The Engineering Projects

8 Things for Learning Embedded System Programming

Hello Friends, I hope you all are fine and doing great in your lives. Today I am going to tell you about the essential things you need to know for learning embedded system programming. An embedded system relies heavily on its program so it is very important to know the programming basics. First, let’s define embedded systems before going into the details of embedded system programming. In my last two articles, we have seen What is Embedded Systems ? in which we have learn the basics of Embedded Systems and after that we threw some light on What is Embedded Computer ? So, if you guys haven't read them yet then I would suggest you to must read them first because they will give you the basic idea of Embedded System Programming.

An embedded system is a system which is designed and developed for performing some specific tasks. It has a microprocessor or microcontroller. The system is devised to perform special tasks and has its own hardware and software parts. Digital Cameras, Phones, automotive systems are some of the examples of embedded systems. To perform required functionality, correct program for the system must be created. You should also have a look at Real Life Examples of Embedded Systems which will give you a better idea of why Embedded systems is so important. Moreover, you should also have a look at these Embedded System Projects.

Embedded System Programming

Now that you have an idea about embedded systems, so let's take a step forward and learn Embedded system. I am going to tell you about some basic things, every beginner need to know about embedded system programming before starting their projects.

1. Choose Programming Language

• The first step of learning Embedded System Programming is to select a programming language. Your first stage is to know all the options available and then choosing one from them according to your requirement and application.
• Embedded Systems can be programmed using both low level programming languages and high level programming language.
• Both languages have their own advantages and uses. Assembly language is used for low level programming. For high level programming, C is used mostly.
• Complex and sophisticated systems make use of low level programming languages. The user has more control on the hardware and memory with low level programming language.
• Small systems use high level programming languages. Such languages are easily understandable and the programs are readable and compact.
• As a beginner, you can start developing of your embedded system using C language.

2. Learn C/ C++

• The second thing to do for embedded system programming is to learn the programming language. The most commonly used language is C or C++.
• Most of the embedded system products are designed such that they support C language.
• This language is easy to learn and a good start for beginners. C is preferred for embedded software development.
• Programs written in C language are readable and easy to debug. This language is efficient and provides support for Input and Output devices.
• Therefore it is necessary to learn this language if you want to go for embedded system programming.
• You should get an idea about the basics of C. know about variables, conditionals, loops, structures and functions etc.
• You can check this great C# Tutorial on our blog, if you wanna learn C#.

3. Know your Microcontroller

• Microcontroller or microprocessor is the very important part of embedded system. So the third thing that you should know is your microcontroller.
• A microcontroller will act as a CPU of your embedded system. It has RAM, ROM and some other peripherals such as timers, counters etc.
• Most commonly used microcontrollers are Arduino, PIC Microcontroller or 8051 Microcontroller etc.
• Depending upon the application, first choose a microcontroller. It depends on the hardware that you want to connect with. Also the software requirements should be kept in kind while choosing microcontroller.
• It is the third step of learning embedded system programming. Now let’s move towards fourth step of embedded system programming.

4. Know Basic Electronics

• For learning embedded system programming, you need to know about electronic devices. If you have no idea about basic electronics, it is almost impossible to design embedded system program.
• Embedded system is not just writing a program. Your purpose is to make a complete system that can effect physical things. So it is necessary to learn hardware with software.
• For learning basic electronics, you can start with small projects instead of studying the details of all type of devices available.
• Also you should get an idea of basic terms like voltage, power, current, resistance etc.
• You can read tutorials about the concepts and also you can try starting with small circuits.
• Once you know these basics, you can work with your components and embedded system programming more efficiently.

5. Get your Equipment and Tools

• For learning embedded system programming, you will need some equipment other than microcontroller and hardware.
• You can start by having
  • jumper wires,
  • circuit boards,
  • batteries,
  • resistors
  • leds
  • soldiering iron and
  • Some testing devices like DMM (digital multimeter).
• These equipment is necessary just as other parts of the system.

6. Select Components

• Selecting components is also an important part of learning embedded system programming. For each component you have a variety of types to choose from. It is important to select the one best suited for your application.
• Datasheets are available for each component. First you should learn how to read a datasheet.
• All information regarding a component can be found from its datasheet.
• You can find how to use a component, what the specifications are and what are the power requirements from a datasheet.

