Introduction to Embedded System Institut Teknologi Del Istas Pratomo Manalu S.Si.,M.Sc
Outline • Types of Computer: Embedded Systems v/s General Computing Systems • History of Embedded Systems • General view of an embedded system • Hardware elements in an embedded system • Software elements in an embedded system • Classification of Embedded Systems • Major application of Embedded Systems • Purpose of Embedded Systems • Components of Embedded Systems • Challenges and Limitations of Embedded Systems Embedded System
Embedded System Types of Computer
What is an Embedded System • An embedded system is a computer system designed to perform a specific task (usually with very specific requirements) or a set of tasks within a larger device. • Ex: Mobile phones, MP3Player, Digital camera, washing machine, microwave oven • Unlike general-purpose computers (like laptops or desktops), embedded systems are usually optimized for efficiency, reliability, and real-time performance. • Since the system is dedicated to a specific task, design engineers can optimize it and reduce the size and cost of the product. • Power Constraint and performance requirements • Embedded systems are often mass-produced, so the cost savings may be multiplied by millions of items. Embedded System
EMBEDDED SYSTEM & GENERAL- PURPOSE COMPUTER Embedded System • Embedded System is a specialized computer system designed to perform a specific function within a device. • General-Purpose Computer is a computer designed to perform a wide range of tasks and applications (e.g., PCs, laptops). Feature Embedded System General-Purpose Computer Purpose Dedicated, specific task Multiple tasks, flexible Hardware Microcontroller / SoC High-performance CPU, GPU Memory & Storage Limited Large and expandable Operating System Firmware / RTOS Windows, Linux, macOS Real-Time Often required Not necessary Examples Washing machine, ECU, IoT sensor Laptop, PC, Server
History of Embedded Systems Embedded System 1960s Military & space origins (missiles, Apollo). 1970s Birth of microprocessors & microcontrollers. 1980s Widespread consumer use (home appliances, RTOS). 1990s Automotive, telecom, networking boom. 2000s Internet, SoCs, open- source OS in devices. 2010s IoT explosion. 2020s AI-driven, edge computing, 5G-enabled embedded systems .
1960s – The Beginning • The concept of embedded systems started when computers were first used inside machines to control them. • 1961: Autonetics (a division of North American Aviation) developed the D-17B computer for the Minuteman I missile guidance system – considered one of the first embedded systems. • 1969: The Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) used in NASA’s Apollo missions is another famous early embedded system.
1970s – The Rise of Microprocessors • 1971: Intel released the Intel 4004, the first commercial microprocessor, which laid the foundation for embedded systems. • 1974: Development of microcontrollers began (single chips with CPU, memory, and I/O). • Embedded systems started appearing in automobiles, calculators, and industrial machines. • The term “embedded system” became common.
1990s – Networking and Mobile • Embedded systems became key in telecommunications (mobile phones, network equipment). • Development of 32-bit microcontrollers made devices more capable. • Automotive industry adopted embedded systems heavily (engine control units, ABS, airbags). • Embedded systems became connected to networks, paving the way for the Internet of Things (IoT).
2000s – The Internet & Smart Devices • Explosion of smartphones, PDAs, and consumer gadgets with embedded systems. • Wireless communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) integrated into embedded devices. • Linux and other open-source operating systems started being used in embedded platforms. • Rise of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology, combining CPU, GPU, memory, and I/O in a single chip.
2010s – IoT Era • Internet of Things (IoT) became mainstream – billions of connected devices rely on embedded systems. • Embedded systems appeared in smart homes, healthcare, industrial automation, and wearables. • ARM processors became the dominant architecture in smartphones and IoT devices.
2020s – AI & Edge Computing • Embedded systems now integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for real-time decisions (e.g., face recognition, autonomous driving). • Edge computing allows processing data locally on embedded devices without always sending it to the cloud. • Ultra-low-power embedded systems for 5G, LoRaWAN, smart cities, and healthcare are being developed.
General view of an embedded system System Inputs These are signals or data coming from the outside world. Examples: sensor readings (temperature, pressure, speed), button presses, or communication signals. Software Components Instructions, algorithms, or firmware that tell the system how to behave. Example: code that decides when to turn on a fan if temperature > 30°C. Hardware Components Physical parts such as microcontrollers, processors, memory, and I/O devices. They execute the software instructions and interact with the physical world. Hardware provides status/data back to software. Software gives commands to hardware. System Outputs These are the results or actions taken by the embedded system. Examples: turning on a motor, displaying data on a screen, sending data to the internet, or activating an alarm.
