Anyone working in information technology must have heard of embedded systems and microcontrollers.
These two terms are closely related to hardware systems.
However, if you ask what exactly embedded systems are and what microcontrollers are, and what the differences between them are, I believe most people would not be able to explain clearly.
Today, I will provide an introductory explanation to clarify these questions.
At the same time, I will also explain what we commonly refer to as 51 and STM32.
▉ What is Embedded Systems?
First, let’s take a look at what embedded systems are.
Embedded systems generally refer to embedded systems, which are called: embedded system. Embedded development is essentially the development of embedded systems.
The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) defines embedded systems as: “Devices used to control, monitor, or assist in the operation of machines and equipment.”
The definition in the domestic academic community is more specific and easier to understand:
Embedded systems are application-centered, based on computer technology, with customizable software and hardware, suitable for dedicated computer systems with strict requirements for functionality, reliability, cost, size, and power consumption.
Application-centered indicates that embedded systems have a clear practical purpose. Based on computer technology indicates that it is essentially a special type of computer. Customizable software and hardware indicate that it has strong flexibility and customization capabilities.
A dedicated computer system, where “dedicated” corresponds to “general-purpose”. Common personal PCs, laptops, and data center servers can be used for multiple purposes, which is what we call “general-purpose computer systems”.
What specific dedicated areas do embedded systems apply to?
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Personal Communication and Entertainment Systems: mobile phones, digital cameras, music players, wearable electronics, PSP game consoles
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Home Appliances: digital TVs, robotic vacuum cleaners, smart home appliances
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Office Automation: printers, copiers, fax machines
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Medical Electronics: biochemical analyzers, blood analyzers, CT machines
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Network Communication Products: communication exchange devices, network devices (switches, routers, network security)
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Automobile Electronics: engine control, safety systems, automotive navigation and entertainment systems
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Industrial Control Products: industrial control computers, interactive terminals (POS, ATM), security monitoring, data collection and transmission, instruments and meters
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Military and Aerospace Products: drones, radar, combat robots
Application Fields of Embedded Systems
All of the above fields use embedded systems. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
It can be said that embedded systems completely surround us and constantly influence our work and life.
Since embedded systems are computer systems, they cannot be separated from hardware and software.
A typical architecture of an embedded system is as follows:
Note that the most important components are the embedded operating system and the embedded microprocessor.
From a hardware perspective, an embedded system is a multi-module system centered around a processor (CPU) and connected by a bus:
The following image is a physical example of an embedded system:
In the upper left corner, S3C2440 is the CPU, in the center is RAM, and there are also ROM, network card, serial port, power supply, etc. It can be seen that although embedded systems are small, they are fully equipped.
▉ What is a Microcontroller?
The core of embedded systems is the embedded processor. Embedded processors are generally divided into the following typical types:
MCUs integrate ROM/RAM, bus logic, timers/counters, watchdogs, I/O, serial ports, A/D, D/A, FLASH, etc. Typical representatives are 8051, 8096, C8051F, etc.
DSP processors are specially designed for signal processing, with special designs in system architecture and instruction algorithms. They are widely used in digital filtering, FFT, and spectrum analysis. Typical representatives are TI (Texas Instruments) TMS320C2000/C5000 series.
MPUs evolved from general-purpose processors, have higher performance, and possess rich peripheral interfaces. Typical representatives include AM186/88, 386EX, SC-400, PowerPC, MIPS, ARM series, etc.
In addition, there are Embedded System on Chip SoC (System on Chip) and Programmable System on Chip SoPC (System on a Programmable Chip).
Our microcontroller belongs to the first type—MCU (Embedded Microcontroller).
Let’s introduce it in detail.
A microcontroller, also known as a single-chip microcontroller, is called a Single-Chip Microcomputer in English. It is actually an integrated circuit chip that uses large-scale integration technology to integrate the CPU, RAM, ROM, input/output and interrupt systems, timer/counter functions into a single silicon chip, turning it into a super small computer.
So, isn’t a microcontroller an embedded system? Hold on, let’s look further.
“Microcontroller” is actually an old term. In the past, due to immature semiconductor technology, different functions could not be integrated into a single chip, leading to multi-chip systems. Now the semiconductor technology is already very developed, so multi-chip systems no longer exist. However, the term “microcontroller” has been retained to this day.
Many university instructors like to emphasize that microcontrollers are “single”; in addition to referring to the microcontroller as just a single silicon chip, it also more refers to the single function of the microcontroller, which is a single module that performs computing, logic control, communication, and other functions. Even if its performance is powerful, its functions remain singular.
Microcontroller technology was born in the late 1970s, initially at 4 bits, later evolving to 8 bits, 16 bits, and 32 bits. Its real rise occurred during the 8-bit era. 8-bit microcontrollers were very powerful and widely used in industrial control, instrumentation, home appliances, and automotive fields.
When studying microcontrollers, we often hear two terms—51 Microcontroller and STM32. Let me introduce what they are.
The 51 microcontroller is actually a collective term for a series of microcontrollers. This series of microcontrollers is compatible with the Intel 8031 instruction set. Their ancestor is the Intel (Intel) 8004 microcontroller.
Note that not all 51 microcontrollers are products of Intel. Companies such as ATMEL (Atmel), Philips, Winbond, Dallas, Siemens, and STC (domestic Hongjing) also have many products that belong to the 51 microcontroller series.
