Unit-1

Embedded System Design

 It is a system designed with the embedding of hardware and software
together for a specific function with a larger area.
 An embedded system can be an independent system or it can be a part
of a large system and it is a microcontroller or microprocessor based
system.
 Examples home appliances, smart devices, agricultural and process
industry devices, automobiles, medical equipment etc.

Embedded systems vary in complexity but, generally, consist of three main

elements:

 Hardware. The hardware of embedded systems is based around

microprocessors and microcontrollers. Microprocessors are very similar
to microcontrollers and, typically, refer to a CPU (central processing unit)
that is integrated with other basic computing components such as
memory chips and digital signal processors (DSPs). Microcontrollers have
those components built into one chip.
 Software and firmware. Software for embedded systems can vary in
complexity. Application software allows the user to perform varieties of
applications to be run on an embedded system by changing the code
installed in an embedded system.
 Real-time operating system. These are not always included in
embedded systems, especially smaller-scale systems. RTOSes acts as an
interface between hardware and software which supervises the
application software and provide mechanism to let the processor run on
the basis of scheduling.

CATEGORIES OF EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

Embedded systems can be classified into two broad categories as follows;

1. Based on performance and functional requirements.

2. Based on performance of the microcontroller.
Based on performance and functional requirements of system embedded
systems are classified into four categories as follows;

 Stand alone embedded systems

 Real time embedded systems
 Networked embedded systems
 Mobile embedded systems

Stand alone Embedded systems: A stand-alone embedded system works by

itself. It is a self-contained device which does not require any host system like a
computer.
It takes either digital or analog inputs from its input ports, calibrates, converts,
and processes the data, and outputs the resulting data to its attached output
device, which either displays data, or controls and drives the attached devices.

EX: Temperature measurement systems, Video game consoles, MP3 players,

digital cameras, and microwave ovens are the examples for this category.

Real time embedded system: An embedded system which gives the required
output in a specified time or which strictly follows the time deadlines for
completion of a task is known as a Real time system. A Real Time system, in
addition to functional correctness, also satisfies the time constraints. It works
on the basis of real-time computing represented by a dedicated type of
operating system — RTOS. Real-time embedded systems fall into three
categories depending on the acceptability of violation of time constraints-
Hard, Firm and Soft Real time systems.

Ex: car airbag control system, Satellite-based surveillance applications,

manufacturing robots, Washing machine etc.

Networked embedded systems: The networked embedded systems are

related to a network with network interfaces to access the resources. The
connected network can be a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network
(WAN), or the Internet. The connection can be either wired or wireless. The
networked embedded system is the fastest growing area in embedded systems
applications. The embedded web server is such a system where all embedded
devices are connected to a web server and can be accessed and controlled by
any web browser.

Ex: A home security system is an example of a LAN networked embedded

system where all sensors (e.g. motion detectors, light sensors, or smoke
sensors) are wired and running on the TCP/IP protocol.

Mobile embedded systems: The portable embedded devices like mobile and
cellular phones, digital cameras, MP3 players, PDA (Personal Digital Assistants)
are the example for mobile embedded systems. The basic limitation of these
devices is the limitation of memory and other resources

Another category of embedded system based on performance of

microcontroller and it is further classified into three categories as follows;

1. Small scale embedded system

2. Medium scale embedded system
3. Sophisticated Embedded Systems

Small Scale Embedded Systems: These types of embedded systems are

designed with a single 8-bit or 16-bit microcontroller with on-chip RAM and
ROM designed to perform simple tasks. They have tiny scaled hardware,
software complexities and involve board-level design. They may even be
battery operated.

Medium Scale Embedded Systems: These systems are usually designed with a
single or few 16-bit or 32-bit microcontrollers or Digital Signal Processor (DSPs)
with external RAM and ROM that can perform more complex operations.
Large Scale /Sophisticated Embedded Systems: Sophisticated embedded
systems have massive hardware and software complexities and may require
ASIPs or 32-64-bit multiple chips which can perform distributed jobs.