7. Start with Mini Projects

• The best method to learn is to practice. Before you start working on some real projects, try to work on small projects.
• Working on some mini projects will help you in getting familiar with the microcontroller and your components.
• Also you can start with microcontroller kits, it is also helpful for beginners.
• After working on such projects, you can move to your actual project.

8. Use Simulation Tools

• Using simulation for your embedded system programming is also very useful.
• It is impractical to design a system and developing it into hardware form before checking if it is working as required or not.
• Simulation allows the programmer to check for various conditions and to control different parameters. It is even more useful when working on large projects where you have minimum resources and also where trying things after developing project is expensive.
• You should have a look at these Proteus Simulation Tutorials.

If you have passed through all these steps and know your task then you can start working on embedded system programming.  I hope now you have an idea that programming of an embedded product is quite different from regular programming as it requires you to know about the components, microcontroller and coding language.

What is an Embedded Computer ?

Hello Friends, I hope you all are fine and doing great in your lives. In last article, we have seen What is an Embedded System? Today I am going to write about Embedded Computer. I will be going through the embedded computer definition and how they differ from our general-purpose computers.

After that, we will have alook at the relation between control systems & embedded computers and different hardware platforms for embedded computers. Then I will throw some light on embedded computer as an emerging field. In the last section, I am going to tell you some basics of programming languages. I have also shared a tutorial on Real Life Examples of Embedded Systems so you should also have a look at this tutorial. Let’s first define an embedded computer before getting into details.

What is Embedded Computer?

We use normal computers & laptops at homes or offices, they are normally termed as general-purpose computers because they are capable of multiple tasks i.e. you can play games, you can install software, you can watch movies etc. Moreover, normal computers are quite big in size, expensive and draw heavy power. So, you can't use a general-purpose computer in your embedded projects as size & cost are main issues. So in the past decade, engineers have designed small electronics computers, they have all accessories a normal computer has i.e. RAM, ROM, Hard Drive etc. We can install Operating Systems on them(i.e. Windows, Linux, UBUNTU etc.) and can connect external perripherals (i.e. LCD, mouse, keyboard etc.). They have different technical specs depending on their manufacturers and are normally available on their official sites. These electronic computers are very small in size as compare to general computers and also quite low priced. Now let's have a look at a proper Embedded Computer Definition:

Embedded Computer Definition

• An Embedded Computer is a small-sized, compact, powerful and easy-to-operate electronic module, based on microcontroller/microprocessor and act as a bridge between electronics hardware and computer software.
• Embedded Computer performs specific functionality, which is normally programmed in it by its programmer.
• Embedded Computer normally has electronics I/O pins on it, which are used for interfacing embedded sensors & modules with it.
• After getting values from real world hardware, we can apply any algorithm on them in real time.
• Few Embedded Computer examples are Raspberry Pi, Beagle Bone, Arduino YUN, FPGa, Beagle Bone etc.
• Embedded Computer can work alone and can also be a part of a large system & the most common task that embedded computers perform is Cloud based IoT Projects.
• Amother important task that embedded computers perform is heavy computing, engineers use it to solve complex algorithms i.e. Blockchain.
• Below figure shows few of Embedded Computer examples:

Now, I hope you must have understood the word Embedded Computer meaning.

Embedded Computer System

• An embedded system designed using embedded computer is termed as Embedded Computer System.
• Smart Web Based Air Conditioner is an example of Embedded Computer System and they are very smart devices.
• You can control its temperature through Android App and can also check power ratings etc. from the app.
• So, Embedded Computer Systems are very smart systems, modern artificial intelligence, robotics etc. are few other examples.

