Quiz 1- Chapter 1. Introduction to Embedded Electronic Systems in Medical Technology.pdf

Introduction to Embedded Electronic Systems in Medical Technology  What is Embedded System? An Electronic/Electro mechanical system which is designed to perform a specific function and is a combination of both hardware and firmware (Software) E.g. Electronic Toys, Mobile phone...

Introduction to Embedded Electronic Systems in Medical Technology  What is Embedded System? An Electronic/Electro mechanical system which is designed to perform a specific function and is a combination of both hardware and firmware (Software) E.g. Electronic Toys, Mobile phone, Washing Machines, Air Conditioners, Automotive Control Units etc… Firmware is a type of software that is embedded into the hardware of a device. It is low-level software that provides basic control and functionality for the hardware. 2 Embedded Systems - Classification based on Generation First Generation: The early embedded systems built around 8-bit microprocessors like 8085 and Z80 and 4-bit microcontrollers. EX. stepper motor control units, Digital Telephone Keypads etc. Second Generation: Embedded Systems built around 16-bit microprocessors and 8 or 16-bit microcontrollers, following the first generation embedded systems. EX.SCADA, Data Acquisition Systems etc. Third Generation: Embedded Systems built around high performance 16/32 bit Microprocessors/controllers, Application Specific Instruction set processors like Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).The instruction set is complex and powerful. EX. Robotics, industrial process control, networking etc… 3 Classification based on Generation Fourth Generation: Embedded Systems built around System on Chips (SoC’s), Reconfigurable processors and multicore processors. It brings high performance, tight integration and miniaturization into the embedded device market EX Smart phone devices, etc… 4  Embedded System: An embedded system is a combination of computer hardware and software designed for a specific function. Embedded systems may also function within a larger system. The systems can be programmable or have a fixed functionality. An embedded system is a computer system, a combination of a computer processor, computer memory, and input/output peripheral devices, that has a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electronic system. 5  Embedded Systems Everywhere! We can broadly define an embedded system as a microcontroller-based, software- driven, reliable, real-time control system, designed to perform a specific task. Tire Pressure Sender More than 30% of the cost of a car is now in Electronics 90% of all innovations will be based on electronic systems SmartPen 6 Embedded system 7 System A system is an arrangement in which all its unit assemble work together according to a set of rules. It can also be defined as a way of working, organizing or doing one or many tasks according to a fixed plan. For example, a watch is a time displaying system. Its components follow a set of rules to show time. If one of its parts fails, the watch will stop working. So we can say, in a system, all its subcomponents depend on each other. 8 Embedded System As its name suggests, Embedded means something that is attached to another thing. An embedded system can be thought of as a computer hardware system having software embedded in it. An embedded system can be an independent system or it can be a part of a large system. An embedded system is a microcontroller or microprocessor based system which is designed to perform a specific task. For example, a fire alarm is an embedded system; it will sense only smoke. 9 Embedded Systems Vs General Computing Systems Embedded systems and general-purpose computers differ in several key ways: Purpose: Embedded systems are designed to perform a specific set of tasks within a larger system or device. General-purpose computers are designed to handle a wide range of tasks and applications. Architecture: Embedded systems typically have a more specialized and streamlined architecture, optimized for their specific tasks. General-purpose computers have a more versatile and complex architecture to support a broader range of applications. 10 Embedded Systems Vs General Computing Systems Hardware: Embedded systems often use specialized microcontrollers, microprocessors, or system-on-a-chip (SoC) devices, which are tailored for their specific requirements. General-purpose computers use more powerful and flexible processors, such as desktop or server-class CPUs. Software: Embedded systems run specialized, often real-time operating systems or software designed for their specific applications. General-purpose computers run more complex and feature-rich operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux, which support a wide range of applications. 11 Embedded Systems Vs General Computing Systems Resources: Embedded systems have limited resources, such as memory, storage, and processing power, compared to general-purpose computers. General-purpose computers have significantly more resources to accommodate a broader range of applications and workloads. Power consumption: Embedded systems are designed to be energy-efficient, often running on battery power or with limited power supplies. General-purpose computers typically have higher power consumption to support their more demanding hardware and software. 