Major Application Areas of Embedded Systems:

 Consumer Electronics: Camcorders, Cameras etc.
 Household Appliances: Television, DVD players, washing machine,
Fridge, Microwave Oven etc.
 Home Automation and Security Systems: Air conditioners, sprinklers,
Intruder detection alarms, Closed Circuit Television Cameras, Fire
alarms etc.
 Automotive Industry: Anti-lock breaking systems (ABS), Engine
Control, Ignition Systems, Automatic Navigation Systems etc.
 Telecom: Cellular Telephones, Telephone switches, Handset
Multimedia Applications etc.
 Computer Peripherals: Printers, Scanners, Fax machines etc.
 Computer Networking Systems: Network Routers, Switches, Hubs,
Firewalls etc.
 Health Care: Different Kinds of Scanners, EEG, ECG Machines etc.
 Measurement & Instrumentation: Digital multi meters, Digital CROs,
Logic Analyzers PLC systems etc.
 Banking & Retail: Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) and Currency
counters, Point of Sales (POS)
 Card Readers: Barcode, Smart Card Readers, Hand held Devices etc.

Overview of Embedded System Architecture

 Every embedded system consists of customer-built hardware

components supported by a Central Processing Unit (CPU), which is the
heart of a microprocessor (µP) or microcontroller (µC).
 Operating system plays an important role in most of the embedded
systems. But all the embedded systems do not use the operating system.
 The systems with high end applications only use operating system. To
use the operating system the embedded system should have large
memory capability.
 So, this is not possible in low end applications like remote systems,
digital cameras, MP3 players, robot toys etc.
  In the case of embedded systems with OS, once the application software
is loaded into memory it will run the application without any host
system.
The following illustration shows the basic structure of an embedded system −

 Sensor − It measures the physical quantity and converts it to an

electrical signal which can be read by an observer or by any electronic
instrument like an A2D converter. A sensor stores the measured
quantity to the memory.
A-D Converter − An analog-to-digital converter converts the analog signal
sent by the sensor into a digital signal.
Processor & ASICs − Processors process the data to measure the output and
store it to the memory.
D-A Converter − A digital-to-analog converter converts the digital data fed by
the processor to analog data
Actuator − An actuator compares the output given by the D-A Converter to
the actual (expected) output stored in it and stores the approved output.

Recent Trends in Embedded Systems

 The emergence of IoT and the Industrial IoT (IIoT) has paved the way for
other existing technologies to flourish under these innovations and one
such technology is the embedded systems technology. Embedded
systems have become a catalyst for the rapidly expanding world of smart
and connected IoT ecosystems.
• And with its broad diversity in functions and flexibility embedded system
technology has become the backbone for many industries and services.
The popularity of this technology can also be attributed to its recent
evolution in performing its functions faster, becoming more compact,
and becoming cost-effective.
• With the fast developments in semiconductor industry and VLSI
technology, one can find tremendous changes in the embedded system
 design in terms of processor speed, power, communication interfaces
including network capabilities and software developments like operating
systems and programming languages etc.

Some of the emerging Trends in Embedded System Technology are:

Multicore in embedded
 With a lot functionalities being added, the need for high performance in
embedded systems has become inevitable and so developers are
increasingly leaning towards multicore processors in their systems
design decision.
 Today most of the gaming consoles are multicore and so are
smartphones, which are indeed getting 'smarter'. While this multicore
paradigm offers benefits, there is also ample opportunity for the
engineers to learn on this new design space – on architecture, design,
programming, debugging and testing so that they are well informed and
are aware about the optimal use of new power that a multicore offers.
Embedded operating systems
 Traditionally embedded systems did away with an operating system
(OS), however, as the systems became complex, it was inevitable to have
OS which offered low latency real-time response, low foot print both in
time and space and give all traditional functionality such as memory
protection, error checking/report and transparent interprocess
communication,.
 OS like Linux embedded and new OS such as Android are making inroads
into places where traditionally Windows CE/Vxworks etc., used to play.
Today many new handhelds and smart phones are embracing Andriod.
Eclipse, the open source project for building development platforms
offers an environment that crosses over RTOS boundaries.
Embedded digital security and surveillance
 Digital security and surveillance is currently in the host of new
applications in the embedded arena which is benefiting from multicore
phenomenon.
 The applications based on computer vision and tracking offers multiple
benefits in capturing, post processing and identification and alerting of
security video in realtime.
 With the rise of security issues in the last few years whether it is due to
the rapid increase of digital users or the change in the lifestyle of people
after going remote in pandemic times, security has never been under
such a great threat as it is now.
  So, the development of implementing IoT security solutions along with
embedded devices like AI and Robots can be a great help in this regard.
Automation
 Automation has made its place in one of the Top most trends in
Embedded System Technology due to its powerful impact in the
development of the modern era with its innovative approach.
 We are seeing its impact in industries as well as in the market as all
the systems and products are getting automated due to its growing
popularity among people.
 Due to the impacts and popularity of computers and robots, automation
can be found in every sector of development.
Automobiles
 The automotive application can be considered another case of emerging
Trends in Embedded System Technology.
 Due to their various implementation uses, embedded systems are
utilized in different ways like for infotainment, safety, driver awareness,
and overall system control of the vehicle among a few.
 Moreover, intelligent systems control is rapidly expanding its reach in
the automobile industry with the rise of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV)
and electric vehicles (EV).
Artificial Intelligence
 Artificial intelligence (AI) and its practical application are steadily gaining
momentum as more embedded designs are constantly been developed
to be included in the concepts over time.
 AI has reached almost every type of segment you can think of ranging
from retail, health care, autonomous driving, e-commerce,
manufacturing, supply chain, banking, etc.
 And with the AI hardware decreasing in price as time passes, embedded
designs are expected to increase AI capability to many folds.
System-on-Chip Solution
 Embedded devices are making their presence known globally by using
the SOC market. Many companies are offering SoC solutions for the
embedded devices.
 One such solution includes ASIC having high performance, small size, low
cost, and IP protection.
 ASICs are essentially valuable for medical wearable manufacturers due
to their necessary size, weight, and power requirements for their
devices.
Hardware Architecture of Embedded System