Hardware elements in an embedded system Communication ports for serial and/or parallel information exchanges with other devices or systems. USB ports, printer ports, wireless RF and infrared ports, are some representative examples of I/O communication devices. User interfaces to interact with humans. Keypads, switches, buzzers and audio, lights, numeric, alphanumeric, and graphic displays, are examples of I/O user interfaces Sensors and electromechanical actuators to interact with the environment external to the system. Sensors provide inputs related to physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, displacement, acceleration, rotation, etc Data converters (Analog-to-digital (ADC) and/or Digital-to-Analog (DAC)) to allow interaction with analog sensors and actuators. When the signal coming out from a sensor interface is analog, an ADC converts it to the digital format understood by the CPU. Similarly, when the CPU needs to command an analog actuator, a DAC is required to change the signal format.
Software structure in an embedded system System Tasks • The application software in embedded systems is divided into a set of smaller programs called Tasks. • Each task handles a distinct action in the system and requires the use of specific System Resources. • Tasks submit service requests to the kernel in order to perform their designated actions. System Kernel • The software component that handles the system resources in an embedded application is called the Kernel. • System resources are all those components needed to serve tasks. These include memory, I/O devices, the CPU itself, and other hardware components. • The kernel receives service requests from tasks, and schedules them according to the priorities dictated by the task manager.
Software structure in an embedded system Services • Tasks are served through Service Routines. • A service routine is a piece of code that gives functionality to a system resource. In some systems, they are referred to as device drivers. • Services can be activated by polling or as interrupt service routines (ISR), depending on the system architecture.
• Stand-alone Embedded Systems: Work independently without a host computer. Example: Microwave oven, Washing machine. • Real-Time Embedded Systems: Provide output within a strict time limit. Example: Airbag system in cars, Pacemaker. • Networked Embedded Systems: Connected to a network (LAN, WAN, Internet) for communication. Example: Smart home devices, IoT sensors. • Mobile Embedded Systems: Small, portable devices with limited resources. Example: Smartphones, digital cameras. Classification of Embedded Systems 1. Based on Functionality
• Small-Scale Embedded Systems ⚬ Use 8-bit or 16-bit microcontrollers. ⚬ Low cost, simple tasks. ⚬ Example: Toys, simple remote controllers. • Medium-Scale Embedded Systems ⚬ Use 16-bit or 32-bit microcontrollers, often with RTOS. ⚬ More complex tasks. ⚬ Example: Smart appliances, car dashboards. • Sophisticated (Large-Scale) Embedded Systems ⚬ Use powerful processors, often multi-core with networking. ⚬ Example: Air traffic control systems, Autonomous vehicles. Classification of Embedded Systems 2. Based on Performance and Power
• Hard Real-Time Systems ⚬ Must strictly meet deadlines; failure can be catastrophic. ⚬ Example: Aircraft control, Medical devices. • Soft Real-Time Systems ⚬ Missing a deadline degrades performance but is not fatal. ⚬ Example: Streaming audio/video, Online transactions. Classification of Embedded Systems 3. Based on Real-Time Operation
• Consumer Electronics Cameras, Smart TVs, Home appliances. • Automotive Engine Control Units (ECU), ABS, Airbags. • Industrial Robotics, CNC machines, Process controllers. • Medical Pacemakers, MRI machines, Infusion pumps. • Telecommunication Routers, Switches, Mobile phones. • Defense/Aerospace Drones, Missile guidance, Satellites. Major application of Embedded Systems Based on Application Domain
Life cycle of Embedded Systems
The Purpose of Embedded Systems Enabling Real-Time Functionality Enhancing System Reliability and Safety Enabling Connectivity and Internet of Things (IoT) Enabling Automation and Control Systems
Components of Embedded Systems
Challenges and Limitations of Embedded Systems • Power Consumption and Efficiency The purpose of embedded systems is often to provide continuous operation in remote or portable devices, such as wearable devices or Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. Thus, minimizing power consumption is crucial to ensure the devices can function for extended periods without frequent recharging or battery replacements. • Security and Privacy Concerns Unauthorized access to an embedded system can lead to theft or manipulation of sensitive data, and even compromise the overall system’s security and functionality • Scalability and Upgradability due to the limited resources and hardware constraints of embedded systems, scaling up or upgrading them can be challenging.
Introduction to Embedded System Based on Arduino

Introduction to Embedded System Based on Arduino

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    Introduction to Embedded System InstitutTeknologi Del Istas Pratomo Manalu S.Si.,M.Sc
  • 2.
