Chapter One

Introduction

Introduction to Embedded Systems 1

 Objective of this Session
At the end of this chapter students abele
 To understand about the Definitions, characteristics

and examples of real-time and embedded systems

 To understand the Model of real time system and their

types
 To know the Computer organization concepts and

memory
 To know about the Design process

Introduction to Embedded Systems 2

 Embedded System
 An Embedded System is a device that includes a
computer, but is not itself a general- purpose
computer.
 At the core is an integrated circuit designed to carry out

computation for real-time operations.

 An embedded system:

◦ contains a microprocessor or microcontroller.

◦ hidden or embedded as an integral part of a larger
system.
◦ runs software for its functions.
◦ designed to perform a dedicated function.
◦ expected to respond, monitor as well as control
external environment using sensors and actuators.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 3

 Embedded System

What they do:

• Sense environment (input signals)
• Process input information
• Respond in real-time (output signals)

Introduction to Embedded Systems 4

 Example: Refrigerator

 Compress
Actuators or
 Display

Human interface

Embedded
System

Sensors  Actual Temp

 Required Temp

Introduction to Embedded Systems 5

 Example: Car

 Embedded systems have become an integral part of human lives,

they are designed with a specific function.
 Characteristics like, compressed size, low cost, and an overall
simple design, makes them very popular nowadays.
 Embedded systems, in today’s society play a vital role in many
devices, such as: home appliances, equipment instrumentation,
and the usages are likely to grow more in the future.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 6

 …Con
 Real-time systems: means that the system is subjected to
real-time,
i.e., the response should be guaranteed within a specified timing
constraint or the system should meet the specified deadline.
 provide guaranteed worst-case response times to critical
events, as well as acceptable average-case response times to
noncritical events
 When a real-time system is designed as an embedded
component, it is called a real-time embedded system
 required to react to stimuli from the environment within time
intervals dictated by the environment.
 systems that maintains a continuous timely interaction with its
environment

Introduction to Embedded Systems 7

 …Con
 A digital camera is an example of a Realtime system: set of
input including sensors and imaging devices producing
control signals and display information.

 Realtime system can be viewed as a sequence of job to be

scheduled.

 Time between presentation of a set of inputs to a system and

the realization of the required behavior, including availability
of all associated outputs, is called the response time of the
system.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 8

 Embedded System Components
 An embedded system has three layers:
◦ It has hardware
◦ It has Real Time Operating system (RTOS) that
supervises the application software and
Provides a mechanism to let the processor run a process as
per scheduling by following a plan to control the latencies.
RTOS defines the way the system works.
It sets the rules during the execution of application
program.
A small scale embedded system may not have RTOS.
◦ It has application software.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 9

 Why we study Embedded Systems?
 There is a greater awareness now that rather than a
totally hardwired electronic system, incorporation of a
programmable processor in a circuit makes the design
more robust with the reduction in the design time cycle.
 Their compact size, low cost and design aspects made

embedded systems very popular in the lives of human.

 They are found from kitchen to space craft.

◦ Today they are becoming key elements of every society.

 Embedded Systems lead worldwide microprocessor

production.
Embedded: desktop = 100:1

Introduction to Embedded Systems 10

 Basic Model of a Real-time System
 The basic model of a real-time system presents the overview of
all the components involved in a real-time system
 Real-time system includes various hardware and software

embedded
 The accuracy and correctness involved in real-time system

makes the model complex

 There are various models of real-time system which are more

complex and are hard to understand.

 Following diagram represents a basic model of Real-time

System:

Introduction to Embedded Systems 11

 Basic Model of a Real-time System…Con
 Sensor: Sensor is used for the conversion of some physical
events or characteristics into the electrical signals.
◦ These are hardware devices that takes the input from
environment and gives to the system by converting it.
◦ E.g. a thermometer takes the temperature as physical characteristic
and then converts it into electrical signals for the system.
 Actuator: Actuator is the reverse device of sensor.

◦ Where sensor converts the physical events into electrical

signals, actuator does the reverse.
◦ It converts the electrical signals into the physical events or
characteristics.
◦ It takes the input from the output interface of the system and
the output from the actuator may be in any form of physical
action.
◦ Some of the commonly used actuator are motors and heaters.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 12

 Basic Model of a Real-time System…Con
 Signal Conditioning Unit: When the sensor converts the
physical actions into electrical signals, then computer can’t
used them directly.
◦ Hence, after the conversion of physical actions into electrical
signals, there is need of conditioning.
◦ Similarly while giving the output when electrical signals are sent to
the actuator, then also conditioning is required. Therefore,
◦ Input Conditioning Unit: used for conditioning the electrical
signals coming from sensor.
◦ Output Conditioning Unit: used for conditioning the electrical
signals coming from the system.
 Interface Unit: Interface units are basically used for the
conversion of digital to analog and vice-versa.
◦ Input Interface: used for conversion of analog signals to digital.
◦ Output Interface: used for conversion of digital signals to analog.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 13