There are basically two types of architecture that apply to embedded systems:

• Von Neumann architecture

• Harvard architecture

Von Neumann Architecture:

• The Von Neumann architecture was first proposed by a computer

scientist John von Neumann.
• In this architecture, the same memory and bus are used to store both
data and instructions that run the program. One data path or bus exists
for both instruction and data.
• As a result, the CPU does one operation at a time. It either fetches an
instruction from memory, or performs read/write operation on data. So
an instruction fetch and a data operation cannot occur simultaneously,
sharing a common bus.
• Von-Neumann architecture supports simple hardware. It allows the use
of a single, sequential memory.

Harvard Architecture:

• The Harvard architecture was first named after the Harvard Mark I
computer. Compared with the Von Neumann architecture, a Harvard
architecture processor has two outstanding features.
• First, instructions and data are stored in two separate memory modules;
instructions and data do not coexist in the same module.
• Second, two independent buses are used as dedicated communication
paths between the CPU and memory; there is no connection between
the two buses.
• This architecture offers separate storage and signal buses for
instructions and data.

• Computers have separate memory areas for program instructions and

data using internal data buses, allowing simultaneous access to both
instructions and data.

Von Neumann architecture Harvard architecture

Requires single bus for Requires separate & dedicated

instructions and data buses for memories for
instructions and data.
 Von Neumann architecture Harvard architecture

Its design is simpler Its design is complicated

The Von Neumann architecture The Harvard architecture uses

uses single memory for their physically separate memories for
instructions and data their instructions and data

Examples of Von – Neumann Examples of Harvard Architecture:

Architecture: ARM 7 and 8051, ARM 9, AVR by Atmel
Pentium Processors etc. Corporation and PIC
microcontrollers by microchip
Technology etc.

Central Processing Unit:

• The CPU in the embedded system may be a general purpose processor

like a microcontroller or a special purpose processor like a DSP (Digital
signal processor).
• But any CPU consists of of an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), a Control Unit
(CU), and many internal registers that are connected by buses. The ALU
performs all the mathematical operations (Add, Sub, Mul, Div), logical
operations (AND, OR), and shifting operations within CPU.
• The CPU works in a cycle of fetching an instruction, decoding it, and
executing it, known as the fetch-decode-execute cycle.
• There are many internal registers in the CPU.
• The accumulator (A) is a special data register that stores the result of
ALU operations. It can also be used as an operand. The Program Counter
(PC) stores the memory location of the next instruction to be executed.
• The Instruction Register (IR) stores the current machine instruction to be
decoded and executed.
• The Data Buffer Registers store the data received from the memory or
the data to be sent to memory.
• The Data Buffer Registers are connected to the data bus.
 • The Address Register stores the memory location of the data to be
accessed (get or set). The Address Register is connected to the address
bus.

Memory:

• Embedded system memory can be either on-chip or off-chip.