12 Embedded Systems Vs General Computing Systems Reliability and real-time performance: Embedded systems are often designed to operate reliably and respond to events within strict time constraints (real-time performance). General-purpose computers are not typically required to meet the same level of reliability and real-time performance as embedded systems. These differences in design and functionality allow embedded systems to be highly optimized for their specific applications, while general-purpose computers are designed to be versatile and adapt to a wide range of tasks. 13 Embedded Systems Vs General Computing Systems 14 Purpose of Embedded Systems Each Embedded Systems is designed to serve the purpose of any one or a combination of the following tasks. o Data Collection/Storage/Representation o Data Communication o Data (Signal) Processing o Monitoring o Control 15 Data Collection/Storage/Representation: Performs acquisition of data from the external world. ❖ The collected data can be either analog or digital ❖ Data collection is usually done for storage, analysis, manipulation and transmission ❖ The collected data may be stored directly in the system or may be transmitted to some other systems or it may be processed by the system or it may be deleted instantly after giving a meaningful representation 16 Data Communication: - Embedded Data communication systems are deployed in applications ranging from complex satellite communication systems to simple home networking systems - Embedded Data communication systems are dedicated for data communication - The data communication can happen through a wired interface (like Ethernet, RS- 232C/USB/IEEE1394 etc.) or wireless interface (like Wi-Fi, GSM,/GPRS, Bluetooth, ZigBee etc.) Network hubs, Routers, switches, Modems etc. are typical examples for dedicated data transmission embedded systems 17 Data (Signal) Processing: Embedded systems with Signal processing functionalities are employed in applications demanding signal processing like Speech coding, synthesis, audio video codec, transmission applications etc… Computational intensive systems Employs Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) 18 Monitoring: Embedded systems coming under this category are specifically designed for monitoring purpose. They are used for determining the state of some variables using input sensors They cannot impose control over variables. Electro Cardiogram (ECG) machine for monitoring the heart beat of a patient is a typical example for this. The sensors used in ECG are the different Electrodes connected to the patient’s body. Measuring instruments like Digital Multi meter, Logic Analyzer etc… used in Control & Instrumentation applications are also examples of embedded systems for monitoring purpose 19  Control: Embedded systems with control functionalities are used for imposing control over some variables according to the changes in input variables. Embedded system with control functionality contains both sensors and actuators Sensors are connected to the input port for capturing the changes in environmental variable or measuring variable. The actuators connected to the output port are controlled according to the changes in input variable to put an impact on the controlling variable to bring the controlled variable to the specified range. Air conditioner for controlling room temperature is a typical example for embedded system with ‘Control’ functionality Air conditioner contains a room temperature sensing element (sensor) which may be a thermistor and a handheld unit for setting up (feeding) the desired temperature The air compressor unit acts as the actuator. The compressor is controlled according to the current room temperature and the desired temperature set by the end user. 20 Characteristics of an Embedded System 1. Single-functioned: An embedded system usually performs a specialized operation and does the same repeatedly. For example: A pager always functions as a pager. 2. Tightly constrained: All computing systems have constraints on design metrics, but those on an embedded system can be especially tight.  Design metrics is a measure of an implementation's features such as its cost, size, power, and performance. It must be of a size to fit on a single chip, must perform fast enough to process data in real time and consume minimum power to extend battery life. 21 Characteristics of an Embedded System 3. Reactive and Real time: Many embedded systems must continually react to changes in the system's environment and must compute certain results in real time without any delay. Embedded systems in medical devices must operate in real-time, providing immediate responses to ensure patient safety and prevent critical situations. Many medical devices require real-time processing and response to monitor and react to the patient's condition. Embedded systems in medical devices continuously monitor the patient's vital signs, device performance, and environmental conditions. They are equipped with advanced algorithms and decision-making capabilities to detect anomalies, trigger alarms, and initiate appropriate interventions or safety measures in real-time. This rapid response capability is crucial in critical care scenarios, enabling healthcare providers to take immediate action and safeguard the patient's well-being. 22 Characteristics of an Embedded System 4. Microprocessors based: It must be microprocessor or microcontroller based. 5. Memory: It must have a memory, as its software usually embeds in ROM. It does not need any secondary memories in the computer. 6. Connected: It must have connected peripherals to connect input and output devices. 