General Computer vs Embedded Computer

• As I have explained earlier, an embedded computer is different from a general purpose computer.
• A general purpose computer for example our PCs are used for different tasks.
• Embedded Computer can only work on a specific task.
• A PC is able to work on different functions at the same time. As I am typing a document on MS word while listening to songs and downloading stuff from google chrome. MS word a special application software for documenting, music player for playing sound tracks, chrome is a browser, and all of these programs are running at the same time.
• We can also perform these tasks on an embedded computer system but they are not designed for these functions.
• IF you run GTA V on Pentium 1, what will happen ???
• Embedded computers are designed for specific embedded computer functions.
• Normally Embedded computers are used in those projects where data needs to be collected from electronic sensors & then needs to be uploaded on some webserver(website).
• Embedded computers are also used for complex algorithms, you must have heard of Bitcoin Mining, Raspberry Pi (an embedded computer) is a first choice for bitoin mining as it consumes low power.

Control Systems and Embedded Computer

• All modern control systems are based either on embedded computer or on PLC i.e. programmable logic control.
• Programmable logic control is used in industries but embedded computers are used everywhere.
• In embedded computers, all of the system is enclosed in some case while it is provided with and user interface.
• This interface is for the user to control and manage the operations of the computer and to see the output in some cases.
• The embedded computer is designed to meet the specifications of the control system.
• The embedded computer should be programmed in such a way that it should be able to control the variables and processes.
• The program should be real time so it can perform all operations in some time interval fulfilling the requirement.
• The control systems also require safety mechanisms that are controlled by embedded computers.

Embedded Computer may be built upon different kind of hardware. I am discussing three of them.

Microcontroller Based Embedded Computer

• Today microcontrollers are used with embedded computer instead of using microprocessor.
• Microcontroller is actually a chip with CPU and some other parts like RAM, ROM, Timers, Counters, Input/ Output ports etc. CPU is the main part that does processing.
• Microcontroller is different from microprocessor which require input/ output ports, timers and other peripherals as external parts.
• Microcontroller based systems are smaller in size and consume low power.
• Microcontrollers come in a variety of types. 4 bit, 8 bit, 16 bit and 32 bits are some of them.
• Examples of microcontrollers are Arduino, Pic microcontroller, 8051 microcontroller etc.

FPLD Based Embedded Computers

• In embedded computer, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), Application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) etc. could be used as alternatives for microcontrollers.
• FPLD stands for field programmable logic devices. FPLDs include FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) and CPLDs (complex programmable logic devices).

• FGPAs (field programmable gate arrays) are hardware devices which can be programmed.
• The hardware is not fixed so the user can design on its own.
• Although field programmable gate array offer flexibility, it is very complex.
• We can also build microcontroller using it.

DSP Systems Based Embedded Computer

• DSP (Digital Signal Processing) system based embedded computers are also being used.
• They found application where signal processing is required.
• DSP systems are somehow similar to microcontrollers if I talk about the peripherals and power consumption.
• The difference is that they also provide support for digital signal processing operations.
• The application areas include speech and music processing applications and communication systems.

Embedded Computer - an Evolving Field

• Today Embedded Computer is being used almost everywhere. They have found a lot of applications.
• Now embedded computers are considered as a separate field. They are able to perform a large number of different operations.
• Designing hardware and software for embedded computers is critical and it requires complete knowledge of this field.
• There are five things that should be known by a designer, which serve as the objectives of embedded computer.

Architectural Design

• The first step is to build a design that would be able to incorporate all the hardware parts.
• The design should be able to support all the functionality required from the embedded system.
• An embedded computer may be connected to sensors, actuators, switches, user interface etc. and it should be able to meet power requirements.

Analysis

For the development of product, it is necessary to know your hardware and software. The performance of each component should be known. The analysis may include:

• Analysis of components
• Analysis of power required
• Timing analysis

Modeling

• For the complete analysis of embedded computer, designer creates models before finalizing the product.
• This step is also important for performance analysis.

Verification

• It is necessary to verify the complete functionality of the embedded computer.
• Embedded Computers are application specific so it is necessary to ensure that they perform their required function efficiently within the constraints.

Application Orientation

• Embedded Computers are application oriented.
• Today, it is also becoming common to develop systems with some common applications.
• Almost all chips have some basic functionality and it is the choice of user to choose operations out of them.

Now I am moving towards the last section, which will give you guys an idea of programming embedded computers.

Writing Program for Embedded Computers

• Embedded Computers are normally programmed using high level programming languages i.e. python, C# etc.
• These languages provide more control to the user over the hardware and memory.
• Codes written in high level programming language are easier to understand and are more compact.

