Embedded Systems Text Book By Shibu
Introduction To Embedded Systems
An
Embedded System is a combination of computer hardware and software, and perhaps
additional mechanical or other parts, designed to perform a specific function.
A good example is the microwave oven. Almost every household has one, and tens
of millions of them are used everyday, but very few people realize that a
processor and software are involved in the preparation of their lunch or
dinner.
This is in direct
contrast to the personal computer in the family room. It too is comprised of
computer hardware and software and mechanical components (disk drives, for
example). However, a personal computer is not designed to perform a specific
function rather; it is able to do many different things. Many people use the
term general-purpose computer to make this distinction clear. As shipped, a
general-purpose computer is a blank slate; the manufacturer does not know what
the customer will do wish it. One customer may use it for a network file server
another may use it exclusively for playing games, and a third may use it to
write the next great American novel.
Frequently, an embedded system
is a component within some larger system. For example, modern cars and trucks
contain many embedded systems. One embedded system controls the anti-lock
brakes, other monitors and controls the vehicle’s emissions, and a third
displays information on the dashboard. In some cases, these embedded systems
are connected by some sort of a communication network, but that is certainly
not a requirement.
At the possible risk
of confusing you, it is important to point out that a general-purpose computer
is itself made up of numerous embedded systems. For example, my computer
consists of a keyboard, mouse, video card, modem, hard drive, floppy drive, and
sound card-each of which is an embedded
system. Each of these devices contains a processor and software and is designed
to perform a specific function. For example, the modem is designed to send and
receive digital data over analog telephone line. That’s it and all of the other
devices can be summarized in a single sentence as well.
If an embedded system is designed
well, the existence of the processor and software could be completely unnoticed
by the user of the device. Such is the case for a microwave oven, VCR, or alarm
clock. In some cases, it would even be possible to build an equivalent device
that does not contain the processor and software. This could be done by
replacing the combination with a custom integrated circuit that performs the
same functions in hardware. However, a lot of flexibility is lost when a design
is hard-cooled in this way. It is mush easier, and cheaper, to change a few
lines of software than to redesign a piece of custom hardware.
Embedded Systems Text Book By Shibu
Introduction To Embedded Systems
Embedded Systems ebook by shibu
Embedded and real time systems
Embedded Systems Pdf by shibu
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