1.3 Hardware and software components of embedded systems

Embedded systems are complex machines with intricate hardware and software components working together. This section breaks down the key parts, from microprocessors and memory to sensors and power management techniques. It's like a roadmap of what makes these systems tick.

Understanding these components is crucial for designing efficient and reliable embedded systems. Whether you're building a smart thermostat or a self-driving car, knowing how to choose and integrate these elements is essential for success in the field.

Processing and Control

Microprocessor and Microcontroller

Top images from around the web for Microprocessor and Microcontroller

• 

  Programming STM32 Based Boards with the Arduino IDE - Electronics-Lab View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Here 4 Share || Sharing Advices, Ideas, Tips, Guides and Reviews: Difference between ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  3.1 The PIC16F887 Basic Features | PIC Microcontrollers – Programming in C View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Programming STM32 Based Boards with the Arduino IDE - Electronics-Lab View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Here 4 Share || Sharing Advices, Ideas, Tips, Guides and Reviews: Difference between ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Microprocessor and Microcontroller

• 

  Programming STM32 Based Boards with the Arduino IDE - Electronics-Lab View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Here 4 Share || Sharing Advices, Ideas, Tips, Guides and Reviews: Difference between ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  3.1 The PIC16F887 Basic Features | PIC Microcontrollers – Programming in C View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Programming STM32 Based Boards with the Arduino IDE - Electronics-Lab View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Here 4 Share || Sharing Advices, Ideas, Tips, Guides and Reviews: Difference between ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Microprocessor is the central processing unit (CPU) of an embedded system responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations
• Microcontroller integrates a microprocessor with memory and I/O peripherals on a single chip designed for embedded applications
• Key features of microcontrollers include low power consumption, small size, and integrated peripherals (timers, ADCs, PWM)
• Microcontrollers are programmed using low-level languages (Assembly) or high-level languages (C, C++)
• Examples of popular microcontrollers: Arduino (ATmega328), STM32 (ARM Cortex-M), PIC (PIC16, PIC18)

Software Components

• Real-time operating system (RTOS) manages system resources, task scheduling, and inter-task communication in real-time embedded systems
• RTOS ensures deterministic behavior and meets strict timing constraints required by real-time applications
• Device drivers provide a software interface to control and communicate with hardware peripherals (sensors, actuators, communication modules)
• Device drivers abstract hardware details and provide a standardized API for application software to interact with the hardware
• Application software implements the specific functionality of the embedded system and runs on top of the RTOS or bare-metal (without an OS)
• Application software is typically written in high-level languages (C, C++, Python) and compiled for the target microcontroller

Data Storage and I/O

Memory and Storage

• RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory used for temporary data storage and program execution
• ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile memory used to store firmware, bootloaders, and constant data
• Flash memory is non-volatile memory used for storing application code, configuration data, and firmware updates
• EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) is non-volatile memory used for storing small amounts of configuration data

Input/Output Interfaces

• GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins allow the microcontroller to interface with digital sensors, switches, LEDs, and other peripherals
• ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) converts analog signals from sensors into digital values for processing by the microcontroller
• DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) converts digital values into analog signals for controlling actuators or generating waveforms
• Communication interfaces (UART, I2C, SPI) enable data exchange between the microcontroller and external devices or modules

Sensors and Actuators

• Sensors measure physical quantities (temperature, pressure, light, motion) and provide input to the embedded system
• Examples of sensors: temperature sensor (LM35, DS18B20), accelerometer (ADXL345), light sensor (LDR)
• Actuators convert electrical signals into physical actions (motion, sound, light) based on control signals from the microcontroller
• Examples of actuators: motors (DC, stepper), servos, relays, LEDs

Communication Protocols

• UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) is a serial communication protocol commonly used for debugging and communication with peripherals
• I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) is a synchronous serial communication protocol used for connecting multiple devices using a shared bus
• SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) is a synchronous serial communication protocol used for high-speed data transfer between the microcontroller and peripherals
• Wireless communication protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee) enable embedded systems to communicate wirelessly with other devices or networks

Power and Resource Management

Power Management Techniques

• Low-power modes (sleep, deep sleep) reduce power consumption by disabling unused peripherals and putting the microcontroller into a low-power state
• Dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) adjusts the operating voltage and clock frequency based on performance requirements to optimize power consumption
• Energy harvesting techniques (solar, thermoelectric, piezoelectric) enable embedded systems to generate power from the environment
• Battery management systems monitor and control battery charging, discharging, and health to ensure reliable operation and extend battery life
• Power gating techniques selectively turn off power to unused components or subsystems to reduce leakage current and static power consumption

Resource Management

• Memory management techniques (dynamic allocation, memory pools) optimize memory usage and prevent memory leaks
• Task scheduling algorithms (priority-based, round-robin) ensure efficient utilization of CPU resources and meet real-time constraints
• Interrupt handling mechanisms allow the system to respond to external events and manage time-critical tasks
• Watchdog timers monitor system operation and trigger a reset in case of software failures or deadlocks to improve system reliability