So, that was all about Embedded Computer. I hope you have enjoyed the tutorial, let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for reading.

What is an Embedded System? Definition, Examples, Types & Development

Hello friends, I hope you all are fine. Today, we will discuss What is an Embedded System? We will also have a look at Embedded Systems definition, examples, applications, types & development. For most of you, this term would have been quite familiar & normally people confuse it with a computer or Industrial PC etc. A computer is an application of high-performance Embedded computing but it's not an embedded system itself.

In my article, I am going to tell you all the basic information, need to know about Embedded Systems. What is an embedded system? How is it different from our personal computers? What are its main features? How can we enhance the performance of Embedded Systems? What are the main components of Embedded Systems? What would be the design parameters and constraints in designing an Embedded System? How can we classify such systems? and in the end, I am going to share some common examples.

I have also posted a tutorial on What is Embedded Computer? So, you should also read that because I have shared the basics in it. Moreover, if you are interested in learning Embedded System Programming then you should have a look at 8 Things for Learning Embedded system Programming. Let’s first define a system before diving into embedded systems, because that's essential and without understanding the basics you can't move to the pro.

What is System ???

• A system is a group of units, joined together to work in a specific routine and perform some fixed operation.
• These units could be of any nature i.e. if you are working on an electronics system then these units will be electronic components.
• Similarly, if you are working on some mechanical system then these units will be mechanical equipment or machinery etc.
• So, now let's have a look at the embedded systems and see what are its units.

What is an Embedded System ???

What is an Embedded System? In order to understand this question, let's take a simple example of traffic signal lights. "Traffic signal lights" is a simple system, following a fixed routine (i.e. Red, Yellow & Green). Before embedded systems, DLD(Digital Logic Design) was normally used to design such systems using 555 Timer. In DLD circuits, we have to design logic using electronic components (logic gates etc.), which makes the circuit quite messy and thus too difficult to debug. Moreover, DLD circuits are too difficult to upgrade as it involves hardware testing. If you check the image on the right side, I have divided this circuit into 3 blocks:

• Green Block: Input Power Supply(battery).
• Red Block: Electronics circuitry for Logic Designing.
• Orange Block: Output LEDs.

In order to overcome all these DLD issues, embedded systems were introduced where we write the logic in programming code. So, unlike DLD(pure electronics), embedded systems consist of both electronics hardware and programming software. As you can see in the second figure, we are controlling 8 LEDs using a single microcontroller. Now all the logics are written within this microcontroller in the form of programming code i.e. For how long Red LED should remain ON "OR" the duration between lights etc. Now the electronics part is very simple, we can add as many LEDs as we want, we can also change the logic in our software without touching the hardware & most importantly, now we can make it smart by adding cameras or sensors etc.

Embedded Systems Key Features
1	Key Component	Microcontroller/Microprocessor
2	Electronics Hardware	Must (At Least Basic circuit of the embedded controller)
3	Mechanical Hardware	Could be
4	Programming	Must
5	For Microcontrollers	Low-Level Language(i.e. C, Assembly language etc.)
6	For Microprocessors	High-Level Language(i.e. Python, C# etc.)

Let's have a look at a proper Embedded Systems Definition:

Embedded Systems Definition

• An Embedded system is a microprocessor/microcontroller based smart system, constituted of both hardware(electronics must) & software(programming) and designed to perform a set of tasks.
• It could be a big independent system or a small part of some other system(Embedded or not).

Embedded Controller

• An Embedded Controller is a key component of an embedded system, which stores programming code in its ROM(read-only memory) and performs assigned tasks. An embedded controller is of two types:
  • Microcontroller: Arduino, PIC Microcontroller, Atmel etc. (Low-Level Programming: Assembly Language, C programming etc.)
  • Microprocessor: RaspberryPi, FPGA, BeagleBone, Arduino YUN etc. (High-Level Programming: Python, C++ etc.)
• So, we can say embedded systems have their own programmable computer, which we can call embedded computer systems but it's different than general-purpose computers.

