Introduction to Embedded Systems

A system designed for a specific task, often within a larger system.

Computers designed for a specific purpose, like a washing machine's control unit. They cannot be used for other tasks.

A system that reacts quickly to real-time events, like a car's engine control unit responding to changes in speed or load.

A system that operates in challenging environments, like high temperatures, vibrations, or dust, like a car's engine control unit or a smartphone in your pocket.

A system composed of multiple interconnected parts, like a car with its engine, brakes, and infotainment system.

Embedded systems are special-purpose computers designed for specific tasks within a larger system. They are often found in everyday devices like washing machines, cars, and smartphones.

Subsystems are components of a larger system that depend on other parts to function. Examples include switches in appliances like microwave ovens and washing machines.

Standalone embedded systems can operate independently, without needing other components. Examples include DSLR cameras, Apple watches, and flash drives.

Networked embedded systems are connected to a network and can communicate with other devices. This is the foundation for the Internet of Things (IoT).

Real-time embedded systems react instantly to events in their environment. Examples include flight control systems and anti-lock brakes.

Embedded systems designed for harsh environments, like high temperatures, vibrations, or dust. These systems must be durable and reliable under extreme conditions.

Distributed embedded systems are composed of multiple interconnected components that work together. Each component can be independent but contributes to the overall system function. An automatic vending machine is a great example.

Components of an ATM, like the card reader, transaction unit, currency counter, and printer, are designed to work independently but collaborate to achieve a common goal.

Small size and light weight are highly desirable for embedded systems. This makes them more popular and user-friendly.

Embedded systems should work efficiently, consuming less power to minimize heat generation.

Quality attributes, non-functional requirements like reliability, performance, security, and usability, are crucial in embedded system design.

Operational Quality Attributes deal with features like performance, reliability, security, and safety, impacting system behavior and operation.

Non-Operational Quality Attributes focus on factors like maintainability, portability, usability, and testability, influencing system development and maintenance.

Specialized hardware components form the foundation of embedded systems, ensuring their performance and capability.

Software components, algorithms, protocols, and optimization techniques play a key role in embedded system functionality.

A specialized microprocessor designed for embedded systems, integrating a processor core, memory (ROM, RAM), input/output (I/O) peripherals, and other components on a single chip. Optimized for low power consumption, small size, and real-time control applications.

A microprocessor, often called the "brain" of an embedded system, is a complex integrated circuit that executes instructions to perform tasks. Designed for general-purpose computing, it can handle diverse applications with high clock speed, multiple cores, and large memory.

An IC, or chip, is a small electronic circuit packed into a single unit. It contains transistors, resistors, capacitors, and other electronic components interconnected to perform specific functions. They can range from simple logic gates to complex microprocessors and are the fundamental building blocks of electronic devices.

ICs, or chips, contain thousands or even millions of tiny transistors, resistors, capacitors, and other components connected together in a miniature circuit. They are essential for modern electronics due to their ability to perform complex functions in a compact size.

Microprocessors, microcontrollers, and integrated circuits are essential components of embedded systems. They provide computing power, control functions, and building blocks for the intricate functionality found in many devices.