Embedded Systems Basics and Robotics Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering embedded systems basics and robotics history.

Embedded system

A computer system mainly designed to perform a specific task within an electronics-based system (e.g., control, processing, storing, and accessing data).

Hardware

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

Power Supply

Battery or external source that provides electrical power to the embedded system.

Processor

Controls electrical and mechanical functions of the embedded system.

Memory

Stores hardware instructions for the system.

Timers

Measure time intervals or elapsed time.

Communication Ports

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

Input

Interfaces for input signals; examples include switches and keypads.

Output

Interfaces for output signals; examples include LEDs and LCDs.

ASIC

Application-Specific Integrated Circuit; integrated circuits customized for a particular use.

Software

Assembler, emulator, debugger, and compiler used to develop in an embedded system.

Assembler

Software that translates assembly language into machine code.

Emulator

Tool that imitates hardware to test software in a controlled environment.

Debugger

Tool used to test and debug software.

Compiler

Translates high-level language into machine code.

Single-functioned

Executes a single operation in a consistent manner.

Tightly constrained

Design metrics with limitations on size, power, cost, and performance.

Real time

Systems must perform quickly and with low power consumption to conserve battery life.

Reactive

Systems that constantly react to changes and compute results in real time without delay.

Microcontroller

Embedded system based on a microcontroller that combines a CPU with memory and peripherals on a single chip.

Microprocessor

Embedded system based on a microprocessor; CPU with separate memory and peripherals.

ROM

Read-Only Memory; stores firmware and software permanently.

Peripheral

Devices connected to the processor to extend input/output capabilities.

Sensor

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

A-D Converter

Analog-to-Digital Converter; converts an analog signal to a digital signal.

D-A Converter

Digital-to-Analog Converter; converts digital data to an analog signal.

Actuator

Motor or device that moves mechanisms or systems.

Requirement

Determine the requirements: identify what the system must do.

System architecture

Design the overall structure and interactions of hardware and software.

Operating System

Software that manages hardware and software resources in the embedded system.

Processor and Peripherals

Choosing the CPU and I/O components for the system.

Development Platform

Tools and environment used to develop the embedded application.

Code the application

Write and optimize the software to meet requirements.

Verify on host

Test the software on a host computer before deployment.

Verify on target

Test the software on the actual hardware target.

First Law

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

Second Law

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

Third Law

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

Unimate

The first industrial robot (1961), a 2-ton robotic arm used for automated die-casting.

Shakey

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

Control System

Coordinates all the motion of the mechanical system.

Sensors

Devices that measure physical quantities and provide data to the system.

Actuators

Devices that convert electrical energy to motion; e.g., electric motors.

Electric Motors

A type of actuator that provides rotational motion.

Mid-20th century

The main era of robotic research and development.