A general-purpose computer such as Pentium PC or Intel Industrial PC is not embedded systems as it doesn't perform any specific embedded function. A PC itself is connected to many embedded systems, such as a printer, keyboard, mouse, scanner, modem and many others. Such systems perform specific functions and have their own microcontrollers in them.

Embedded Hardware

• In order to power up an Embedded Controller, we need to design an electronics hardware circuit, which we can call Embedded Hardware.
• In the case of microcontrollers, we also need to design its electronics basic circuit, to provide operating frequency.
• If our embedded system is dealing with complex items i.e. sensors, motors, actuators, solenoids etc., then we have to design their respective control circuits.
• Embedded hardware could also be some mechanical structure or hydraulic/pneumatic pumps etc.

In simple words, embedded hardware depends entirely on the nature of embedded systems but it must involve electronics circuitry as we have to power up our microcontroller.

Embedded Software

• An Embedded Software is a piece of programming code, has to be uploaded in ROM(read-only memory) of the Embedded Controller & enables the embedded system to perform specific tasks.
• Microcontroller companies have also designed windows based software, where programmers can write & compile codes.
• For Microprocessor, high-level programming languages are used i.e. python, C#, C++ etc.

Embedded Systems Example

I have written a detailed tutorial on Examples of Embedded Systems, which you should read as I have shared real-life examples of Embedded Systems in it. Let's have a look at a few of them:

Printer

• The printer has its own embedded computer system, thus it doesn't need any external controller.
• The embedded controller in the printer is programmed to perform few fixed tasks i.e. read the data and print it on paper.

Few other Embedded Systems examples are:

• Telecommunication.
• Medical Appliances.
• Military systems.
• Automobiles.
• Consumers Electronics.

I hope that by now, you have an idea of what is Embedded Systems? Now let's have a look at key characteristics of an embedded system.

Characteristics of Embedded System

Embedded Systems have few specific characteristics, which you will find in all of them, These Embedded Systems characteristics are as follows:

Specific Function

• As I told in the previous section, an embedded system is not a general-purpose system, instead, it's designed to perform specific functions.
• If we have a look at embedded system examples (i.e. Camera, Mp3 Player, mobile phones etc.), they are all designed to perform some fixed task(although rich in features).
• These specific tasks are installed in embedded systems using programming and once installed, embedded systems keep on doing their assigned tasks.

Specific Algorithm

• For performing specific tasks, the algorithm also needs to be specific.
• Although in smart embedded systems, Artificial intelligence has changed the game.

User Interface

• Embedded systems may or may not have a user interface i.e. GUI (graphical user interface).
• In 95% Embedded projects, GUI is available in either hardware(LCD, GLCD, TF etc.) or software(interface to control machines) form.
• A user interacts with the embedded system using these user interfaces.

Real-Time Operation

• Another characteristic of embedded systems is to operate in real-time.
• According to the associated functionality, embedded systems react to events happening in real time and response accordingly.

Multi-Operational

• In Embedded systems, multiple operations may occur at the same time at different rates.
• For example, obtaining data, processing data, processing audio or video signals etc.
• All these operations may occur simultaneously or at different times and at different rates.
• Here, I should discuss the MIMO systems, they are multi input and multi-output systems and its opposite is SISO means single-input single output.

Now let's have a look at few features of an Embedded system:

Features of Embedded Systems

These features decide the overall ranking of an embedded system:

Performance

• The performance and accuracy of an embedded system is the main feature.
• It is measured considering all the conditions and constraints on the system.

Cost

• The cost factor is another important feature.
• Such systems are built for performing specific functions and in large quantities.
• The design process is costly but once a system is designed, customized and produced in bulk, overall cost becomes minimum.

Size

• One of the features of an embedded system is its size.
• The size should be small and it is done by adding more functionality in a single chip so that the need for external parts is reduced.

Power Consumption

• The power consumption is also low.
• This feature is becoming more and more important in new systems.
• Sometimes it happens that your embedded system has to be isolated and needs to run for a very long time so in such cases the power consumption is a critical factor and it has to be really low.

Reliability

• Embedded systems are reliable if they are operated under normal conditions.

These are the features of embedded systems. In the next part of my article, I am going to mention some constraints that should be kept in mind while designing such systems.

