What is the relationship between embedded systems and microcontrollers?

cdhqyj

What is the relationship between embedded systems and microcontrollers? [Copy link]

 

To explain the relationship between the two, we must first understand what is an embedded system and what is a single-chip microcomputer?

Embedded system, or embedded system, is defined by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) as: "devices used to control, monitor or assist in the operation of machines and equipment". In fact, the definition of embedded in domestic textbooks seems to be easier to understand: it is application-centric, based on computer technology, with tailorable software and hardware, and is suitable for special-purpose computer systems with strict requirements on functions, reliability, cost, volume, and power consumption. Application-centric means that each embedded system is dedicated and has its specific application scenarios. Embedded systems are dedicated computer systems, which is compared with general-purpose computer systems. What are general-purpose computer systems? General-purpose computer systems are notebooks, PCs, servers, etc. These general-purpose computer systems can help us complete more general operations. In any case, embedded systems are also computer systems, so if you want to work in the embedded direction, you also need to learn basic computer technology, such as C language, C++, data structure, network programming, etc. Embedded systems are dedicated, so where are they used? The application range of embedded systems is too wide. The following are what everyone can see in books, and they are listed below:

1. Personal communication and entertainment systems, such as mobile phones, digital cameras, wearable products, etc.

2. Home appliances: digital TV, smart home appliances, sweeping robots, etc.

3. Office automation: printers, copiers, etc.

4. Medical: biochemical analyzer, CT, etc.

5. Network communication

6. Automotive electronics

7. Industrial control

8. Military, aerospace, etc.

In fact, there is a saying about embedded systems: "All electronic products that use embedded processors can be called embedded systems."

So what is an embedded processor? Embedded processor is a relatively broad concept. If we break it down, it can be divided into the following categories:

1. Embedded microcontroller MCU (micro controller unit)

MCU integrates ROM, RAM, bus logic, timer counter, watchdog, IO, serial port, AD, DA, FLASH, etc. Typical representatives are 8051, 8096, C8051F, etc.

2. Embedded DSP processor (digital signal processor)

This is a bit far from what we are going to talk about today, so let’s not talk about it for now.

3. Embedded microprocessor mpu (micro processor unit)

MPU evolved from general-purpose processors, has high performance, and has a rich peripheral component interface. Typical representatives are AM186/88, 386EX, SC-400, PowerPC, MIPS, ARM series, etc.

4. Embedded system on chip (SOC)

The microcontroller we often talk about now refers to the MCU.

A single-chip microcomputer uses large-scale integrated circuit technology to integrate CPU, RAM, ROM, IO, interrupt, timer, etc. on a silicon chip to become a small computer.

When talking about microcontrollers, we have to mention 51 microcontrollers and stm32.

51 MCU is actually a general term for a series of MCUs. This series of MCUs is compatible with Intel 8031 instruction system. Their ancestor is Intel's 8004 MCU. Note that 51 MCUs are not all products of Intel. Companies including ATMEL, Philips, Winbond, Dallas, Siemens, STC, etc. also have many products belonging to the 51 MCU series.

STM32 is a general-purpose microcontroller based on the ARM+Cortex-M core launched by STMicroelectronics. STMicroelectronics is one of the world's largest semiconductor companies. It was established in June 1987 by merging Italy's SGS Microelectronics and France's Thomson Semiconductor. In May 1998, SGS-THOMSON+Microelectronics+ changed its name to STMicroelectronics Ltd.

To sum up, embedded system is a big category, and MCU is just a subcategory. Embedded system is a complete dedicated computer system, while MCU is a dedicated computer system without peripherals. But with the development of chip technology, as more and more peripherals are integrated into MCU, the difference between MCU and embedded system is getting smaller and smaller.

Nowadays, people distinguish between embedded systems and single-chip microcomputers, more from the perspective of software. If the chip does not support MMU, does not support virtual addresses, can only run bare metal (not running an operating system) or can only run RTOS (such as ucos, freertos), it is called a single-chip microcomputer. If the chip supports MMU, supports virtual addresses, and can run operating systems such as Linux, Android, VxWorks, etc., it is called an embedded system.

The above is the relationship between embedded systems and single-chip microcomputers. Please forgive me if there are any mistakes.

shuangchafeng

Very detailed explanation!

29447945

Easy to understand

Gen_X

It was explained very clearly, but I thought I understood it clearly, but now I’m RESET!

w494143467

Haha, it was a bit confusing before, but now after reading the summary, I understand it more thoroughly!!!

freebsder

It's interesting. Now the separation between single-chip microcomputer and embedded system is quite serious. It is indeed much more difficult to get started with embedded system than single-chip microcomputer.

cdhqyj

w494143467 posted on 2021-4-8 16:52 Haha, it was a bit confusing before, but now I have read the summary and understand it more thoroughly! ! !

You can add my QQ and discuss with me

yjpjjh

cdhqyj posted on 2021-4-12 14:12 You can add my QQ and we can discuss and communicate together

Very expressive, worth learning!

Fred_1977

Very well said, and it is exactly what I want to know and ask. I happened to see it here.

forest2000

The explanation is very detailed and easy to understand. The difference between microcontrollers and embedded systems is clearly expressed. Thumbs up

MAXTONY8

The benefits are considerable...

inkinessray

I have learned a lot! I think these two concepts can be interpreted from many angles!

starcat123

An embedded newbie who just figured out the difference between USART and UART is here to learn

suncat

The development of single-chip microcomputer is just a branch of embedded system. The sad thing for hardware engineers is that it takes a lot of energy to master single-chip microcomputer. However, bosses usually don't consider this point. As long as it is necessary, they will let developers do it. This is the same as software programmers. In order to work, they have to learn multiple development languages and development architectures. It's difficult.

gzwangyu

Conclusion: Embedded systems are a large category, and microcontrollers are just a subcategory.

heleijunjie72

I think the computer operating system can also be considered an embedded operating system. Its principle is very similar to that of the embedded operating system.