    Outline • Types ofComputer: Embedded Systems v/s General Computing Systems • History of Embedded Systems • General view of an embedded system • Hardware elements in an embedded system • Software elements in an embedded system • Classification of Embedded Systems • Major application of Embedded Systems • Purpose of Embedded Systems • Components of Embedded Systems • Challenges and Limitations of Embedded Systems Embedded System
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    What is an EmbeddedSystem • An embedded system is a computer system designed to perform a specific task (usually with very specific requirements) or a set of tasks within a larger device. • Ex: Mobile phones, MP3Player, Digital camera, washing machine, microwave oven • Unlike general-purpose computers (like laptops or desktops), embedded systems are usually optimized for efficiency, reliability, and real-time performance. • Since the system is dedicated to a specific task, design engineers can optimize it and reduce the size and cost of the product. • Power Constraint and performance requirements • Embedded systems are often mass-produced, so the cost savings may be multiplied by millions of items. Embedded System
  • 5.
    EMBEDDED SYSTEM &GENERAL- PURPOSE COMPUTER Embedded System • Embedded System is a specialized computer system designed to perform a specific function within a device. • General-Purpose Computer is a computer designed to perform a wide range of tasks and applications (e.g., PCs, laptops). Feature Embedded System General-Purpose Computer Purpose Dedicated, specific task Multiple tasks, flexible Hardware Microcontroller / SoC High-performance CPU, GPU Memory & Storage Limited Large and expandable Operating System Firmware / RTOS Windows, Linux, macOS Real-Time Often required Not necessary Examples Washing machine, ECU, IoT sensor Laptop, PC, Server
  • 6.
    History of Embedded Systems Embedded System 1960s Military& space origins (missiles, Apollo). 1970s Birth of microprocessors & microcontrollers. 1980s Widespread consumer use (home appliances, RTOS). 1990s Automotive, telecom, networking boom. 2000s Internet, SoCs, open- source OS in devices. 2010s IoT explosion. 2020s AI-driven, edge computing, 5G-enabled embedded systems .
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    1960s – TheBeginning • The concept of embedded systems started when computers were first used inside machines to control them. • 1961: Autonetics (a division of North American Aviation) developed the D-17B computer for the Minuteman I missile guidance system – considered one of the first embedded systems. • 1969: The Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) used in NASA’s Apollo missions is another famous early embedded system.
  • 8.
    1970s – TheRise of Microprocessors • 1971: Intel released the Intel 4004, the first commercial microprocessor, which laid the foundation for embedded systems. • 1974: Development of microcontrollers began (single chips with CPU, memory, and I/O). • Embedded systems started appearing in automobiles, calculators, and industrial machines. • The term “embedded system” became common.
  • 9.
    1990s – Networkingand Mobile • Embedded systems became key in telecommunications (mobile phones, network equipment). • Development of 32-bit microcontrollers made devices more capable. • Automotive industry adopted embedded systems heavily (engine control units, ABS, airbags). • Embedded systems became connected to networks, paving the way for the Internet of Things (IoT).
  • 10.
    2000s – TheInternet & Smart Devices • Explosion of smartphones, PDAs, and consumer gadgets with embedded systems. • Wireless communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) integrated into embedded devices. • Linux and other open-source operating systems started being used in embedded platforms. • Rise of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology, combining CPU, GPU, memory, and I/O in a single chip.
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    2010s – IoTEra • Internet of Things (IoT) became mainstream – billions of connected devices rely on embedded systems. • Embedded systems appeared in smart homes, healthcare, industrial automation, and wearables. • ARM processors became the dominant architecture in smartphones and IoT devices.
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    2020s – AI& Edge Computing • Embedded systems now integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for real-time decisions (e.g., face recognition, autonomous driving). • Edge computing allows processing data locally on embedded devices without always sending it to the cloud. • Ultra-low-power embedded systems for 5G, LoRaWAN, smart cities, and healthcare are being developed.
  • 13.
    General view ofan embedded system System Inputs These are signals or data coming from the outside world. Examples: sensor readings (temperature, pressure, speed), button presses, or communication signals. Software Components Instructions, algorithms, or firmware that tell the system how to behave. Example: code that decides when to turn on a fan if temperature > 30°C. Hardware Components Physical parts such as microcontrollers, processors, memory, and I/O devices. They execute the software instructions and interact with the physical world. Hardware provides status/data back to software. Software gives commands to hardware. System Outputs These are the results or actions taken by the embedded system. Examples: turning on a motor, displaying data on a screen, sending data to the internet, or activating an alarm.