Embedded Systems Constraints

There are three constraints on designing of almost every embedded system:

Available System Memory

• It is necessary to consider the memory available when designing an embedded system.
• So selection of Microcontroller or Microprocessor plays an important role here.
• Before starting an embedded system, you must first do the complete calculation of memory usage.

Available processor speed

• One of the critical things to look upon is processor speed in the case of embedded systems.
• For example, if your task is to calculate the time of some incident then you must select a high speed processor.

Power Dissipation

• The need to limit the power dissipation is another constraint.
• This is usually done by adding more functions to the CPU.
• New designs of high performance embedded processors have more and more functions on a single chip to reduce space and power consumption.
• It’s the choice of the user to decide which functions he wants to use.

Now I am moving towards the next section of this article, where I am going to give you an idea of the basic composition of embedded systems.

Embedded Systems Components

• Embedded Systems Components can be categorized into four main groups
• , which are:
  • Analog Components.
  • Digital Components.
  • Software.
  • Converters.

Analog Components

Analog Components are very necessary components as they help in interacting with the real world. Examples of analog components are:

• Sensors.
• Actuators.
• Controllers.

Digital Components

Digital components mostly reside on the chip and do the processing operations. Examples are:

• Processors.
• Co-processors.
• Memory.
• Controllers.
• Buses.
• Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC).

Converters

Converters are used for converting signals. For example:

• Analog to Digital Converter (A2D).
• Digital to Analog Converter (D2A).

Software

Without software, an embedded system cannot work. The software is written in both low & high-level languages. This software is burnt to some non-volatile memory i.e. ROM. Examples are:

• Application Programs.
• Exception Handlers.

So these were the components of an embedded system. Let’s now talk about types of Embedded Systems:

Types of Embedded Systems

• There are numerous types of Embedded systems, based on performance and functionality.
• Based on performance, there are three types of Embedded systems, which are:
  • Small Scale.
  • Medium Scale.
  • Sophisticated.

• On the basis of functionality, Embedded systems types are:
  • Real-Time Embedded systems.
  • Standalone Embedded systems.
  • Networked Embedded systems.
  • Mobile Embedded systems.

Let's have an overview of these Embedded Systems types, one by one:

Real-Time Embedded Systems

• If an embedded system has to operate for a specific time, without any delay in the output/input, are termed as Real-Time Embedded Systems.
• Vehicle Number Plate Recognition using Camera is an example of Real Time Embedded System, such cameras are operating in big cities, they get the plate number using image processing in real-time.
• Real-Time Embedded Systems follow time constraints & give output at specific times.
• Here's a screenshot of Pixy Camera, which is very small in size, easily interfaceable with microcontrollers/microprocessors and used in real time embedded systems, you can read more about it here: Getting Started with Pixy Camera.

Stand-Alone Embedded Systems

• Stand alone embedded system takes input from its own input ports, processes data and gives output.
• Such systems work on their own, without using any external host.

Networked Embedded Systems

• Networked Embedded System is the fastest-growing type of embedded systems.
• These systems are connected with networks that could be LAN, WAN or the internet.
• The connection can be wireless or wired.
• Such systems use the network to access all the resources.

Mobile Embedded Systems

• This is the class of embedded systems that are used in portable devices.
• Examples of such devices are mobile phones, cameras, music players etc.

Based on the performance of the microcontroller, there are three types of embedded systems:

Small Scale Embedded Systems

• If the microcontroller used in an embedded system is 8 bit or 16 bit, it is classified into a small scale embedded system.
• Such systems have less complex hardware and software parts and can also be operated on batteries.
• Normally such embedded systems use Arduino boards or PIC Microcontrollers or 8051 Microcontrollers etc.

Medium Scale Embedded Systems

• The second class is a medium scale embedded system.
• It uses one or more than one 16 bit or 32 bit microcontrollers.
• It may use DSP (digital signal processor) or may use RISC (reduced instruction set computer).
• The hardware and software of these systems are complex.

Sophisticated Embedded Systems

• The third class of embedded systems is sophisticated.
• Such systems have huge hardware and software complexity.
• So they need PLA (programmable logic array), scalable or configurable processors.
• These systems have speed constraints.

