Embedded Systems Basics and Robotics - VOCABULARY Flashcards

A vocabulary-style set of flashcards covering key concepts from embedded systems basics and robotics, including definitions of hardware/software components, development steps, AI, robotics history, robot types, and core terminology.

Embedded system

A computer system designed to perform a specific task within an electronics-based system.

Hardware

The physical components of an embedded system, including power supply, processor, memory, timers, communication ports, input/output, and ASICs.

Power Supply

Battery or external source providing power to the embedded system.

Processor

Controls electrical and mechanical functions of the embedded system.

Memory

Stores firmware/instructions for the embedded system.

Timers

Measure time intervals or elapsed time within the system.

Communication Ports

Interfaces such as UART, USB, Ethernet used to communicate with other devices.

Input and Output

Input devices (e.g., switches, keypads) and output devices (e.g., LEDs, LCDs) used by the system.

ASIC

Application-Specific Integrated Circuit; customized ICs designed for a particular use.

Software

Programs and tools (assembler, emulator, debugger, compiler) used to develop firmware.

Assembler

Converts assembly language into machine code.

Emulator

Mimics hardware to test software without the target device.

Debugger

Tool to identify and fix defects in software.

Compiler

Translates high-level source code into machine code.

Single-functioned

Executes one operation in a consistent manner.

Tightly constrained

Design metrics with strict limits on size, power, cost, and performance.

Real-time

Must complete tasks quickly and with low power to extend battery life.

Reactive

Continuously reacts to changes and computes results in real time without delay.

Microcontroller

A compact computing unit with CPU, memory, and peripherals on one chip, used in many embedded systems.

Microprocessor

A central processing unit that usually requires external memory and peripherals; more general-purpose than a microcontroller.

ROM

Read-Only Memory; non-volatile storage for firmware, often used to store software in embedded systems.

Peripherals

Attached input/output devices connected to the embedded system.

Sensor

Device that measures a physical quantity and converts it to an electrical signal.

A-D Converter

Analog-to-Digital converter; converts analog signals to digital data.

D-A Converter

Digital-to-Analog converter; converts digital data to analog signals.

Memory (RAM/ROM)

Memory stores data and instructions temporarily (RAM) or permanently (ROM/flash).

Actuator

A device (often a motor) that moves or controls a mechanism or system.

Basic Structure of an Embedded System

Common block diagram: Sensor → A-D Converter → Processor/ASICs → Memory → D-A Converter → Actuator.

Determine the requirements

First step in developing an embedded system; identify needs and constraints.

Design the system architecture

Plan the overall structure and interactions of components.

Select the operating system

Choose the OS to run on the embedded platform.

Identify the processor and peripherals

Choose the CPU and interfacing hardware.

Choose the development platform

Pick the development tools and hardware platform.

Code the application and optimize

Write software and optimize for performance and resource use.

Verify software on the host

Test the software in a host environment before deploying to hardware.

Verify software on the target

Test the software on the actual target hardware to ensure correct behavior.

Artificial intelligence

Science of training machines to perform human tasks.

Reasoning

Making inferences based on data.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Understanding written text and human speech.

Planning

Acting autonomously and flexibly to construct a sequence of actions to reach a goal.

Machine Learning

Enables a system to learn from data, identify patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention.

Robotics

Study of machines that independently perform work, following a set of rules programmed by a computer.

Sensing

Ability of a robot to perceive its environment via sensors.

Movement

Ability to move using actuators or joints.

Energy

Power source required to operate the robot.

Intelligence

Capability to process information and make decisions.

Isaac Asimov's First Law

A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow harm.

Isaac Asimov's Second Law

A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

Isaac Asimov's Third Law

A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

History of Robotics

Mid-20th century era with robots for tasks too dirty, distant, or dangerous for humans.

Unimate

First industrial robot (1961) by Joseph Engelberger and George Devol, used for automated die-casting.

Shakey

First mobile robot capable of perceiving and reasoning about its surroundings (1966).

Stanford Arm

First successfully computer-controlled electrically powered robot arm (1969).

Industrial Robots

Robotic arms that perform production tasks like welding, material handling, painting, and tightening.

Medical Robots

Robots used in healthcare for equipment lifting, washing, and surgery.

Military Robots

Robots used by armed forces for searching, rescue, and surveillance; also called artificial soldiers.

Space Robots

Robots used to substitute for astronauts in dangerous environments.

Entertainment Robots

Interactive robots that perform tricks and respond to commands for fun.

Domestic Robots

Robots primarily used for household chores.

Control System

Coordinates all motion of the mechanical system.

Sensors

Devices that detect physical properties and provide data to the system.

Actuators

Devices that convert electrical energy into motion.

Electric Motors

Motors that provide rotational movement to drive actuators and joints.