ATMEL’s 51 microcontroller, AT89C51
This is a development board for the 51 microcontroller; the chip in the center is the 51 microcontroller.
The 51 microcontroller was the most mainstream and widely used microcontroller on the market for a long time, occupying a large market share.
In fact, the 51 microcontroller has no technical advantages today; it is an old technology. The reason for its enduring vitality is not only that it was once very popular but also because Intel has completely opened the copyright for the 51 core.
Therefore, any organization or individual can use the 51 microcontroller without paying or worrying about copyright risks.
Moreover, the 51 microcontroller has a strong existing foundation and a large user base. Many old projects use the 51 microcontroller, and for cost considerations, sometimes they can only continue to upgrade using the 51 microcontroller technology. Additionally, many older engineers are proficient in 51 microcontroller development technology. Thus, the vitality of the 51 microcontroller continues to persist.
Now let’s take a look at STM32.
STM32 is a general-purpose microcontroller launched by STMicroelectronics based on the ARM Cortex-M core.
STMicroelectronics is one of the largest semiconductor companies in the world, established in June 1987, formed by the merger of Italy’s SGS Microelectronics and France’s Thomson Semiconductor. In May 1998, SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics changed its name to STMicroelectronics.
STMicroelectronics Logo
ARM is one of the most powerful chip design companies in the world, having risen to prominence due to the rapid development of mobile phone chips, capturing a significant share of the IoT market.
In the microcontroller field, ARM’s Cortex-M core has overwhelming advantages and has become the absolute mainstream. Many semiconductor companies have abandoned their original architectures to switch to ARM architecture microcontrollers.
STM32 Microcontroller Development Board
The hardware configuration of STM32 can meet most IoT development needs, and the development tools and related documentation are complete, making it the first choice for microcontroller learning today.
▉ Differences Between Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers
Now, let’s take a look at what the differences between embedded systems and microcontrollers are.
From the previous introduction, embedded systems are a broad category, while microcontrollers are an important subclass within it. Embedded systems are like complete computers, while microcontrollers are more like computers without peripherals.
In the past, microcontrollers included fewer components, and the hardware differences were quite obvious. However, with the rapid advancement of semiconductor technology, various hardware functions can now be integrated into microcontrollers. Therefore, the hardware differences between embedded systems and microcontrollers are becoming smaller, and the boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred.
As a result, people tend to distinguish them in software.
From a software perspective, the industry often refers to systems without an MMU (memory management unit) that do not support virtual addresses, running bare metal or real-time operating systems (RTOS, such as ucos, Huawei LiteOS, RT-Thread, FreeRTOS, etc.) as microcontrollers (like STM32, NXP LPC series, NXP imxRT1052 series, etc.).
Meanwhile, systems with an MMU that can support virtual addresses and run “advanced” operating systems like Linux, Vxworks, WinCE, and Android are referred to as embedded systems.
Sometimes, microcontrollers themselves are powerful enough to be used as embedded systems. They are more cost-effective, and the difficulty of development and maintenance is relatively low, especially for more targeted applications. In theory, embedded systems have stronger performance and broader applications, but they are more complex and harder to develop.
▉ Learning Value of Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers
Finally, let’s talk about the learning value of embedded systems and microcontrollers—whether it is necessary to study embedded systems and microcontrollers.
In recent years, a saying has become widespread: “Software is king.” People generally believe that the value of software knowledge far exceeds that of hardware, and learning software and engaging in software-related fields will make it easier to find jobs with higher income and better prospects.
Embedded systems and microcontrollers are often categorized as “hardware” fields and are looked down upon. Additionally, the learning difficulty of embedded systems and microcontrollers is relatively high, with a long learning cycle that often requires a lengthy “trial” period, leading more people to abandon this path.
I believe this perspective is incorrect.
First of all, embedded systems and microcontrollers are not purely “hardware” directions. As I mentioned earlier, they are a close integration of software and hardware.
If you want to master embedded systems and microcontrollers, it is not enough to only understand hardware knowledge like digital circuits and microcomputer interfaces; you also need to learn assembly, C/C++ programming, data structures, and algorithms.
Having the ability to integrate software and hardware is far more valuable than merely mastering a programming language.
Secondly, embedded systems and microcontrollers have a wide range of application scenarios, with project and talent demands in various fields.
According to authoritative statistics, there is currently a shortage of 500,000 embedded talents in our country every year. Especially embedded software development is one of the most popular and sought-after careers in the coming years. Senior embedded engineers with 10 years of experience can earn an annual salary of around 300,000 to 500,000 yuan.
Moreover, our country is currently vigorously developing the chip industry, which will drive the employment of embedded talents and improve their compensation.
As the construction of 5G progresses, society is moving towards a direction of “Internet of Everything”. IoT technology will also usher in unprecedented historical opportunities. Embedded systems and microcontroller technology are important components of IoT technology and will enter a fast track of development.
Therefore, despite the arduous learning process, I still recommend ambitious youth to pay attention to this field. The more difficult the technology and the tougher the process, the more it helps to build competitive barriers. In the later stages, individual value can be further realized.
Well, that’s all for today about embedded systems and microcontrollers, thank you all!
Source: Fresh Date Classroom
Editor: Aloysius
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