Skip to main content

Embedded Systems

 Introduction to Embedded Systems

WHAT IS AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM?

An embedded system is an electronic/electro-mechanical system designed to perform a specific function and is a combination of both hardware and firmware(software).

Difference between embedded and general purpose computing system

Embedded System

  • A system which is a combination of special purpose hardware and embedded OS for executing a specific set of applications.
  • May or may not contain an operating system for functioning.
  • The firmware of the embedded system is pre-programmed and it is non alterable by the end-user (There may be exceptions for systems supporting OS kernel image flashing through special hardware settings).
  • Application-specific requirements (like performance, power requirements, memory usage, etc.) are the key deciding factors.
  • Highly tailored to take advantage of the power saving modes supported by the hardware and the operating system.
  • For certain category of embedded systems like mission critical systems, the response time requirement is highly critical.
  • Execution behaviour is deterministic for certain types of embedded systems like 'Hard Real Time' systems.

General Purpose Computing System

  • A system which is a combination of a generic hardware and a General Purpose Operating System for executing a variety of applications.
  • Contains a General Purpose Operating System (GPOS).
  • Applications are alterable (programmable) by the user (It is possible for the end user to re-install the operating system, and also add or remove user applications).
  • Performance is the key deciding factor in the selection of the system. Always, 'Faster is Better'.
  • Less/not at all tailored towards reduced operating power requirements, options for different levels of power management.
  • Response requirements are not time-critical.
  • Need not be deterministic in execution behaviour.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CLASSIFICATION OF EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

  CLASSIFICATION OF EMBEDDED SYSTEMS Some of the criteria used in the classification of embedded systems are as follows: (1) Based on generation (2) Complexity and performance requirements (3) Based on deterministic behavior (4) Based on triggering Classification Based on Generation First Generation :  The early embedded systems were built around 8bit microprocessors like 8085 and Z80, and 4bit microcontrollers. Simple in hardware circuits with firmware developed in Assembly code. Digital telephone keypads, stepper motor control units etc. are examples of this. Second Generation   :  These are embedded systems built around 16bit microprocessors and 8 or 16 bit microcontrollers, following the first generation embedded systems. The instruction set for the second generation processors/controllers were much more complex and powerful than the first generation processors/controllers. Some of the second generation embedded systems contained embedded operating...
Post a Comment
Read more

Microprocessor vs Microcontroller

  Difference between a microprocessor and a microcontroller Microprocessor A silicon chip representing a central processing unit (CPU), which is capable of performing arithmetic as well as logical operations according to a predefined set of instructions. It is a dependent unit. It requires the combination of other chips like timers, program and data memory chips, interrupt controllers, etc. for functioning. Most of the time general purpose in design and operation. Doesn't contain a built in I/O port. The I/O port functionality needs to be implemented with the help of external programmable peripheral interface chips like 8255. Targeted for high end market where performance is important. Limited power saving options compared to microcontrollers. Microcontroller A microcontroller is a highly integrated chip that contains a CPU, scratchpad RAM, special and general purpose register arrays, on chip ROM/FLASH memory for program storage, timer and interrupt control units and dedicated I/O ...
Post a Comment
Read more