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    Hardware elements in anembedded system Communication ports for serial and/or parallel information exchanges with other devices or systems. USB ports, printer ports, wireless RF and infrared ports, are some representative examples of I/O communication devices. User interfaces to interact with humans. Keypads, switches, buzzers and audio, lights, numeric, alphanumeric, and graphic displays, are examples of I/O user interfaces Sensors and electromechanical actuators to interact with the environment external to the system. Sensors provide inputs related to physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, displacement, acceleration, rotation, etc Data converters (Analog-to-digital (ADC) and/or Digital-to-Analog (DAC)) to allow interaction with analog sensors and actuators. When the signal coming out from a sensor interface is analog, an ADC converts it to the digital format understood by the CPU. Similarly, when the CPU needs to command an analog actuator, a DAC is required to change the signal format.
  • 15.
    Software structure in anembedded system System Tasks • The application software in embedded systems is divided into a set of smaller programs called Tasks. • Each task handles a distinct action in the system and requires the use of specific System Resources. • Tasks submit service requests to the kernel in order to perform their designated actions. System Kernel • The software component that handles the system resources in an embedded application is called the Kernel. • System resources are all those components needed to serve tasks. These include memory, I/O devices, the CPU itself, and other hardware components. • The kernel receives service requests from tasks, and schedules them according to the priorities dictated by the task manager.
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    Software structure in anembedded system Services • Tasks are served through Service Routines. • A service routine is a piece of code that gives functionality to a system resource. In some systems, they are referred to as device drivers. • Services can be activated by polling or as interrupt service routines (ISR), depending on the system architecture.
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    • Stand-alone EmbeddedSystems: Work independently without a host computer. Example: Microwave oven, Washing machine. • Real-Time Embedded Systems: Provide output within a strict time limit. Example: Airbag system in cars, Pacemaker. • Networked Embedded Systems: Connected to a network (LAN, WAN, Internet) for communication. Example: Smart home devices, IoT sensors. • Mobile Embedded Systems: Small, portable devices with limited resources. Example: Smartphones, digital cameras. Classification of Embedded Systems 1. Based on Functionality
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    • Small-Scale EmbeddedSystems ⚬ Use 8-bit or 16-bit microcontrollers. ⚬ Low cost, simple tasks. ⚬ Example: Toys, simple remote controllers. • Medium-Scale Embedded Systems ⚬ Use 16-bit or 32-bit microcontrollers, often with RTOS. ⚬ More complex tasks. ⚬ Example: Smart appliances, car dashboards. • Sophisticated (Large-Scale) Embedded Systems ⚬ Use powerful processors, often multi-core with networking. ⚬ Example: Air traffic control systems, Autonomous vehicles. Classification of Embedded Systems 2. Based on Performance and Power
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    • Hard Real-TimeSystems ⚬ Must strictly meet deadlines; failure can be catastrophic. ⚬ Example: Aircraft control, Medical devices. • Soft Real-Time Systems ⚬ Missing a deadline degrades performance but is not fatal. ⚬ Example: Streaming audio/video, Online transactions. Classification of Embedded Systems 3. Based on Real-Time Operation
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    • Consumer Electronics Cameras,Smart TVs, Home appliances. • Automotive Engine Control Units (ECU), ABS, Airbags. • Industrial Robotics, CNC machines, Process controllers. • Medical Pacemakers, MRI machines, Infusion pumps. • Telecommunication Routers, Switches, Mobile phones. • Defense/Aerospace Drones, Missile guidance, Satellites. Major application of Embedded Systems Based on Application Domain
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    The Purpose of EmbeddedSystems Enabling Real-Time Functionality Enhancing System Reliability and Safety Enabling Connectivity and Internet of Things (IoT) Enabling Automation and Control Systems
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    Challenges and Limitationsof Embedded Systems • Power Consumption and Efficiency The purpose of embedded systems is often to provide continuous operation in remote or portable devices, such as wearable devices or Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. Thus, minimizing power consumption is crucial to ensure the devices can function for extended periods without frequent recharging or battery replacements. • Security and Privacy Concerns Unauthorized access to an embedded system can lead to theft or manipulation of sensitive data, and even compromise the overall system’s security and functionality • Scalability and Upgradability due to the limited resources and hardware constraints of embedded systems, scaling up or upgrading them can be challenging.