EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

Long Questions – 8 marks

1) What is an embedded system? What are its characteristics? What are

its advantages and disadvantages?

Ans. An embedded system is a system that has software embedded into

computer-hardware, which makes a system dedicated for an application (s)
or specific part of an application or product or part of a larger system. It is
any device that includes a programmable computer but is not itself intended
to be a general purpose computer. It is a dedicated computer based system
for an application(s) or product. It may be an independent system or a part of
large system. Its software usually embeds into a ROM (Read Only Memory)
or flash.
The typical characteristics of an embedded system are as follows:-
i. Single-functioned − An embedded system usually performs a specialized
operation and does the same repeatedly. For example: A pager always
functions as a pager.
ii. Tightly constrained − All computing systems have constraints on design
metrics, but those on an embedded system can be especially tight. Design
metrics is a measure of an implementation's features such as its cost, size,
power, and performance. It must be of a size to fit on a single chip, must
perform fast enough to process data in real time and consume minimum
power to extend battery life.
iii. Reactive and Real time − Many embedded systems must continually
react to changes in the system's environment and must compute certain
results in real time without any delay. Consider an example of a car
cruise controller; it continually monitors and reacts to speed and brake
sensors. It must compute acceleration or de-accelerations repeatedly
within a limited time; a delayed computation can result in failure to
control of the car.
iv. Microprocessors based − It must be microprocessor or microcontroller
based.
v. Memory − It must have a memory, as its software usually embeds in
ROM. It does not need any secondary memories in the computer.
vi. Connected − It must have connected peripherals to connect input and
output devices.
vii. HW-SW systems − Software is used for more features and flexibility.
Hardware is used for performance and security.
The advantages of an embedded system are as follows:-

2) With a neat diagram explain the basic structure of an embedded

system?
Ans.
3) Write the short notes on:
(i) Commercial off-the-shelf components (COTs)
(ii) Programmable Logic Devices(PLD’s)

Ans. Commercial off-the-shelf components (COTs) - A Commercial off

the Shelf product is one which is used 'as- is'. The COTS components itself
may be developed around a general purpose or domain specific processor or
an ASICs or a PLDs.
1. The major advantage of using COTS is that they are readily available
in the market, are cheap and a developer can cut down his/her
development time to a great extent
2. The major drawback of using COTS components in embedded design
is that the manufacturer of the COTS component may withdraw the
product or discontinue the production of the COTS at any time if rapid
change in technology occurs.
3. Advantages of COTS:
1) Ready to use
2) Easy to integrate
3) Reduces development time
4. Disadvantages of COTS:
4) No operational or manufacturing standard (all proprietary)
5) Vendor or manufacturer may discontinue production of a
particular COTS product

Programmable logic Device (PLD)- A PLD is an electronic component. It

used to build digital circuits which are reconfigurable .A logic gate has a
 fixed function but a PLD does not have a defined function at the time of
manufacture. PLDs offer customers a wide range of logic capacity, features,
speed, voltage characteristics. PLDs can be reconfigured to perform any
number of functions at anytime. A variety of tools are available for the
designers of PLDs which are inexpensive and help to develop, simulate and
test the designs. Programmable Logic Devices(PLDs) are found in two
major varieties:-
1) CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device): CPLDs offer much
smaller amount of logic up to1000 gates.
2) FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays): It offers highest amount of
performance as well as highest logic density, the most features.
The various advantages of Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) are as
follows:-
1) PLDs offer customer much more flexibility during the design cycle.
2) PLDs do not require long lead times for prototypes or production for
shipment.
3) PLDs can be reprogrammed even after a piece of equipment is shipped to
a customer

4) What are the differences between embedded systems and general-

purpose computing systems?

Ans. The typical differences between a general-purpose computing system

and a embedded system is as follows:-
No. General-purpose computing system Embedded system
1 A system which is a combination A system which is a combination of
of generic hardware and General special purpose hardware and
Purpose Operating System for embedded OS for executing a
executing a variety of specific set of applications
applications
2 Contain a General Purpose May or may not contain an
Operating System (GPOS) operating system for functioning
3 Applications are alterable The firmware of the embedded
(programmable) by user (It is system is pre-programmed and it is
possible for the end user to re- non-alterable by end-user
install the Operating System, and
 add or remove user applications)
4 Performance is the key deciding Application specific requirements
factor on the selection of the (like performance, power
system. Always „Faster is Better‟ requirements, memory usage etc)
are the key deciding factors
5 Less/not at all tailored towards Highly tailored to take advantage
reduced operating power of the power saving modes
requirements, options for supported by hardware and
different levels of power Operating System
management.
6 Response requirements are not For certain category of embedded
time critical systems like mission critical
systems, the response time
requirement is highly critical
7 Need not be deterministic in Execution behavior is deterministic
execution behavior for certain type of embedded systems
like “Hard Real Time‟ systems

5)