5. OCR GCSE (J277) 1.1 Embedded systems

Summary

This video delves into embedded systems, computers with a specific function within larger systems. Key features include low power, small size, and low cost. Examples range from portable devices like digital watches to complex systems in vehicles and hospitals. They're often based on microcontrollers or CPUs, designed for efficiency and reliability, with programming challenges due to limited resources.

Takeaways

• 💻 **Definition**: An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical and electrical system.
• 🌟 **Prevalence**: 98% of all processors are used in embedded systems.
• 🚀 **Historical Example**: The Apollo guidance computer was an early example of an embedded system.
• 📱 **Diversity**: Embedded systems range from portable devices like digital watches to large installations such as traffic lights.
• 🏭 **Applications**: They are used in various sectors including hospitals, automotive, and industrial controls.
• 🔩 **Components**: Modern embedded systems are often based on microcontrollers or CPUs with integrated memory.
• 🔋 **Characteristics**: They are known for low power consumption, small size, and low per-unit cost.
• 🛠️ **Customization**: Systems are often custom-designed for specific applications.
• 💾 **Limitations**: Limited processing resources can make programming and interaction more challenging.
• 🔧 **Optimization**: Design engineers optimize embedded systems for size, cost, reliability, and performance.
• ☕ **Production**: Some embedded systems like coffee machines are mass-produced, benefiting from economies of scale.

Q & A

What is an embedded system?

An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function, designed to be part of a larger mechanical or electrical system.

What percentage of all processors are used in embedded systems?

Ninety-eight per cent of all processors are manufactured as components of embedded systems.

Can you provide an early example of an embedded system?

One of the earliest examples of an embedded system was the Apollo guidance computer used for the moon missions.

What is the range of applications for embedded systems?

Embedded systems can range from portable devices like digital watches and MP3 players to large installations such as traffic lights, factory controllers, and complex systems like hybrid vehicles, MRI, and avionics.

What are some common components of modern embedded systems?

Modern embedded systems are often based on microcontrollers, CPUs with integrated memory, and ordinary microprocessors, especially in more complex systems.

Why are embedded systems often custom-designed?

Embedded systems are often custom-designed for the specific application at hand to optimize performance, reduce size and cost, and increase reliability.

What are some typical properties of embedded computers compared to general-purpose computers?

Typical properties of embedded computers include low power consumption, small size, rugged operating systems, and low per-unit cost.

What is the trade-off for having an embedded system optimized for a specific task?

The trade-off for having an embedded system optimized for a specific task is limited processing resources, which can make them more difficult to program and interact with.

How do design engineers benefit from the dedicated nature of embedded systems?

Design engineers can optimize embedded systems to reduce the size and cost of the product and increase the reliability and performance, tailored to a specific task.

What are some examples of mass-produced embedded systems?

Some mass-produced embedded systems include coffee machines, which benefit from economies of scale due to their large-scale production.

What are some common examples of embedded systems mentioned in the video?

Common examples of embedded systems mentioned in the video include traffic lights, domestic appliances, factory equipment, engine management systems, and hospital equipment.

Outlines

00:00

💻 Introduction to Embedded Systems

This paragraph introduces the concept of embedded systems, which are computer systems designed for specific functions within larger mechanical and electrical systems. It highlights that 98% of all processors are used in embedded systems, with the Apollo guidance computer being an early example. The paragraph covers a wide range of applications, from portable devices like digital watches to complex systems in vehicles and medical equipment. It also discusses the use of microcontrollers and CPUs in these systems, emphasizing their custom design for specific applications. Properties of embedded systems, such as low power consumption, small size, and low cost, are mentioned, along with the challenges of programming due to limited processing resources. The benefits of optimization for specific tasks and mass production are also touched upon.

Keywords

💡Embedded System

An embedded system is a specialized computer system designed to perform a specific function as part of a larger mechanical or electrical system. In the context of the video, embedded systems are integral to a wide array of devices and installations, from portable like digital watches to large-scale systems like traffic lights and factory controllers. The video emphasizes the ubiquity of embedded systems, highlighting that 98% of all processors are used in such systems, which underscores their importance in modern technology.

💡Apollo Guidance Computer

The Apollo Guidance Computer is cited in the video as one of the earliest examples of an embedded system. It was a critical component of the Apollo spacecraft, used for navigation and guidance during the moon missions. This example illustrates the historical significance of embedded systems and their role in pioneering high-stakes technological endeavors.

💡Microcontroller

A microcontroller is a type of integrated circuit that combines a processor core with memory and programmable input/output peripherals. The video mentions that modern embedded systems are often based on microcontrollers, which are CPUs with integrated memory. They are chosen for their compact size, low cost, and suitability for applications requiring direct control over hardware, exemplified by the various devices and systems discussed in the video.

💡Low Power Consumption

Low power consumption is a key property of embedded systems, as highlighted in the video. This feature is crucial for devices that are battery-operated or designed for continuous operation without significant energy input. The video implies that the efficiency of embedded systems contributes to their widespread adoption in various applications, from portable devices to industrial machinery.