• On chip memory access is much fast than off-chip memory, but the size
of on-chip memory is much smaller than the size of off-chip memory.
• The ROM, EPROM, and Flash memory are all read-only type memories
often used to store code in an embedded system.

Communication Interfaces:

• To transfer the data or to interact with other devices, the embedded

devices are provided the various communication interfaces like RS232,
RS422, RS485,USB, SPI(Serial Peripheral Interface ) ,SCI (Serial
Communication Interface) ,Ethernet etc.

Application Specific Circuitry:

• The embedded system sometimes receives the input from a sensor or

actuator. In such situations certain signal conditioning circuitry is
needed. This hardware circuitry may contain ADC, Op-amps, and DAC
etc. Such circuitry will interact with the embedded system to give correct
output.

ADC & DAC:

• Many embedded system application need to deal with non-digital

external signals such as electronic voltage, music or voice, temperature,
pressures, and many other signals in the analog form.
• The digital computer does not understand these data unless they are
converted to digital formats.
• The ADC is responsible for converting analog values to binary digits.
• The DAC is responsible for outputting analog signals for automation
controls such as DC motor.

In addition to these peripherals, an embedded system may also have sensors

like temperature sensors, light sensors, gas sensors etc and Display modules
like LCD or Touch screen panels.
Address bus and data bus:

• Address bus is a part of the computer system bus that is dedicated for
specifying a physical address.
• When the computer processor needs to read or write from or to the
memory, it uses the address bus to specify the physical address of the
individual memory block it needs to access.
• A data bus simply carries data. The same data bus is used for both
read/write operations.

Real Time Embedded Systems

• The embedded systems which respond to real time situation with the
help of its embedded software and hardware, within the specified time
constraints are called real time embedded systems.
• It works on the basis of real-time computing represented by a dedicated
type of operating system — RTOS.

Its working principles are as follows:

• Quick response to external factors: an embedded system must work

within fixed time constraints.
• Predictability: must be deterministic or predictable, meaning that no
deviations are allowed.
• The deadline is above all: meeting the deadline is more important than
other performance characteristics.
• Operational failures may lead to catastrophe: if a task does not meet
time limits, it negatively affects users and may even lead to fatal results.

Categories of Real-Time Embedded Systems:

Real-time embedded systems fall into three categories depending on the

acceptability of violation of time constraints:

• soft,
• firm and
• hard
a) Hard real time E.S: A Real time system in which, the violation of time
constraints will cause critical failure and loss of life or property damage
or catastrophe is known as a Hard Real time system.
For such built-in systems, it’s crucial that the deadline is met in all cases.
These systems usually interact directly with physical hardware instead of
through a human being. The hardware and software of hard real-time
systems must allow a worst case execution (WCET) analysis that
guarantees the execution be completed within a strict deadline. The
chip selection and RTOS selection become important factors for hard
real-time system design.

Eg: : An air defense system that needs to detect and intercept an

attacking missile within milliseconds has this type of embedded system.
Other examples are airplane sensors or self-driving car control systems,
Delayed alarm during a Gas leakage , car airbag control system , A
delayed response in pacemakers, Failure in RADAR functioning etc.

b) Firm Real time E.S: A Real time system in which, the violation of time
constraints don’t result in harmful effects, but system loses its
performance value is known as Firm Real time system. Exceeding the
deadline is occasionally permitted in these systems, though it is
undesirable.
Every firm real-time task is associated with some predefined deadline
before which it is required to produce its results. If it does not complete
 within its deadline, the system doesn’t fail but the late results are merely
discarded. In other words, the utility of the results computed by a firm
real-time task becomes zero after the deadline.

Eg:: Manufacturing robots refer to this category, A video conferencing

application, Satellite-based surveillance applications

c) Soft Real time E.S: A Real time system in which, the violation of time
constraints will cause only the degraded quality, but the system can
continue to operate is known as a Soft real time system. Exceeding the
deadline is acceptable in these systems. Response failures of soft real-
time systems diminish user experience, but they don’t reduce the
performance value at once.
If such a system fails to meet a deadline, it will either recover or
gradually diminish its operation. In soft real-time systems, the design
focus is to offer a guaranteed bandwidth to each real-time task and to
distribute the resources to the tasks.

