Hardware

Embedded systems
OBJECTIVES

1. Know what is meant by the term embedded

system.
2. Know several examples of embedded systems.
3. Know what a microcontroller is.
4. Understand how to program in Python.
STARTER

In what ways is this washing machine a computer?

STARTER

In what ways is this washing machine a computer?

 It takes inputs – e.g., wash program.

 It processes sequences of instructions that tell it how to fill with water, extract
detergent, spin and drain the drum.
 It outputs sounds and lights to indicate the process and when the program is
complete.
 Instructions are stored in ROM chips on the motherboard.
KEY QUESTION

What are embedded systems and what are their

characteristics?
ACTIVITY

SLR1 Workbook
 Complete slide 16.
Embedded systems
Embedded systems is a computer system with
dedicated function within a larger and
mechanical system.
Ninety-eight percent of all processors are
manufactured as components of embedded
systems.
Embedded systems
Ninety-eight percent of all processors are
manufactured as components of embedded
systems.
One of the earliest examples of an embedded
system was the Apollo guidance computer for
the moon missions.
Embedded systems
Ninety-eight percent of all processors are
manufactured as components of embedded
systems.
One of the earliest examples of an embedded
system was the Apollo guidance computer for
the moon missions.
Embedded systems range from portable devices
such as digital watches and MP3 players to large
stationary installations like traffic lights factory
controllers and largely complex systems like
hybrid vehicles or MRI
Other examples include:
• Hospital instruments
Embedded systems
Ninety-eight percent of all processors are
manufactured as components of embedded
systems.
One of the earliest examples of an embedded
system was the Apollo guidance computer for
the moon missions.
Other examples include:
• Hospital instruments
• Car engine management systems
Embedded systems
Ninety-eight percent of all processors are
manufactured as components of embedded
systems.
One of the earliest examples of an embedded
system was the Apollo guidance computer for
the moon missions.
Other examples include:
• Hospital instruments
• Car engine management systems
• Digital clocks
Embedded systems
Modern embedded systems are often based on
microcontrollers CPUs with integrated memory but
ordinary micro processors are also common especially
in more complex systems.
They are most often custom designed for the
application at hand
Properties of embedded systems compared to general
purpose computers include:
• Low power consumption
• Small size
• Rugged operating systems
• Low cost per unit
Of course, this comes at the cost of limited processing
resources, making them more difficult to program and
interact with.
Embedded systems
Embedded systems are dedicated to a specific task. That
means design engineers can optimise them to:
• reduce the size and cost of the product; and
• increase its reliability for the given task.
Many embedded systems are mass-produced, meaning we can
gain further benefits via economies of scale.
Embedded system: A computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical system.

Typical properties include:

• Low power consumption
• Small size
• Rugged operating systems
• Low cost per unit

Examples include:
• Traffic lights
• Domestic appliances
• Factory equipment
• Engine management systems
• Hospital equipment