LECTURE NOTES 1 – INTRODUCTION TO EMBEDDED SYSTEM

EMBEDDED SYSTEM HISTORY OF EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

• Combination of computer hardware and
software designed for a specific function or Early Embedded Systems (1940s – 1960s)
task within larger system or devices • Simple and mostly analog in nature
• Systems can be programmable or have a fixed • Mechanical components and basic electronics
functionality • Example: Automatic Telephone Exchange
• While embedded systems are computing Systems, ENIAC (1940), UNIVAC (1950)
systems, they can range from having no user computers
interface to complex graphical user interface.
• User Interface can include buttons, LEDs, Emergence of Microcontrollers (1970s – 1980s)
LCD, and touchscreen sensing display. • Development of microcontrollers (1970s)
• Some systems use remote user interfaces as • Microcontrollers integrated a CPU, memory,
well. and I/O peripherals on a single chip
• Example: Intel 8048 and Motorola 6800 were
among the first commercially successful
microcontrollers.

Growth of Microprocessors (1980s – Present)

• 1980s – rise of microprocessors like the Intel
8080 and 8085, which were more powerful
than the microcontrollers and began to be
used in embedded system
• 1990s to 2000s – proliferation of increasingly
powerful and specialized microprocessors,
enabling the development of more complex
embedded system
• Systems started to appear in consumer
electronics, telecommunications equipment,
EXAMPLE OF EMBEDDED SYSTEMS medical devices, and more.

Consumer Electronics: electronic devices and Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOs) and Software
gadgets designed for everyday use by individuals or (1980s – Present)
consumers in their personal live. (e.g. TV, • Development of real-time operating systems
smartphones, radio, digital cameras, etc.) (RTOS) allowed embedded systems to
perform task with precise timing requirements.
Automotive: For engine control units, infotainment • Software development for embedded systems
system, navigation systems, and advanced driver became more sophisticated, enabling the use
assistance systems. of high-level programming languages like C
and C++.
Industrial Control: For controlling machines, robots, • Embedded systems started to incorporate
and manufacturing process. graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and
networking capabilities.
Medical Devices: Devices such as pacemakers,
insulin pumps, and medical imaging equipment rely on Advancements in Connectivity (1990s – Present)
embedded systems for their operation • The advent of the internet and wireless
communication technologies led to the
Aerospace and Defense: Aircraft control systems, integration of networking and connectivity
missile guidance systems, and military communication features in embedded systems.
equipment. • Embedded systems began to connect to the
internet, forming the basis for the Internet of
Home Appliances: Modern home appliances such as Things (IoT).
washing machine and refrigerators
Miniaturization and Power Efficiency (2000s-Present):
IoT (Internet of Things): Connecting various sensors
• Ongoing advancements in semiconductor
and actuators to the internet for data collection and
technology have enabled the miniaturization of
control
embedded systems while improving power
efficiency.
• Smaller, more energy-efficient embedded
systems have been integrated into wearable
devices, smart home appliances, and other
portable applications.

Prepared by: Engr. Rhodonelle S. Duatin

Department of Computer, Electronics and Electrical Engineering
 LECTURE NOTES 1 – INTRODUCTION TO EMBEDDED SYSTEM

Rise of IoT (2010s – Present) Software Run full-pledged Often run real-time
• The Internet of Things (IoT) has brought about operating systems operating systems
a new era for embedded systems, with billions (e.g., Windows, or specialized
of devices and sensors connected to the macOS, Linux) firmware
internet to collect and share data.
• IoT has applications in various fields, including Support wide Execute single
smart cities, healthcare, agriculture, and range of software application or a set
industrial automation. applications and of tightly integrated
can be functions
Embedded Systems in Autonomous Vehicles and AI programmed in
(2010s – Present) various Typically
• Embedded systems play a critical role in programming programmed in
autonomous vehicles, drones, and robotics, languages low-level
where they enable real-time decision-making languages like C
and control. Allow for or assembly
• The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and multitasking and language
machine learning in embedded systems has user interaction
led to more intelligent and adaptive devices. Use Cases Used in desktop Wide range of
computers, devices and
GENERAL COMPUTING SYSTEMS VS. EMBEDDED laptops, servers, systems, including
SYSTEM and mobile consumer
General Embedded devices electronics,
Computing Systems automotive,
Systems Suited for tasks industrial
Purpose Wide range of Specific dedicated like Web browsing, automation,
applications functions or tasks word processing, medical devices,
gaming, content and IoT devices
Can run various Run single creation, and
software and application or set running diverse Ideal for tasks like
applications such of closely related software controlling
as operating functions applications machines,
systems, sensors, actuators,
productivity Tailored for task and providing
software, games, that require dedicated
web browsers, etc. reliability, functions like
efficiency, and monitoring,
real-time operation control, and data
within constrained acquisition
environment Flexibility Highly flexible and Designed for
Hardware Relatively high Limited processing versatile, allowing specific function
processing power, power, memory, users to install and and lack the
memory, and and storage run a wide variety flexibility to run
storage resources resources, often of software arbitrary software
optimized for applications
Components are specific functions Modifications or
designed for Can adapt to updates often
general computing Hardware changing require hardware
tasks and are components are requirements with changes or
replaceable or often custom- software updates firmware updates
upgradeable designed or
selected to meet CLASSIFICATION OF EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
Typically include the specific
keyboard requirements of Based on Functionality
peripherals, the embedded • General-Purpose Embedded Systems - These
displays, and application are designed for a wide range of applications
network interfaces and can be reprogrammed for different tasks.
May have minimal Examples include smartphones and tablets.
or specialized user • Special-Purpose Embedded Systems - These
interfaces such as are designed for specific tasks or functions
buttons, LEDs, or and are not easily reprogrammed. Examples
small displays include digital cameras, microwave ovens, and
washing machines.
Prepared by: Engr. Rhodonelle S. Duatin
Department of Computer, Electronics and Electrical Engineering
 LECTURE NOTES 1 – INTRODUCTION TO EMBEDDED SYSTEM