Eg:: TV router boxes and gaming consoles refer to soft real-time

embedded systems. Time lags in their operation may happen, but they
have either insignificant or no consequences, Microwave Oven, washing
machine, TV remote etc.

Constraints of Real time Embedded Systems:

Physical Constraints:

These refer to hardware components and external environmental factors.

Embedded engineers usually have to create a product that should satisfy the
following conditions:

• Definite device size

• Spatial constraints for device installation
• Limited memory and power consumption
• Certain environmental conditions for device operation (temperature,
humidity, pressure)

Timing Constraints:

• Real-time systems must respond to events within predefined time limits.

 • The most severe challenge for developers is to create a system capable
of meeting the deadline under any conditions.
• They must do accurate calculations and build the appropriate task
scheduling system to succeed.

Task Scheduling

RTOS comprise scheduling algorithms that are responsible for managing timing
constraints. There are preemptive and non- preemptive algorithms.

• Priority scheduling. This algorithm prioritizes all tasks and puts forward
the task with the highest priority to be performed first by the processor.
A preemptive version of the algorithm stops a running task if there is
another one with a higher priority in the queue. A non-preemptive
version doesn’t stop running tasks, but a higher priority task will be the
next in the line. This approach doesn’t suit tasks with equal priority.
• Round-robin scheduling. This is a preemptive scheduling algorithm that
doesn’t prioritize tasks. Instead, it allocates an equal time interval (e.g.,
500 ms) for each task, and the CPU processes them one by one. One task
may go several rounds to be completed. This approach is relatively easy
and straightforward.
• First come, first served (FCFS). This is a non-preemptive algorithm that
puts tasks into the running state depending on the time they arrive. The
process is straightforward: the task that comes first is the first to utilize
the computing power. This algorithm ensures a high response time.
• Shortest job first (SJF). The non-preemptive version of this algorithm
allocates tasks depending on their execution time: the task with the
shortest execution time is run next. The preemptive variant can
interrupt running tasks if a task with a shorter remaining execution
period arrives.

Microprocessors and Microcontrollers

Microprocessor
 A microprocessor is a computer processor where the data processing
logic and control is included on a single integrated circuit, or a small
number of integrated circuits.
 The microprocessor contains the arithmetic, logic, and control circuitry
required to perform the functions of a computer's central processing
unit.
  Microprocessor is used for applications that require intensive
processing and is not made for a specific task.
 It is used in the development of software, games, and other applications
that require high memory and where input and output are not defined.
Eg: Complex home security, Home computers, Video game systems

Microcontroller
 A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed to perform a
specific operation in an embedded system.
 A typical microcontroller includes a processor, memory and
input/output (I/O) peripherals on a single chip.
 It is specially designed circuits for embedded applications and is widely
used in automatically controlled electronic devices.
e.g. Calculator, Washing Machine, ATM machine, Robotic Arm, Camera,
Microwave oven, Oscilloscope, Digital multimeter, ECG Machine, Printer

Difference between Microprocessor and Microcontroller

Microprocessor Microcontroller
1. Microprocessor is a component that Micro Controller is an integrated
is used for multiple processes; it is circuit designed for a specific task; it is
the heart of Computer system. the heart of an embedded system.
2. It is only a processor, so memory Micro Controller has a processor along
and I/O components need to be with internal memory and I/O
connected externally components.
3. Memory and I/O has to be
Memory and I/O are already present,
connected externally, so the circuit
and the internal circuit is small.
becomes large.
4. It cannot be used in compact
It is used in compact systems.
systems
5. Cost of the entire system is high Cost of the entire system is low
6. Due to external components, the
As external components are low, total
total power consumption is high.
power consumption is less. So it can
Therefore, it is not ideal for the
be used with devices running on
devices running on stored power
stored power like batteries.
like batteries.
7. Most microcontrollers have power-
saving modes like idle mode and
Most of the microprocessors do not
power-saving mode. This helps to
have power saving features.
reduce power consumption even
further.
8. Microprocessor has a smaller Microcontroller has more register.
number of registers, so more Hence the programs are easier to
operations are memory-based. write.
9. The RAM can be either from 2KB up to
It uses more RAM and can vary
256KB. It can have a flash memory of
from 512MB to 32GB.
32KB to 2MB.
10. Microprocessors are based on Von Micro controllers are based on
Neumann model Harvard architecture
11. It uses an external bus to interface
to RAM, ROM, and other It uses an internal controlling bus.
peripherals.
12. It has a very high clock speed.
It has low clock speed. Microcontroller
Microprocessor-based systems can
based systems run up to 200MHz or
run at a very high speed of up to
more depending on the architecture.
1GHz.
13. It’s complex and expensive, with a It’s simple and inexpensive with less
large number of instructions to number of instructions to process.
 process.

