Embedded Systems Basics¶

What is Embedded Systems?¶

Introduction to Embedded Systems¶

An embedded system is a special-purpose computer system designed for a specific application. It is embedded in a larger device or system, providing control, monitoring, or communication functions.

Characteristics:

• Dedicated function: Embedded systems typically perform only a specific function, unlike general-purpose computers that have a variety of functions.
• Real-time performance: They have high timing requirements and need to complete tasks within a specified time frame.
• Embeddedness: They are embedded in other devices or systems and become an integral part of them.
• Limited resources: They are constrained in terms of cost, power consumption, size, etc.

Application areas:

Embedded systems are used in almost all modern electronic devices, including:

• Consumer electronics: mobile phones, TVs, cameras, MP3 players, etc.
• Industrial control: robots, CNC machine tools, instruments and meters, etc.
• Communication equipment: routers, switches, base stations, etc.
• Automotive electronics: car navigation, safety systems, entertainment systems, etc.
• Medical equipment: monitors, respirators, CT scanners, etc.
• Aerospace: airplanes, satellites, missiles, etc.

Components:

An embedded system typically consists of the following components:

• Hardware: processor, memory, peripherals, etc.
• Software: operating system, application software

Development:

The development of embedded systems requires considering both hardware and software aspects, and involves more complex knowledge and technologies.

MCU, DSP, MPU, SoC, SoPC¶

MCU (Microcontroller Unit): A microcontroller is a chip that integrates a processor, memory, and peripherals, and is typically used in control applications.

DSP (Digital Signal Processor): A digital signal processor is a chip specifically designed for digital signal processing and is typically used in audio, video, and other fields.

MPU (Microprocessor Unit): A microprocessor is a chip that only contains a processor core and typically requires external memory, peripherals, etc.

SoC (System on Chip): A system on chip is a chip that integrates a processor core, memory, peripherals, etc.

SoPC (System on Programmable Chip): A system on programmable chip is a chip that integrates a processor core, programmable logic, memory, peripherals, etc.