 Types of Embedded Systems
 Based on functionality and application area:
Standalone embedded systems:
A less complex/simple independent system that
functions alone, it does not require a host system like a
computer.
i.e., Digital watch, mp3 player, calculator
Mobile embedded systems:
The most commonly used embedded system, that have a
wide range of usages as they are used in portable
embedded systems.
i.e., cell phones, wireless camera

Introduction to Embedded Systems 14

 …Con
 Real-time embedded systems:
Performs a task in the defined interval. Real time
embedded systems are split into two:
Soft Real time embedded systems:
Deadline to complete task may vary.
i.e., Microwave oven
Hard real time embedded systems:
Task must have a given deadline.
i.e., Traffic light controller
Networked embedded systems: These systems are
connected to a network (as the name implies).
System forms a communication with the server or with an
individual node using the network.
i.e., ATM machine, IoT devices, card swipe machine

Introduction to Embedded Systems 15

 …Con
Based on performance and architecture:
 Small scale embedded system:
An entry level 8/16-bit processor system. The processor has very
limited resources like ROM, RAM, and processing speed.
i.e. CD Drive, printer, automatic door lock
 Medium scale embedded systems:
This embedded system consists of 16/32-bit microprocessors.
These are usually faster than “small scale systems” due to greater
number of bits, that provide a higher speed.
 Sophisticated/Complex embedded systems:
Sophisticated embedded systems are made to execute complex
functions. The system has both complex hardware and software.
i.e., Network router, embedded web server
 Ready-made Embedded systems:
Depending on the task complexity and requirements, developers
can develop systems using already made boards, this will decrease
development time and increase productivity.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 16

 Application of Embedded System
 Consumer Electronics: TV, DVD players , Cameras
 Household appliances: microwave oven, washing
machine, refrigerator
 Automotive industry: Ignition System, breaking system,

engine control
 Home automation & security systems: Air conditioners,

sprinklers, fire alarms

 Telecom: Mobile phones, telephone switches
 Office Automation: Fax Machine, Photocopier Printers

Monitors, Scanners

Introduction to Embedded Systems 17

 Application of Embedded System
 Computer networking systems: Network routers and
switches.
 Healthcare: Dialysis Machines, Cardiac Monitors.
 Banking: Automatic teller machines
 Card Readers: Barcode, smart card readers.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 18

 Role of Embedded Systems
 Data Collection/Storage/Representation
◦ Embedded system designed for the purpose of data
collection performs acquisition of data from the external
world.
◦ Data collection is usually done for storage, analysis,
manipulation and transmission.
◦ Data can be analog or digital.
◦ Example: Digital Camera

Introduction to Embedded Systems 19

 Role of Embedded Systems
 Data communication
◦ Embedded data communication systems are deployed
in applications from complex satellite communication to
simple home networking systems.
◦ The transmission of data is achieved either by a wire-
line medium or by a wire-less medium.
◦ Example: Network hubs, routers and switches
 Data signal processing

◦ Which are employed in applications demanding signal

processing like speech coding, audio video codec,
transmission applications etc.
◦ Example: Digital hearing aid.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 20

Embedded Systems Vs General purpose computers
 An embedded system is designed to perform a specific task
whereas as per definition the general purpose computer is
meant for general use.
General purpose computers can be used for playing games,
watching movies, creating software, working on documents etc.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 21

 Characteristics of Embedded Systems
 Dedicated systems
◦ An embedded system usually performs a specialized
operation and does the same repeatedly.
 Reactive systems

◦ Continually reacts to changes in the system’s environment

(using User-interface and/or sensors).
 Real-time systems

◦ Must finish operations by deadlines.

 Safety-critical

◦ Must not endanger human life and the environment.

 Tightly constrained: All computing systems have constraints on
design metrics, but those on an embedded system can be
especially tight.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 22

 Characteristics of Embedded Systems
 Such design metrics are like:
Power: critical in battery powered devices.
Size: fit on a single chip.
Cost: should consider unit cost and NRE(Non-Recurring
Engineering) cost.
Reliability: R(t) = probability of a system working correctly
at time t provided that it was working at t = 0.
Maintainability: M(d) = probability of a system working
correctly d time units after error occurred.
Availability: A(t) = probability of system working at time t.
Safety: no harm to be caused by failing system.
Security: should have confidential and authentic
communication

Introduction to Embedded Systems 23

 Characteristics of Embedded Systems
 Microprocessors based: The system must be a micro-
controller or microprocessor-based