7. HW-SW systems:  Software is used for more features and flexibility.  Hardware is used for performance and security. 23 Characteristics of an Embedded System 8. Miniaturization and Integration: The trend in medical technology is towards smaller, more portable, and wearable devices, which requires the embedded system to be highly integrated and miniaturized. Careful component selection, board-level integration, and advanced packaging techniques are necessary to fit all the required functionalities within a compact form factor. Effective heat dissipation and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) must be addressed in these miniaturized designs. 24 Characteristics of an Embedded System 9. Reliability and Fault Tolerance: Medical devices must be highly reliable and robust, as failures can have serious consequences for patient health and safety. Embedded systems must be designed to detect and handle errors, as well as provide fault tolerance mechanisms to ensure continuous operation. Redundancy and fail-safe mechanisms are often required to ensure the device's reliability. Embedded systems in medical devices are designed using safety-critical engineering principles and standards, such as IEC 60601 for medical electrical equipment. 25  Characteristics of an Embedded System 10. Power Consumption and Thermal Management: Medical devices are often battery-powered or have limited power budgets, which requires optimizing the power consumption of the embedded systems. Thermal management is crucial, as heat buildup can affect the device's reliability and patient safety. Balancing performance, power consumption, and thermal management is a delicate design challenge. 26 Components of an Embedded System The following illustration shows the basic structure of an embedded system: 27 Main components The main components of an embedded electronic system in medical technology can be broadly categorized as follows: Processor/Microcontroller: The central processing unit (CPU) or microcontroller that acts as the "brain" of the embedded system. -Responsible for executing the system's control algorithms, processing sensor data, and coordinating the overall functionality. -Selection of the appropriate processor architecture (e.g., ARM, x86, etc.) and power/performance characteristics is crucial. 28  Main components Microprocessor and Microcontroller Integration: Processor is the heart of an embedded system. Embedded systems in medical devices often rely on powerful microprocessors or microcontrollers to handle the processing and control tasks. These integrated circuits are specifically designed for embedded applications, offering low power consumption, real-time responsiveness, and robust performance. The choice of microprocessor or microcontroller depends on the specific requirements of the medical device, such as processing speed, memory capacity, and input/output capabilities. 29 Main components Memory: Various types of memory, such as ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random-Access Memory), and Flash memory, are used to store the system's firmware, configuration data, and temporary variables. Memory capacity and access speed must be optimized for the specific application requirements. 30  Main components Sensors and Actuators: Sensor − It measures the physical quantity and converts it to an electrical signal which can be read by an observer or by any electronic instrument like an A2D converter. A sensor stores the measured quantity to the memory. Sensors are used to monitor various parameters, such as vital signs, device status, and environmental conditions. Actuator − An actuator compares the output given by the D-A Converter to the actual (expected) output stored in it and stores the approved output Actuators, such as motors, valves, or switches, are used to control and manipulate the medical device's physical components. Sensor and actuator interfaces must be designed to ensure reliable data acquisition and control. 31 Main components Sensor Integration: Embedded systems in medical devices integrate a variety of sensors to gather crucial data from the patient or the environment. These sensors can include biomedical sensors (e.g., ECG, blood pressure, oxygen saturation), imaging sensors (e.g., X-ray, ultrasound, MRI), and environmental sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality). The embedded system processes the sensor data, analyzes it, and presents it in a meaningful format for healthcare professionals or patient monitoring. 32 Main components A-D Converter − An analog-to-digital converter converts the analog signal sent by the sensor into a digital signal. D-A Converter − A digital-to-analog converter converts the digital data fed by the processor to analog data 33  Main components Power Management: Power supply and power management circuitry to handle the device's power requirements, including battery charging, power conversion, and power optimization. Efficient power management is critical for battery-operated medical devices to extend the device's operational life. Power Efficiency: Medical devices are often battery-powered or have limited power budgets, requiring the embedded system to be highly power-efficient. Design strategies, such as power management techniques, low-power processor selection, and energy-efficient peripherals, must be employed to optimize power consumption. Effective thermal management is also crucial to maintain the device's performance and reliability within the given power constraints. 34