14. A microprocessor has peripheral

A Microcontroller contains peripheral
interfaces such as USB, UART, and
interfaces such as I2C, UART, and SPI.
high-speed Ethernet.
15. It is used mainly in a washing
It is mainly used in personal
machine, MP3 players, and embedded
computers.
systems.

Embedded Controllers (Microcontrollers)

 A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a

specific operation in an embedded system.
 Sometimes referred to as an embedded controller or microcontroller
unit (MCU), microcontrollers are found in vehicles, robots, office
machines, medical devices, mobile radio transceivers, vending machines
and home appliances, among other devices.
 They are essentially simple miniature personal computers (PCs) designed
to control small features of a larger component, without a complex
front-end operating system (OS).
 Embedded controllers are the general class of microcontrollers used to
support OEM-specific implementations.
 Embedded Controllers (ECs) are often found in low power embedded
reference designs, performing a range of Input/Output (I/O) and system
management functions.
 An Embedded Controller can be considered to be a microcontroller,
with I/O and internal features targeted to suit the typical needs of a low
power platform.

Figure 1. Generic Embedded Controller Block Diagram

  These blocks can be split into two main groups.
1. Hard-wired
2. Programmable
 The hard-wired group comprises items which have one hardware
defined function such as the clocks, interrupt controller, I/O, Timers and
Analog-toDigital Converter.
 The programmable group consists of the CPU, RAM & Flash memory
blocks and the functions of those blocks are defined by the firmware
(controller's software) programmed in the Flash memory.
 The hard-wired functionality is defined by the vendor of the Embedded
Controller.
 The programmable functionality is generally defined by the OEM/ODM
that is developing the system. This programmability allows the
Embedded Controller to be customized to the specific needs of the
platform and to be differentiated from the same EC used by another
OEM or ODM.

Elements of a microcontroller:

The core elements of a microcontroller are:

The processor (CPU) -- A processor can be thought of as the brain of the

device. This involves performing basic arithmetic, logic and I/O operations.
Memory -- A microcontroller's memory is used to store the data that the
processor receives and uses to respond to instructions that it's been
programmed to carry out. A microcontroller has two main memory types:
 Program memory, which stores long-term information about the
instructions that the CPU carries out.
 Data memory, which is required for temporary data storage while the
instructions are being executed.
I/O peripherals -- The input and output devices are the interface for the
processor to the outside world. The input ports receive information and send it
to the processor in the form of binary data. The processor receives that data
and sends the necessary instructions to output devices that execute tasks
external to the microcontroller.

There are many supporting components that can be classified as peripherals.

 Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) -- An ADC is a circuit that converts
analog signals to digital signals. It allows the processor at the center of
 the microcontroller to interface with external analog devices, such as
sensors.
 Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) -- A DAC performs the inverse
function of an ADC and allows the processor at the center of the
microcontroller to communicate its outgoing signals to external analog
components.
 Clock -- The clock is used to control the clocking requirement of the CPU
for executing instructions and the configuration of timers.
 Timer -- A timer is a specialized type of clock which is used to measure
time intervals. It counts down from a specified time interval and
generates a time delay.
 Interrupt Controller -- The interrupt controller provides a simple
software interface to the interrupt system. It manages interrupts from
various different peripheral devices.

An embedded controller can have the following tasks:

 Receiving and processing signals from the keyboard and the touchpad
(including touchpad disable), other buttons and switches.
 Thermal measurement (CPU, GPU, Motherboard) and response
including fan control, CPU and GPU throttling, and emergency shutdown in
response to rising temperatures
 Controlling indicator LEDs (e.g. caps lock, scroll lock, num lock, battery, ac,
power, wireless LAN, sleep)
 Managing the battery charger and the battery
 Performing software-requested CPU reset
 Controlling the watchdog timer

