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Microprocessors in Embedded Systems

Dhanush

Updated: Sep 28, 2024

The Role of Microprocessors in Embedded Systems


An #embeddedsystem is defined as the integration of computer memory, processor, and input/output peripheral devices designed to perform a particular task in a given time. The Embedded system is the basic unit of the #electronics industry. The usage of the embedded systems ranges from mobile phones, digital watches to traffic light controllers, and avionics. For designing an embedded system, the knowledge of both microprocessors and microcontrollers.


In embedded systems, microprocessors take the response from sensors in digital form and process it to produce the output in a real-time environment. This article explains the concepts, types, and working of the microprocessors in embedded systems.



Embedded Meaning :

The term "embedded" itself holds a profound meaning within the context of technology. Just as a gem is nestled within a precious metal, an embedded system finds its existence within the fabric of everyday life. It refers to the intricate fusion of computer components, working harmoniously behind the scenes to enable devices and applications to perform their intended functions flawlessly. This "embedding" of technology seamlessly into our surroundings is what powers the convenience, automation, and innovation we experience daily.


Table of Contents


Microprocessors:


It is also a single VLSI chip with an association of additional units such as pipelines, coaches, and floating-point arithmetic units for the fast processing of signals. It operates with a clock frequency of about 2 GHz. #Microprocessors are meant for multi-processing and RAM, ROM, I/O ports can be connected externally. Processors inside a system consist of two essential units namely, a control unit and an execution unit.

Microprocessor
Microprocessor

A microprocessor chip is constructed with the help of #semiconductors especially thousands of #transistors which are integrated into a single chip for better performance. Microprocessors consist of various units such as control unit, execution unit, memory unit, registers, and system buses for data transmission.

Diagram Of Microprocessor
Diagram



Control unit:

This unit controls the program flow operation in embedded systems. It can also be employed as the fetching unit to fetch the set of instructions stored inside a memory.


Execution unit:

This unit is employed for executing various tasks inside the processors. It consists of Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU) and also a circuit that helps the control unit to perform its functions.


Memory unit:

The memory unit of microprocessors can be RAM or ROM. Other than this, there is a memory space called cache memory. It is nothing but a small amount of memory located on the chip of a processor. The microprocessor stores a copy of data and instructions in its cache memory while executing the program.


Registers:

The registers are small but fast memory space which is built inside the Central Processing Unit(CPU) to speed up its operations. Special purpose registers control the functions of the processor whereas the general-purpose registers store the arbitrary data.


System bus:

It is nothing but a wire used to attach different components to communicate with internal and also external parts of the processor. It receives the data and instructions from the main memory and allocates them to their respective cache memories. Processed data is again transferred to the main memory.


Types of Processors:


The processors employed in the manufacturing of the embedded system can be broadly classified into three types. They are,


Application-Specific System Processor(ASSP):

This is an application-dependent system processor used for processing the signals involved in the embedded system. Therefore, for performing unique tasks the corresponding processor is required.


Application-Specific Instruction Processor(ASIP):

This is also an application-dependent but instruction driven processor. This is used for processing various instructions set inside a combinational circuit of embedded systems.





General Purpose Processor(GPP):

GPP is used for processing the signal from input to output by controlling the operation of the data bus, address bus, and system bus inside an embedded system. This GPP includes microcontrollers, microprocessors, embedded processors, media, and digital signal processors.

GPP Functioning