That was all about the types and classification of embedded systems. I have discussed the basic information about each type with you guys. I am moving towards the next segment which is on microcontrollers. It is important to discuss why microcontrollers are used with embedded systems. Let’s define a microcontroller first.

Embedded Systems Development

• If you ask me who's an Embedded Systems Developer, my reply will be a Mechatronics engineer.
• If you want to be an embedded systems developer, you have to learn:
  • Electronics Circuits: It's required for interfacing sensors/modules with embedded controllers.
  • Embedded Programming: Embedded controllers are trained to specific tasks using programming codes.

Microcontroller

• Microcontroller has a CPU as the main part and other parts like RAM, ROM, I/O ports, and timers on a single chip.
• You can say that it has all components fixed on one chip.
• It is different from microprocessors which have Input/ output ports, timers and other peripherals connected as external parts.
• You should also read 10 Things for Choosing Microcontroller as it's gonna help if you wanna select Microcontroller for your Embedded Systems Project.

• Microcontrollers are suitable for applications which have limits on size and cost.
• The user can not add external devices to such a processor.
• No memory could be added.
• Few examples of Microcontrollers are Arduino, PIC Microcontroller, 8051 Microcontroller etc.
• Microcontrollers are suited for embedded systems.
• Other than microcontrollers, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), Application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), custom logic etc. could be used as alternatives.
• They come in a variety of types. 4 bit, 8 bit, 16 bit and 32 bit. Mostly 32 bit microcontrollers are used in embedded systems.
• The advantages of using microcontrollers are:
  • Microcontrollers are efficient.
  • They can make use of the same logic to perform many diverse functions.
  • Microcontrollers simplify the design of families of products.
  • They use more logic to implement functions.
  • Microcontrollers now have features that control and minimize power consumption.
• Owing to all these advantages and growing development in this field, microprocessors are used vastly.

Now let’s move towards the last segment of this article. I am sharing some applications here.

Embedded Systems Applications

There are a number of areas where embedded systems are used today. Their applications are not limited and it is hard to write all of them here. Embedded Systems are used in areas like:

• Automobiles
• Telecommunication
• Consumer Electronics
• Computer
• Homes
• Offices

Here I am going to give you a list of other applications and examples of embedded systems. They include:

• Anti-lock brakes.
• Auto-focus camera.
• Teller machines.
• Automatic toll systems.
• Automatic transmission.
• Avionic systems etc.

So, that's all about the Embedded Systems and I hope now you can easily understand what is an Embedded System? why and where it is used? You should also have a look at these Embedded System Projects. If you have any questions, regarding this topic then ask in comments and I will try my best to reply them. :)

Embedded System Projects

Hello everyone, I hope you all are fine and having fun with your lives. Today, I am going to share a detailed Embedded System Projects list for Engineering Students. I hope you guys are gonna enjoy this list of Embedded System Projects. I have shared a lot of Arduino and PIC Microcontroller related projects on my website but they are all posted randomly and are mixed with each other. That's why I have thought of creating this post, so that others can easily access them at one place.

Embedded System Projects are those Projects which are used in almost all kinds of automation. All the modern electronics based projects come in this category. In simple words, all those projects where we use Microcontrollers are termed as Embedded system Projects. So, here I have divided these Embedded system Projects in terms of the Microcontroller used. Before going into the details of these projects, you must first have a look at what is Embedded Systems. If your project is not listed in this list of Embedded System Projects then use the Contact Form and we will reply you. So, here's the detailed list of Embedded system Projects:

Basics of Embedded Systems

Our team has started this section recently and we are sharing the tutorials on basics of Embedded Systems. I will share the links of these tutorials in this section. Let us know if you like these tutorials:

• What is Embedded Systems? ? In this tutorial, I have shared the basics of Embedded Systems i.e. what are Embedded System Projects and how to design them, but tis not in details just the basics.
• What is embedded Computer? ? In this tutorial, I am going to share the basics of Embedded Computer. If you have read the previous tutorial then you must be well aware of Embedded systems so now its time learn about Embedded Computers.
• 8 Things for Learning Embedded Systems Programming ? In this tutorial, I have shared the 8 essential things which are required for Learning Embedded Systems Programming.
• 10 Things for Choosing Microcontroller ? In this tutorial, I have shared the 10 basic things required for selecting the right Microcontroller for your Embedded System Projects.
• Real Life Examples of Embedded Systems ? In this tutorial, I have discussed the Embedded Systems Examples and these examples belong to real life. I have shared them in detail.

