Embedded System Chapter 1: History and Overview

Questions and Answers

What is an advantage of embedded systems?

High cost

High power consumption

Limited performance

Highly reliable (correct)

Which of the following is a disadvantage of embedded systems?

Requires specific programming for tasks (correct)

Low development effort

Small in size

Easily customizable

What component converts an analog signal into a digital signal in an embedded system?

D-A Converter

Actuator

Sensor

A-D Converter (correct)

Which type of embedded system functions independently without needing a host system?

Stand Alone Embedded Systems Signup and view all the answers

What is generally true about the resources available to embedded systems?

They tend to offer limited memory resources. Signup and view all the answers

What does an actuator do in an embedded system?

Converts digital data to analog Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of real-time embedded systems?

They provide outputs within a specific timeframe. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT represent an advantage of embedded systems?

High development effort Signup and view all the answers

What does an embedded system require to operate effectively?

Hardware, application software, and an RTOS Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of an embedded system?

Single-functioned operation Signup and view all the answers

In terms of design metrics, which aspect is particularly crucial for embedded systems?

Tightly constrained features like cost and power Signup and view all the answers

How does an embedded system typically react to environmental changes?

By continually monitoring and processing real-time data Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of an embedded system?

Requires a large amount of secondary storage Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Real Time Operating System (RTOS) play in embedded systems?

It defines execution rules and scheduling for processes Signup and view all the answers

What typically characterizes the memory of an embedded system?

Software is generally embedded in non-volatile memory like ROM Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is essential for the performance and security of embedded systems?

Software for flexibility and hardware for performance Signup and view all the answers

What are the two essential units of a processor?

Program Flow Control Unit and Execution Unit Signup and view all the answers

Which type of processor is specifically designed for processing multimedia content?

Media Processor Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the Execution Unit (EU) of a processor?

Arithmetic and Logical Unit and data conversion circuits Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT generally part of an embedded system?

Graphics Processing Unit Signup and view all the answers

What defines an Application Specific Instruction Processor (ASIP)?

It is tailored for specific tasks or applications. Signup and view all the answers

What best defines an embedded system?

A computer hardware system with software designed for a specific task. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was the first application of an embedded system?

Apollo Guidance System developed in 1960. Signup and view all the answers

What significant development occurred in 1971 in the field of embedded systems?

The development of the first microcontroller by Texas Instruments. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding embedded systems?

Embedded systems can be part of a larger system or function independently. Signup and view all the answers

In which year was the first embedded OS, VxWorks, released?

1987 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following devices exemplifies an embedded system?

A washing machine that automatically adjusts its cycle. Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancement in the late 1990s contributed to the growth of embedded systems?

The release of the first embedded Linux system. Signup and view all the answers

How can embedded systems be classified?

According to their purpose and application. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of networked embedded systems?

They connect devices to various types of networks for resource access. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of embedded system is primarily designed for portable devices?

Mobile Embedded Systems Signup and view all the answers

What main programming tools are typically used in developing small scale embedded systems?

Editor, assembler, cross assembler, and integrated development environment (IDE) Signup and view all the answers

Which embedded system design approach involves hardware and software co-design?

Sophisticated Embedded Systems Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation often found in mobile embedded systems?

Limited resource and memory capacity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of embedded systems is characterized by having significant hardware and software complexities?

Sophisticated Embedded Systems Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main applications of embedded systems?

Digital consumer electronics Signup and view all the answers

What type of microcontroller is typically used in medium scale embedded systems?

Single or 16- or 32-bit microcontroller Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Embedded Systems

Embedded systems are integral to modern electronics, transitioning from manual to automated mechanisms in everyday life.
Examples include microwaves, washing machines, and fire alarms, all featuring microcontroller or microprocessor integration.

Definition and Components

An embedded system combines computer hardware and software to perform specific tasks.
Essential components:
- Hardware
- Application Software
- Real-Time Operating System (RTOS), which governs task scheduling and execution.

Historical Development

1960: First embedded system for Apollo Guidance developed at MIT.
1965: Autonetics' D-17B used in Minuteman missile guidance.
1968: Introduction of embedded systems in vehicles.
1971: Development of the first microcontroller by Texas Instruments.
1987: Launch of VxWorks, the first embedded OS.
1996: Introduction of Microsoft’s Windows Embedded CE.
Late 1990s: Emergence of embedded Linux systems.
2013: Embedded market valued at $140 billion, forecasted to surpass $40 billion by 2030.

Characteristics of Embedded Systems

Single-Function: Designed for a specific repetitive task.
Tightly Constrained: Must adhere to strict design metrics regarding cost, size, power, and performance.
Reactive and Real-Time: Systems often need to respond immediately to environmental changes, like car cruise control.
Microprocessor-Based: Relies on microcontrollers for operation.
Memory Utilization: Software is typically embedded in ROM; not reliant on secondary memory.
Connectivity: Requires peripherals for input and output devices.
Hardware-Software Integration: Combines software flexibility with hardware performance.

Advantages

High customization potential tailored to specific requirements.
Efficient in power usage and cost-effective.
Improved performance and product quality.
Reliability and minimal interconnections contribute to a compact design.

Disadvantages

Significant development effort required.
Longer time to market due to complexity.
Limited resource availability for memory and processing.
Specific task limitations restrict flexibility and adaptability.

Basic Structure of an Embedded System

Sensor: Converts physical quantities into electrical signals.
Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): Translates analog signals to digital form.
Processor & ASICs: Process data, managing storage and output.
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC): Converts digital signals back to analog.
Actuator: Compares processed outputs to expected results.

Types of Embedded Systems

Stand Alone: Operates independently without a host system (e.g., MP3 players, digital cameras).
Real-Time: Requires timely output responses; classified into soft and hard real-time systems.
Networked: Connected via LAN, WAN, or internet; prevalent in home security systems.
Mobile: Integrated into portable devices like smartphones and PDAs.
Small Scale: Utilizes 8 or 16-bit microcontrollers; often battery-powered.
Medium Scale: Employs more complex microcontrollers; requires sophisticated programming tools.
Sophisticated: Involves advanced hardware/software complexities for specialized applications.

Applications of Embedded Systems

Widely used in sectors such as automobiles, telecommunications, consumer electronics, and defense (missiles and satellites).

Processor in Embedded Systems

The processor acts as the core unit, consisting of:
- Control Unit (CU): Manages instruction fetching from memory.
- Execution Unit (EU): Implements data operations and controls task execution, housing the Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU).

Types of Processors

General Purpose Processors (GPP): Includes microprocessors, microcontrollers, and various specific processors (DSPs and media processors).
Application-Specific Processors: Tailored for specific tasks.

Embedded System Hardware Components

Generally includes power supply, processor, memory, timers, serial communication ports, and application-specific circuits.

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Description

This chapter provides an introduction to embedded systems, highlighting their significance in our electronic-centric world. From cooking appliances to washing machines, this overview showcases how embedded systems have transformed everyday life. Discover the evolution of these technologies and their integral role in modern electronics.