Introduction to Embedded Systems

Overview

• Definition of embedded systems
• Importance of understanding basic concepts
• Presentation available for free on the instructor's website

Definition of Embedded Systems

• Embedded systems consist of hardware and software components for dedicated activities.
• Key Point: "Dedicated" means they perform specific functions.
  • Examples:
    • ATM: Only dispenses cash, cannot serve soda.
    • Calculator: Performs calculations, not meant for other tasks.
    • Washing Machine: Used for laundry, not dishwashing.

System on Chip (SoC)

• Definition: A microchip containing all necessary electronic circuits for a system on a single chip.
• Types of SoC:
  • Microcontroller
  • Microprocessor
  • Programmable SoC: Focus of the course.
• Components of SoC may include: digital and analog mixed signals, radio frequency functions.
• Memory can be internal or external; SoC does not necessarily include built-in memory.

Chips on Board

• Represents the physical chips on a board.
• Major companies: ARM, Atmel, Intel, Microchip.
  • ARM designs chips but does not manufacture.
  • Atmel, Intel, and Microchip design and manufacture their own chips.
• ARM Cortex Series:
  • Cortex-A: Application processors.
    • 32-bit or 64-bit, used in rich operating systems.
  • Cortex-R: Real-time processors (e.g., airbags).
    • Must have minimal delay for critical applications.
  • Cortex-M: Microcontrollers, six versions available (M0+, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7).
• The course will use the Cortex-M0+ series.

Components On and Off Chip

• On Chip:
  • Interface ICs, clock, memory (default is internal).
• Off Chip:
  • Input/output, power supply.
• Memory types: RAM, ROM, Flash Memory.
• Inputs can include buttons and keyboards; outputs can include displays and printers.

Programming Boards

• Programming can be done using:
  • Offline Compiler: Not recommended due to dependencies and errors.
  • Online Compiler: Recommended; focuses on programming without setup complications.
• Course will use the ARM Freedom KL25C board, which needs to be enabled by embed.

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

• PWM controls LED intensity.
• Duty Cycle: Ratio of on time to total time period (T_on / (T_on + T_off)).
• Introduced to control LED brightness.

Sensors

• Definition: Electronic components that detect events or environmental changes.
• In this course, sensors will be used to control LED intensity based on input.
  • Example: Glowing different colored LEDs based on sensor readings.

Conclusion

• Understanding embedded systems requires knowledge of components, programming methods, and application use cases.
• Future tutorials will involve practical applications and projects using embedded systems and programming with sensors, LEDs, and PWM.