💡Small Size

The small size of embedded systems is a notable characteristic that enables their integration into a variety of products without taking up much space. The video points out that this attribute is particularly beneficial for portable devices and compact installations, such as digital watches and traffic lights, where physical dimensions are a critical design consideration.

💡Rugged Operating Systems

Rugged operating systems are designed to function reliably in harsh or demanding environments. The video suggests that embedded systems often require such operating systems to ensure consistent performance despite external factors like temperature fluctuations or physical shocks. This is particularly relevant for systems used in vehicles, industrial settings, or medical equipment.

💡Low Per-Unit Cost

The video emphasizes that embedded systems are typically designed to minimize cost per unit, which is an important consideration for mass-produced items. This cost efficiency is achieved through optimization and economies of scale, as seen in the production of coffee machines mentioned in the video. Low per-unit cost is a driving factor in the adoption of embedded systems in consumer products and industrial applications.

💡Optimization

Optimization in the context of embedded systems refers to the process of enhancing a system's performance, reliability, and efficiency. The video explains that because embedded systems are dedicated to specific tasks, design engineers can optimize them to reduce size, cost, and increase reliability. This is exemplified by the various examples given, such as engine management systems and hospital equipment, where performance is critical.

💡Economies of Scale

Economies of scale refer to the cost advantages that businesses obtain due to expansion. The video uses the example of mass-produced coffee machines to illustrate how the large-scale production of embedded systems can lead to reduced costs per unit. This concept is central to understanding how embedded systems can be affordable and accessible in a wide range of products.

💡Custom-Designed

Custom-designed systems in the video refer to the practice of tailoring embedded systems to meet the specific requirements of an application. This approach allows for greater control over the system's functionality, as opposed to using off-the-shelf solutions. The video implies that custom design is common in complex systems where unique performance characteristics are necessary.

💡Limited Processing Resources

The video mentions that embedded systems often have limited processing resources compared to general-purpose computers. This limitation is a trade-off for their low power consumption and small size. The script indicates that this can make programming and interaction with embedded systems more challenging, necessitating specialized knowledge and techniques.

Highlights

Embedded systems are computer systems with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical and electrical system.

98% of all processors are manufactured as components of embedded systems.

The Apollo guidance computer used for the moon missions is one of the earliest examples of an embedded system.

Embedded systems range from portable devices to large stationary installations.

Modern embedded systems are often based on microcontrollers with integrated memory.

Ordinary microprocessors are common in more complex systems.

Embedded systems are custom-designed for specific applications.

Embedded computers are characterized by low power consumption, small size, rugged operating systems, and low per-unit cost.

Limited processing resources can make embedded systems more difficult to program and interact with.

Design engineers can optimize embedded systems to reduce size, cost, and increase reliability and performance.

Some embedded systems, like coffee machines, are mass-produced, benefiting from economies of scale.

Embedded systems are dedicated to specific tasks, allowing for optimization.

Typical examples of embedded systems include traffic lights, domestic appliances, factory equipment, engine management systems, and hospital equipment.

Embedded systems have properties like low power consumption, small size, rugged operating ranges, and low cost per unit.

Embedded systems are found in a wide variety of applications, from simple to complex.

The video provides a comprehensive overview of embedded systems and their applications.

Embedded systems are integral to modern technology, from household items to advanced medical equipment.

The video explains the historical significance of embedded systems, starting with the Apollo guidance computer.

Transcripts

- [Craig] In this video, we take a look at embedded systems.

(uplifting piano jingle)

An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function

within a larger mechanical and electrical system.

Ninety-eight per cent of all processors are manufactured as components of embedded systems.

One of the earliest examples of an embedded system was the Apollo guidance computer used for the moon missions.

Embedded systems range from portable devices such as digital watches and MP3 players

to large stationary installations like traffic lights, factory controllers

and largely complex systems like hybrid vehicles, MRI and avionics.

Here, we've got examples of instruments used in hospitals,

car engine management systems

and digital clocks.

Modern embedded systems are often based on microcontrollers, CPUs with integrated memory,

but ordinary microprocessors are also common, especially in more complex systems.

They are often custom-designed for the application at hand.

Examples of properties of typically embedded computers, when compared with general-purpose counterparts,

are low power consumption, small size, rugged operating systems and low per-unit cost.

This, of course, comes at the price of limited processing resources,

which can make them significantly more difficult to program and to interact with.

Since the embedded systems are dedicated to a specific task,

design engineers can optimise it to reduce the size and cost of the product

and increase the reliability and performance.

Some embedded systems, such as this coffee machine here,

are mass-produced, further benefiting from economies of scale.

Let's just recap what we've covered in this video.

An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical system.

Its typical properties include low power consumption, small size, rugged operating ranges and low cost per unit.

Typical examples include traffic lights, domestic appliances, factory equipment,

engine management systems and hospital equipment.

(uplifting piano jingle)