Robots and Robotics

 A robot is a type of automated machine that can execute specific tasks

with little or no human intervention.
 Robot is designed to execute one or more tasks automatically with
speed and precision.
 A robot can sense, plan and act according to the situation.
Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design and
development of robots. Robotics and Embedded Systems are used extensively
in modern technologies, including automotive, image processing, 3D printing,
and healthcare devices, as well as real-time critical systems and search and
rescue operations

History of Robotics
• Czech writer, Karel Capek in his drama R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal
Robots) introduced the word robot to the world in1921.It is derived
from the Czech word robota meaning “forced labourer”.
• In 1941 Russian-born American science-fiction writer, Isaac Asimov,
coined the word robotics and formulated the Three Laws of Robotics.
• In 1954 George Devol invented the first digitally operated and
programmable robot, Unimate, which represents the foundation of the
modern robotics industry.

• More advanced computer-controlled electric arms guided by sensors

were developed in the late 1960s and 1970s where they were used with
cameras in robotic hand-eye research.
• The first such design called PUMA (Programmable Universal Machine
for Assembly) was used to assemble automobile subcomponents such as
dash panels and lights.
• In 1989 a hexapedal robot was modelled to traverse difficult terrain. It
was notable for its cheap construction and development time, which has
given rise to a trend of incremental development in robotics.
 • In 1999 Sony released a robotic dog, AIBO that was capable of
interacting with humans. It was wildly popular as a commercial
product that was able to be programmed for a variety of different
functions, up to and including animatronic sports.
• In 2011 Robonaut-2 was launched to the International Space Station
and became the first humanoid robot in space. It currently serves as a
training tool for roboticists in space, though is currently being
upgraded to help astronauts complete dangerous, out of station
spacewalks.

• In 2017 the robot Sophia was granted Suadi Arabian citizenship. It

became the first robot to be recognized with a gender identity and
nationality.

Robots made in India:

Manav – India’s First 3D-Printed Humanoid Robot

Manav, India’s first 3D humanoid robot was developed by the A-SET Training
and Research Institute in Delhi. This two-kilogram, two-foot humanoid is
primarily intended for research purposes, and it has an integrated vision and
sound processing capability that allows it to walk, talk, and dance only in
response to human commands.
Mitra – Humanoid Capable Of Interacting With Humans
Mitra is a five-foot humanoid robot capable of intelligent human
interaction. It was developed by Invento Robotics, a Bengaluru-based robotics
company, and was launched at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in
2017 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ivanka Trump. This robot can be
found conversing with and greeting customers in the corridors of Canara Bank
and PVR Cinemas in Bengaluru.

Robocop- World’s first police officer robot

H-Bots Robotics based in Hyderabad, a start-up in artificial intelligence
and machine learning, has developed Robocop, a police robot that can assist
with law enforcement and traffic control. The life-size robot has cameras and a
variety of sensors, including ultrasonic, proximity, and temperature sensors.
The robot is designed to protect and secure offices, shopping malls, airports,
signal stations, and other public places.

Vyommitra Robot
Vyommitra is a female humanoid robot being developed by the ISRO to
function on-board the Gaganyaan. Vyommitra was first unveiled on 22 January
2020 at the Human Spaceflight and Exploration symposium in Bengaluru. It will
accompany Indian astronauts in space missions and will also be a part of
uncrewed experimental Gaganyaan missions prior to the crewed spaceflight
missions.

INDRO – Tallest Robot

This is India’s tallest humanoid robot. INDRO is an autonomous robot
designed by researcher Santosh Vasudeo Hulawale that was built inside a
house using readily available low-cost materials such as aluminum, wood,
cardboard, and plastic. INDRO can be used for light tasks such as
entertainment, education, and a few household chores. It has 31 motors and
can lift objects weighing up to 2 kilograms with its hands.

Shalu Robot
Shalu is the first female humanoid robot in India developed by Dinesh
Kunwar Patel, a Kendriya Vidyalaya, Computer Science teacher from Mumbai.
The robot was made at home using waste materials as well
as aluminum, plastic, cardboard, wood, newspapers, and other things readily
available in the local market. Shalu can speak 47 languages (9 Indian and 38
foreign). She can recognize people and remember them as well as identify
many common objects. She can understand human emotions and act
accordingly. It can be used as a robot-teacher in a classroom to make an
interactive class with children.
Apart from the above list there many more robots developed in India and are
being used for various purposes.
Eg: KEMPA is set up to provide flight and check-in information, as well as other
flight-related information. IRA 2.0, introduced by HDFC Bank, is an interactive
robotic assistant designed to improve the user experience for branch visitors.
Daksha is popular for being the first anti-terror robot in India developed by the
DRDO.

