Arduino

Workshop
Introduction to Embedded Systems

Embedded System
An embedded system is a computer system with a
dedicated function within a larger mechanical or
electrical system.
Often includes hardware, mechanical parts and a
software
Embedded systems are mostly based on
microcontrollers

Embedded System constraints

Available system memory

Available processor speed
Power dissipation
Programming the microcontrollers

Microcontrollers

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit

containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output
peripherals.
Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications.
Example : 8051, Atmega168 etc.
Microcontrollers are chosen according to the application requirements.
Fig 1 shows a block diagram of a typical embedded system using a
microcontroller.

Difference Between Microcontrollers

and Microprocessors
Microcontrollers

Contains
CPU
RAM
ROM
Other Peripherals
Can be termed as a mini
computer
Examples: Atmega168, AVR etc
Designed for specific tasks
like in washing machine,
pendrive etc

Microprocessors

A chip which contains only the

CPU
On the chip microcontrollers Dont
have
ROM, RAM ,Other Peripherals
Applications include Desktop PC
s, Laptops and notepads
Unspecified Uses like software
developing, gaming etc
Examples : Intel Pentium
processors etc

8051 An Overview

8051 is a generally used microcontroller

Architecture
Family of 8051 family of microcontrollers is referred as MCS51
8 bit data bus
Can address 64K of program memory and 64K of data memory
4K of code memory implemented as On Chip ROM
128 bytes of internal RAM
2 Timers/Counters
a serial port
4 general purpose input output ports and interrupt control logic

What is Arduino?

Arduino is a tool for making computers that can sense and

control more of the physical world.
An open-source physical computing platform
Based on a microcontroller board and development environment
for writing software
Applications

Developing interactive objects

Controlling a variety of lights
Controlling Motors
Incorporated in robotics

Why Arduino?
Inexpensive
Cross platform

Runs on Windows, Macintosh OS X and Linux

Simple and Clear programming environment

Easy to use
Flexible

Open Source and Extensible software

Can be expanded through C++ libraries

Based on AVR C language

Open Source and Extensible Hardware

Based on Atmels Atmega8 and Atmega168

Can make our own versions of the modules