History of Embedded Systems [year-4]

Summary

This lesson explores the evolution of embedded systems, from the first programmable digital computer in 1944 to modern smart devices. Key milestones include the Apollo guidance computer, the first recognized embedded system, the development of microprocessors by Intel, and the rise of multi-core processors. Today, embedded systems are integral to our daily lives, with over 95% of electronic chips being used in them. The future looks towards autonomous networks and self-driving cars, promising further innovation.

Takeaways

• 📜 The development of embedded systems began with the invention of semiconductor technology, crucial for microcontrollers and microprocessors.
• 💻 The Colossus Mark 1 and Mark 2 were the world's first programmable electronic digital computers, used during World War II for code-breaking.
• 🌕 NASA's Apollo Guidance Computer was a pioneering example of embedded systems, utilizing integrated circuits and enabling astronaut input through a seven-segment display and keyboard.
• 🚀 The Minuteman Missile project developed early embedded systems for military use, with advancements in integrated circuit technology reducing costs dramatically.
• 🖥️ In 1965, the first commercial instrument with an embedded computer, the PDP-8, was launched, marking a shift toward commercial use of embedded systems.
• 🔬 Intel, founded in 1968, revolutionized embedded systems with the development of microcontrollers and microprocessors, leading to significant advancements in electronics.
• 🚗 In 1969, Volkswagen introduced a microprocessor-based fuel injection system, a breakthrough in the automotive industry.
• 📱 The rise of personal computing and mobile devices in the 1980s and 1990s drove the demand for embedded systems, with HP's first touchscreen PC and mobile phones using embedded technology.
• 🌐 Embedded systems became wireless in the 1990s, with millions of mobile phones integrating embedded technology for functionality.
• 🤖 Predictions for the future of embedded systems include autonomous networks and self-driving cars, signaling the continued evolution of this technology.

Q & A

What was the first programmable electronic digital computer developed, and for what purpose?

The first programmable electronic digital computer was the Colossus, developed in 1944 for British codebreakers to read encrypted German messages during World War II.

What was the significance of the Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) in the history of embedded systems?

The Apollo Guidance Computer, developed in the 1960s for NASA's Apollo missions, was the first computer to use integrated circuits and is considered one of the earliest examples of modern embedded systems.

How did semiconductor technology influence the development of embedded systems?

Semiconductor technology enabled the development of microcontrollers and microprocessors, which are essential for embedded systems. Without semiconductors, embedded systems wouldn't exist as we know them today.

What advancements were made in the Minuteman missile program regarding embedded systems?

The Minuteman missile program in 1961 used discrete transistor logic and a hard disk for its guidance computer. By 1966, the system was upgraded with a microelectronic guidance computer using integrated circuits, reducing both size and cost.

What was the role of Intel in the evolution of embedded systems?

Intel, founded in 1968, played a pivotal role in the evolution of embedded systems by developing microprocessors like the Intel 4004 in 1971, which became central to many modern electronics.

How did the development of microcontrollers in the 1980s impact embedded systems?

Microcontrollers, optimized for power consumption and physical size, became widely demanded in the 1980s. Their use allowed for more efficient embedded systems in a variety of applications.

What technological advancement did HP introduce in 1983 related to embedded systems?

In 1983, HP introduced the HP 150 personal computer, which featured touch screen sensitivity, a significant advancement in embedded systems technology at the time.

How did embedded systems influence mobile phone manufacturing in the 1990s?

By 1992, embedded systems were integral to mobile phones, with around 10 million phones being manufactured using embedded systems to control their functionality.

What was the impact of the Android operating system on the embedded systems market?

The Android operating system, launched as open source in 2008, revolutionized the embedded systems market by providing a flexible platform for mobile devices and other embedded systems.

What future trends are predicted for embedded systems, according to the script?

The future of embedded systems is predicted to include autonomous networks and self-driving cars, with the technology expected to hit the streets by 2020, significantly changing industries and daily life.