Laws of Robotics:
1. A robot should not injure a human being or through inaction allow a
human to be harmed.
2. A robot must obey orders given by humans except when that conflicts
with the first law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence unless that conflicts with the
first or second law.

Generations of Robot:
First Generation: The first generation robots are repeating, non servo
controlled type used for pick and place and point to point operations. The
technology for these is fully developed and at present about 80% robots in use
in industry is of this kind. It is predicted that these will continue to be in use for
a long time.
Second Generation: The addition of sensing devices and enabling the robot to
alter its movements in response to sensory feedback marked the second
generation. These robots exhibit path control capabilities.
Third Generation: The third generation is marked with robots having human-
like intelligence. The growth in computers led to high-speed processing of
information and, thus robots also acquired artificial intelligence, self-learning
and conclusion-drawing capabilities by past experiences. Online computations
and control, artificial vision and active force interaction with the environment
are the significant characteristics of these robots.
Fourth Generation: The fourth-generation robots are considered the robots of
the future. These robots are called androids or humanoids, or automata with
human features that mimic human actions and functions and may be capable
of producing their own clones. This might provide for fifth and higher
generation robots.
The following are things robots do better than humans:
• Automate manual or repetitive activities in corporate or industrial settings.
• Work in unpredictable or hazardous environments to spot hazards like gas
leaks.
• Process and deliver reports for enterprise security.
• Fill out pharmaceutical prescriptions and prep IVs.
• Deliver online orders, room service and even food packets during
emergencies.
• Assist during surgeries.
• Robots can also make music, monitor shorelines for dangerous predators,
help with search and rescue and even assist with food preparation.

Different Types of robots

• There are as many different types of robots as there are tasks.

1. Androids
Androids are robots that resemble humans. They are often mobile,
moving around on wheels or a track drive. These humanoid robots are used in
areas such as care giving and personal assistance, search and rescue, space
exploration and research, entertainment and education, public relations and
healthcare, and manufacturing.
2. Telerobots
Telerobots are semi-autonomous robots controlled from a distance,
chiefly using television, wireless networks (like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc)
connections. It is a combination of two major types, which
are teleoperator and telepresence robot.
A telemanipulator (or teleoperator) is a remotely controlled device, usually
encountered in research, academic and technical environments.

A telepresence robot simulates the experience -- and some capabilities -- of

being physically present at a location. It combines remote monitoring and
control via telemetry sent over radio, wires or optical fibers, and enables
remote business consultations, healthcare, home monitoring, childcare and
more.

3. Industrial robots
Industrial robots are automatically controlled, reprogrammable
multipurpose manipulators programmable in three or more axes. Users can
adapt these robots to different applications as well. Combining these robots
with AI has helped businesses move them beyond simple automation to
higher-level and more complex tasks.
In industrial settings, such robots can do the following:
• optimize process performance;
• automate production to increase productivity and efficiency;
• speed up product development;
• enhance safety; and
• lower costs.
4. Swarm robot
Swarm robots (aka insect robots) work in fleets ranging from a few to
thousands, all under the supervision of a single controller. These robots are
analogous to insect colonies, in that they exhibit simple behaviours
individually, but demonstrate behaviours that are more sophisticated with an
ability to carry out complex tasks in total. They include tasks that
demand miniaturization and also in search and rescue missions.

5. Smart robot
This is the most advanced kind of robot. The smart robot has a built-in AI
system that learns from its environment and experiences to build knowledge
and enhance capabilities to continuously improve. A smart robot can
collaborate with humans and help solve problems in areas like the following:
• agricultural labor shortages;
• food waste;
• study of marine ecosystems;
• product organization in warehouses; and
• clearing of debris from disaster zones.
One type of robot commonly used in the industry is a robotic manipulator or
simply a robotic arm.
• It is an open or closed kinematic chain of rigid links interconnected by
movable joints.
• In some configurations, links can be considered to correspond to human
anatomy as waist, upper arm, and forearm with joints at shoulder and
elbow.
• At the end of the arm, a wrist joint connects an end effector to the
forearm.
• The end effector may be a tool and its fixture or a gripper or any other
device to do work.
• The end effector is similar to the human hand with or without fingers.