Arduino Based Embedded System Projects

Below mentioned Embedded System Projects are all designed using Arduino Board. These Embedded System Projects are listed from basics to pro. So, if you are new to Embedded Systems, then I would recommend you to start from the very first project and then move lower but if you are pro then you can find your favorite one from this list of Embedded System Projects.

• Circuit Designing of LCD With Arduino in Proteus ? Its first project In this list of Embedded System Projects. In this project, I have interfaced a small LCD with Arduino UNO board and then I have printed words on it. You can use this project to create a simple notice board. Its a good project for beginners.
• Interfacing of Keypad with Arduino in Proteus ISIS ? Next thing to learn in this list of Embedded system Projects is Keypad. So, in this proejct we have interfaced Keypad with Arduino. Now you can easily design a small security system where user need to enter password using this keypad and then you print the result on LCD which we learn in previous tutorial.
• Intelligent Energy Saving System ? In this Embedded System Project, I have designed an Intelligent Energy Saving System. In this project, the system automatically turns ON or OFF the lights & Fans depending on presence of person in the room. Its YouTube video is also given in this tutorial.
• Voice Recognition Project Using EasyVR Shield ? Its a series of tutorials on EasyVR shield and its the first tutorial in this series. In this tutorial, I have given an overview of the Project named as Voice Recognition Project using EasyVR Shield.
• Home Automation Project using XBee & Arduino ? In this Embedded System Project, I have designed a complete Home Automation Project in which the Loads of a room are controlled via remote. For wireless communcation between remote and the loads I have used XBee module.
• GSM Based Home Security System ? In this Embedded System Project, I have designed a Home Security System and used seven sensors for security purposes and when any of those sensors gave warning then a tet message is sent over to user’s mobile phone.

PIC Microcontroller based Embedded System Projects

Here's the list of Embedded System Projects where I have used PIC Microcontroller as a controlling board. These are not much in number because I have mostly worked on Arduino but still much to have a look. I hope you will like them:

• Control Servo Motor with PIC Microcontroller in Proteus ISIS ? Its a simple project in this list of Embedded System Projects, in which I have controlled a Servo motor using PIC Microcontroller. This Servo Motor project can be used in many engineering proejcts where you need rotation.
• Interfacing of LM35 with PIC Microcontroller ? Its a digital Thermometer using LM35 and PIC Microcontroller. It will give you the atmospheric temperature in digital form, which you can display on any LCD. Its also a simple beginner level project in this list of Embedded System Projects.
• Stepper Motor Control using PIC Microcontroller ? Its a Stepper Motor Control Project in which I have controlled the stepper motor using PIC Microcontroller. Its a medium level project and needs some skills to accomplish it.
• Electronic Door Lock using PIC Microcontroller ? Its quite a good project in this list of Embedded System Projects and by adding some more functionalities in it you can make it as a final year project. So, if you have any questions related to this proejct then ask in comments.
• Password Protection using PIC Microcontroller ? Its also a good project in which I have designed a simple Password Protection System using PIC Microcontroller. I have given the Proteus Simulations for download on this project link.

8051 Microcontroller based Embedded System Projects

Here's the list of Embedded System Projects where I have used 8051 Microcontroller. I hope you guys are gonna like them, if you have any comments then share them.

• Interfacing of LCD with 8051 Microcontroller
• Interfacing of Keypad with 8051 Microcontroller
• Seven Segment Display with 8051 Microcontroller
• How to use Timer Interrupt in 8051 Microcontroller
• Design a Simple Calculator with 8051 Microcontroller
• Electronic Quiz Project with 8051 Microcontroller
• Interrupt Based Digital Clock with 8051 Microcontroller

I hope you have enjoyed this Embedded System Projects List for Engineering Students. Let me know if you have any other project in mind. So, till next tutorial take care and have fun !!! :)