Unit 622: Embedded Systems Fundamentals and Applications

1. Introduction to Embedded Systems

• Definition and overview of embedded systems
• Characteristics of embedded systems (real-time operation, dedicated functionality, resource constraints)
• Examples of embedded systems in different applications (home appliances, automotive, medical devices, industrial control)

2. Embedded Hardware Components

• Microcontrollers and microprocessors
  • Architecture and selection criteria
  • Commonly used microcontroller families
• Sensors and actuators
  • Types and functionality
  • Role in embedded systems
• Memory devices
  • RAM, ROM, Flash, EEPROM
  • Memory hierarchy and usage
• Communication interfaces
  • Serial and parallel interfaces
  • Examples: GPIO, SPI, I2C, UART, USB

3. Embedded Software Development

• Programming languages for embedded systems (C, C++, Assembly)
• Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
  • Concepts and advantages
  • Examples of RTOS (FreeRTOS, VxWorks, ThreadX)
• Embedded firmware development
• Development tools and environments
  • IDEs, cross-compilers, debuggers
  • Simulation and emulation tools

4. Embedded System Design Principles

• System requirements analysis
• Architecture design
  • Hardware-software partitioning
  • Modularity and scalability
• Power management techniques
  • Low-power design strategies
• Design optimization
  • Performance, cost, size, and reliability considerations

5. Embedded System Programming

• Low-level programming concepts
• Device driver development
• Interrupt handling and management
• Communication protocols implementation
  • SPI, I2C, UART handling in software

6. Embedded System Interfacing

• General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO)
• Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)
• Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C)
• Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART)
• Universal Serial Bus (USB)
• Interfacing techniques and signal considerations

7. Embedded System Testing and Debugging

• Testing strategies
  • Unit testing, integration testing
• Debugging techniques
  • Hardware debugging tools (JTAG, logic analyzers)
  • Software debugging (breakpoints, tracing)
• Simulation and emulation
• Troubleshooting common embedded system issues

8. Internet of Things (IoT) and Embedded Systems

• Overview of IoT architecture
• Embedded system roles in IoT devices
• Cloud connectivity and data communication protocols
• Security considerations in IoT embedded systems

9. Embedded Systems in Automotive Industry

• Engine Control Units (ECU)
• Driver Assistance Systems
• Infotainment Systems
• Vehicle networking protocols (CAN, LIN, FlexRay)

10. Embedded Systems in Consumer Electronics

• Embedded systems in smartphones
• Smart TVs and multimedia devices
• Wearable devices
• Smart home appliances