Introduction to Embedded Systems 24

 Types of Real Time Tasks
 Real time system is a system which is used for performing
some specific tasks.
These specific tasks are related with time constraints and tasks
assigned to real-time systems need to be completed in given time
interval.
 Tasks in the system are said to be fully pre-emptive and that
are used to communicate with the rest of the system via data
read at the beginning and written at the end of their
executions.
 Real-time tasks can be classified into the following types
 Hard Real-Time Tasks: that have strict timing constraints and

must be completed within a specific time frame

◦ Failure to meet the deadline could result in catastrophic
consequences, such as a system crash or loss of life.
◦ Examples Pacemaker system, control systems in aircraft, automotive
systems, medical equipment, and industrial automation.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 25

 Types of Real Time Tasks …Con
 Soft Real-Time Tasks: that have timing constraints but are not
as strict as hard real-time tasks.
◦ Missing a deadline for a soft real-time task may not have
catastrophic consequences, but it could affect the system's overall
performance.
◦ Examples multimedia applications, data logging, washing machine,
Printers, and data analysis.
 Periodic Tasks: that are performed at regular intervals.

◦ The interval between two consecutive instances of the task is fixed

and predictable.
◦ Examples monitoring temperature, pressure, or humidity in a
manufacturing plant.
 Aperiodic Tasks: that are not performed at regular intervals.

◦ The timing of these tasks is not predictable, and they can occur at
any time.
◦ Examples interrupts from peripheral devices or user inputs.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 26

 Types of Real Time Tasks …Con
 Synchronous Tasks: that are executed in response to an
external event, such as a trigger from a sensor or input from
a user.
◦ The timing of these tasks is predictable and depends on the
occurrence of the external event.
 Asynchronous Tasks: that are not triggered by external

events and are executed independently.

◦ The timing of these tasks is not predictable, and they can
occur at any time.
◦ Examples background tasks such as garbage collection, file system
maintenance, and system updates.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 27

 Modeling Timing Constraints
 Modeling timing constraints in embedded systems is an
important task, as these systems often require precise timing
behavior to ensure correct operation.
 Timing constraints can include deadlines for specific tasks,

requirements for response times to external events, and limits

on overall system latency.
 Therefore, to model time constraints must consider of both SW

and HW factors, and often involves a combination of formal

methods, RTOS, and hardware design techniques
 One approach is using formal methods, such as timed

automata, to describe the behavior of the system and its

timing properties.
It provide a way to reason about the timing behavior of the system
and to ensure that it meets its timing requirements.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 28

 Modeling Timing Constraints … Con
 Another approach is to use real-time operating systems
(RTOS), which provide mechanisms for managing tasks with
specific timing requirements.

Typically provides facilities for task scheduling, interrupt

handling, and synchronization that can be used to ensure that
tasks are executed in a timely manner.

 In addition to these approaches, it is also important to

consider the hardware platform and its timing characteristics.

◦ For example, the clock speed of the processor, the latency of

external peripherals, and the timing behavior of communication
interfaces can all impact the overall timing behavior of the
system.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 29

 Computer organization concepts and memory
 This tasks are crucial aspects to the embedded system
design.
 Embedded systems often have limited processing power and

memory resources, which require efficient use of hardware

and software resources.
 To ensure the requirements that the systems are designed to

meet of the specific application it must considers:

Computer organization Memory Management concepts
concepts  Memory Hierarchy
 Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)  Memory Mapping
 Processor Architecture  Memory Allocation
 Bus Architecture

Reading Assignment …!!!

Introduction to Embedded Systems 30

 Design Process for Embedded System
 In embedded systems typically involves several phases, each
of which contributes to the final product
 The following are the major steps involved in the design

process for an embedded system:

 Requirements analysis: the requirements of the system are

defined,
◦ including its intended purpose, performance goals, and constraints such
as power consumption and size.
 System-level design: the overall architecture of the system is
developed,
◦ including the selection of the appropriate hardware and software
components.
 Hardware design: In this phase, the hardware components
of the system are designed,
◦ including the selection of the appropriate processors, memory, I/O
devices, and power supplies

Introduction to Embedded Systems 31

Design Process for Embedded System…Con
 Software design: the software components of the system are
designed,
◦ including the development of the application code, device drivers,
and operating system.
 Integration and testing: the hardware and software
components of the system are integrated, and the system is
tested to ensure that it meets the requirements defined in the
earlier phases
 Finally, Deployment and maintenance Once the system has

been tested and validated, it is deployed in the field

 The design process is a complex and iterative process that

involves careful consideration of both HW and SW

components, as well as the specific requirements of the
application.

Introduction to Embedded Systems 32

End of Chapter One!!!
THANK YOU!!!
See You in Next Class!

Introduction to Embedded Systems 33