Assignment Topic:

Embedded Systems

Subject: Introduction to Information,

Communication and Technology
Submitted by:
1. Asma Zahoor
2. Noor Ul Huda
Submitted to: Ma’am Sanam Fayaz
Date: 25 Oct 2021
Introduction
Embedded systems are microprocessor or microcontroller based systems of hardware and software
that are fixed into other large mechanical or electrical systems.
These have computational capabilities in order to perform particular function of devices they are
embedded within. In simple words, we can say that an embedded system controls physical
operations of a machine in which it is fixed in.

Technology used in Embedded Systems

By reading the definition mentioned above, we can consider that embedded systems are either
based on microcontrollers or
microprocessors.[1] These both are
considered as hardware of embedded
systems.

What are Microprocessors?

• It is a computer processor on a microchip which contains CPU functions. [2]
• At a time, numerous tasks can be performed by microprocessor.
• It is used for general purpose computation.
• Complex embedded systems are based on microprocessors.

What are Microcontrollers?

• It is small computer on a single IC chip[3]; particularly used in embedded systems.
• It has limited but specific computational capabilities because of fixed number memory and
input/output peripherals.
• RAM, ROM, I/O ports, Timer/Counter, Serial I/Os and CPU are embedded into it due to
which it is lightweight, cheaper and faster as compared to microprocessor.
• It consumes less power and takes less space because it does not have any external device.
Six Best microcontrollers for embedded systems are:[4]
1. Arduino 2. Beagleboard 3. Raspberry Pi
4. Toradex i.MX 5. Nvidia Jetson 6. Intel Nuc

Hardwares in Embedded Systems[1]

A typical embedded system consists of following hardware elements:
1. Sensor: It reads external input; measures and converts physical sense data into electrical
signals, then stores measured quantity into memory.
 2. Analog-to-digital (A-D) Converter: It makes input readable for processor by changing analog
electric signals into digital one.
3. Processor: It is responsible for processing digital data and storing it to the memory.
4. Digital-to-analog (D-A) Converted: Its function is to change the digital data given by
processor into analog data.
5. Actuator: It compares the actual output of non-PC device to the memory stored output
which is given by D-A converter. If comparison goes well, it approves the output.

The functions of these hardwares have mad it clear that how an embedded system actually works.
Since we all know hardwares and softwares are interdependent on each others, below is given a
brief detail about softwares in embedded system.

Softwares in Embedded Systems

These are termed as embedded software. It is basically a programming tool that specializes the
embedded machine. It facilitates the function of machine. Software is either a part of microchip or
a part of another application that is present on a chip.[5] Particular sets of instructions are provided
in order to perform the function of non PC devices.
• C / C++, Python and java script languages are the languages in which most of embedded
systems are programmed.
•
Linux OS, VxWorks, Fusion RTOS, Nucleus RTOS, micro C/OS, OSE, etc are
operation system of embedded systems.[6]

Embedded systems have two types of software:

Firmware: It is for running and booting the device.
Embedded software applications: These allow embedded systems to perform tasks of non-PC
devices which are applications of embedded systems.

History of Embedded Systems[7]

Years Events Description
Installed on Apollo
Development of first recognizably modern
1963 Command Module and Lunar
embedded system “Apollo Guidance Computer “
Module
Development of first mass produced embedded Used in Minuteman I missile
1965
system “D-17B” guidance system
Volkswagen 1600; based on
1968 Release of first embedded system for vehicle
microprocessor
Development of first microcontroller in Texas 4-bit processor, RAM and
1971
instrumental ROM
4-bit processor, used in small
1971 Release of Intel 4004 electronic devices i.e.
calculators
1987 Release of First embedded operating system Real time VxWork
 Designed for minimalistic
1996 Microsoft Windows embedded CE was released
devices
First embedded Linux product was commercially Linux Operating system is
1999
available nowadays widely used

Types of Embedded Systems

Embedded systems are of many types on different basis. Regarding their performance and
functional requirements, these are classified into four main types:

Stand Alone Embedded System: It is independent of host system and

works by itself. It simply receive input data (either in analog or digital
signals) from input port. Input port also do processing [8] and result is given
through connected device.
For Example: Washing machine, microwave, mp3 player, etc.
Real time Embedded Systems: It is a time specific system responsible for
completing a task by following the deadlines. It is used when an output is
strictly required at particular time.
For example: Traffic control system, vehicle control system, medical equipments
i.e. cardiac pacemaker, etc.
Networked Embedding Systems: This system is connected to a
wired or wireless network (either LAN or WAN)[8] in order to provide
output.
For example: ATM machines, security systems, card swipe machine,
etc.
Mobile Embedded Systems: All applications of embedded
systems that are portable lie in the category of mobile
embedded systems.
For example: Calculator, mp3 player, digital camera, etc.

Conclusion
Embedded system is one of the growing field. As we are seeing, there are a lot of devices in our
surrounding, that have computational capabilities. It has powerful processing and powerful
microprocessor which has immense facilities or benefits for the modern world. Most of our
households devices such as washing machine, dishwasher, ovens are having embedded systems in
them. This systems is embedded in many sports devices. Many of its applications are used in either
commercial, industrial, or military basis. We can say that embedded systems are being used on
daily basis in every field of life. Nowadays more complex embedded devices are being developed
and used world wide.
 References
1. https://www.omnisci.com/technical-glossary/embedded-
systems#:~:text=An%20embedded%20system%20is%20a,larger%20mechanical%20or%20el
ectrical%20system
2. https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/microprocessor-logic-chip
3. https://www.vlsifacts.com/difference-microprocessor-microcontroller/
4. https://blog.felgo.com/6-hardware-for-embedded-development
5. http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/global/en/our-story/glossary/embedded-
software/64121
6. https://www.elprocus.com/what-is-embedded-system-programming-its-languages/
7. https://internetofthingsagenda.techtarget.com/definition/embedded-system
8. https://www.educba.com/types-of-embedded-systems/