Skills: none Concepts: embedded computer, RAM, ROM, sensor, effector, the “Internet of things”

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Embedded computers

Where does this topic fit?

• Internet concepts– Applications– Technology– Implications

• Internet skills– Application development– Content creation– User skills

I/O to and from things, not people

Memory

CPU

Storage devices(programs and data)

Inputdevices

OutputDevices

Things with computers inside (embedded)

What are the embedded computer’s input and output devices?

General purpose computer

Special purpose computer

Programs in volatile, random access memory (RAM)

Programs in fixed, read only memory (ROM)

Where is the program for this computer?When is it loaded?Does it ever change?

Air-bag control Anti-lock brakes Automatic transmission

Alarm Climate control Collision-avoidance

Cruise control Communication (e. g., onStar) Dashboard instrumentation

Stability control Ignition system Engine control

Seat control Entertainment system Navigation

Power steering Tire-pressure monitoring Windshield-wiper control

ten million lines of code

Sensors

Effectors

Home automation video (3m 6s)

Home automation

Would you rather turn the lights on/off with a controller or have them turn on automatically when you are in the room and it is dark?

Health and fitness monitoring

Self-driving cars

What sensors and effectors would be needed for a self-driving car?

Is this a good idea? Why? Why not?

Memory

CPU

Storage devices(programs and data)

Inputdevices

OutputDevices

Summary

1. Is an embedded computer more likely to keep its program in RAM or ROM? Explain.

2. What are the input, output and storage devices on a tablet computer?3. What are the input, output and storage devices on a smart phone?4. Are smart phones special purpose or general purpose computers?5. What are the input, output devices of an ATM machine?6. Where do ATM machines store information?7. Where is the program of an ATM machine?8. When you cook something in a microwave oven for one minute, what is the

embedded computer programmed to do when the time runs out?9. We talked of sensors for measuring temperature and acceleration. What other

type of sensors are available for today’s computer systems?10. Give an example of an effector that is controlled by an embedded computer. 11. What is some of the information your car can communicate using onStar or

Ford Synch?12. What are some privacy issues raised by automotive information systems?13. What sensors and effectors are used by today’s self-parking cars?

Self-study questions

Self-study questions

What are the input and output devices on this computer?

Resources

1. New York Times article on ARM, the leading designer of chips for embedded systems: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/20/technology/20arm.html?_r=1&th&emc=th

2. ARM Web site, with many examples of embedded applications and an overview of their product line: http://www.arm.com/

3. Risks of embedded smart phones: http://blogs.mcafee.com/enterprise/mobile/why-does-my-car-have-its-own-smartphone

4. The risk of software error in cars: http://www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/2010/05/techview_cars_and_software_bugs

5. The use of embedded computers in cars: http://spectrum.ieee.org/green-tech/advanced-cars/this-car-runs-on-code/0

6. Computers in Ford cars: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20004555-48.html

7. The Qualcomm tri-corder X-prize: http://www.qualcommtricorderxprize.org/competition-details/faqs

8. Teaching topic on self-driving cars: http://bit.ly/YzKtsm