Based on Performance • Consumer Electronics Embedded Systems:

• Real-Time Embedded Systems: These Found in devices like smartphones, smart
systems are designed to respond to events or TVs, and gaming consoles.
inputs within a specific time frame, often with • Medical Embedded Systems: Used in medical
strict timing requirements. They are classified devices such as pacemakers, MRI machines,
further into hard real-time and soft real-time and patient monitoring systems.
systems. • Aerospace and Defense Embedded Systems:
• Hard Real-Time Systems: Failure to meet a Used in aircraft, satellites, and military
deadline can lead to catastrophic equipment.
consequences. Examples include anti-lock
braking systems in automobiles. Based on Connectivity
• Soft Real-Time Systems: Missing a deadline in • IoT Embedded Systems: These systems are
these systems is undesirable but not part of the Internet of Things (IoT) and are
catastrophic. Examples include multimedia designed to connect to the internet or other
streaming. devices to collect and exchange data.
• Non-Real-Time Embedded Systems: These • Non-IoT Embedded Systems: Embedded
systems do not have strict timing requirements systems that do not have internet connectivity
and can execute tasks as resources become and are isolated or communicate through local
available. networks.

Based on Complexity PURPOSE OF EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

• Small-Scale Embedded Systems: These 1. Automation: Embedded systems are commonly
systems are simple and have limited used in industrial automation and control systems.
processing power, memory, and functionality. They can control machinery, monitor processes,
Examples include microcontrollers in and make real-time decisions to optimize
household appliances. production and improve efficiency.
• Medium-Scale Embedded Systems: These 2. Real-Time Control: Many embedded systems are
systems are more complex and can handle a designed for real-time control of devices or
broader range of tasks. Examples include processes. They can respond to inputs or events
automotive engine control units (ECUs). with minimal latency, making them suitable for
• Large-Scale Embedded Systems: These are applications like robotics, automotive control, and
highly complex systems with advanced medical devices.
features and capabilities, often found in 3. Signal Processing: Some embedded systems,
aerospace and industrial automation. particularly those based on Digital Signal
Processors (DSPs), are used for real-time signal
Based on Hardware Characteristics processing tasks. This includes audio and video
• Microcontroller-Based Embedded Systems: processing, image recognition, and filtering
These systems typically consist of a applications.
microcontroller, which integrates a CPU, 4. Data Acquisition and Monitoring: Embedded
memory, and I/O peripherals on a single chip. systems are used to collect data from various
They are common in small-scale applications. sensors and instruments. This data can be used
• Microprocessor-Based Embedded Systems: for monitoring environmental conditions,
These systems use microprocessors as their measuring performance, and making informed
processing core and are more versatile and decisions.
powerful than microcontroller-based systems. 5. Communication: Embedded systems enable
They are found in a wide range of applications. communication between devices and systems.
• Digital Signal Processor (DSP)-Based This includes wired and wireless communication
Embedded Systems: These systems use DSP for IoT devices, networking equipment, and
chips optimized for processing analog signals telecommunications.
and are common in applications requiring real- 6. User Interface: Embedded systems often provide
time signal processing, such as audio and user interfaces, ranging from simple LED displays
video processing. and buttons to complex touchscreens. They
enable users to interact with products and
Based on Application Domain systems.
• Automotive Embedded Systems: Found in 7. Security: Embedded systems play a crucial role in
vehicles, including engine control units, security systems, including access control,
infotainment systems, and advanced driver- surveillance, and encryption. They can monitor
assistance systems (ADAS). and respond to security threats in real-time.
• Industrial Embedded Systems: Used in
industrial automation, manufacturing, and
process control systems.

Prepared by: Engr. Rhodonelle S. Duatin

Department of Computer, Electronics and Electrical Engineering
 LECTURE NOTES 1 – INTRODUCTION TO EMBEDDED SYSTEM

Integrating Activity 1
Research and identify at least five (5) smart devices
currently in your home. Discuss how those devices
become smart. Think of at least two (2) additional
features per devices to make those technology
smarter. No repetition of additional features.

Additional
Device Smart Features Smart
Features.
Example:
Smart TV 1. Internet 1. Voice /
Connection Gesture
2. Screen function
Mirror control.
3. Streaming (Discuss)
Services 2. Voice
4. App Support Search.
(Discuss)
Smart 1. Temperature 1. Recipe
Refrigerator control Suggestions
2. Energy Provider
Efficiency (Discuss)
2. Inventory
Manageme
nt (Discuss)

Prepared by: Engr. Rhodonelle S. Duatin

Department of Computer, Electronics and Electrical Engineering