based on reduced instruction
sets, enabling efficient execution, low
power consumption, faster response time
and condensed code.
• ARM Microcontrollers are more capable
but require skilled programmers to make
most efficient use of the architecture by
careful scheduling of instructions.