Embedded System
A microcontroller-based embedded system is a specialized computer designed to perform specific tasks or functions. These systems are built around a microcontroller, which provide many integrated hardware and software without the need to design it. Compared to a microprocessor-based system, it is often cheaper and more power-efficient, but less powerful and less flexible.
A MCU-based system contains essential components present in all systems, and additional components depending on the functionality of the product.
The microcontroller is the heart of an MCU-based system. It includes the main core, internal memory and I/O interfaces, all in a single chip.
Every system has a power supply module, which provides the necessary energy to operate (often through a battery or power adapter).
Depending on its computing requirements, the system can include external processors (such as a co-processor, a DSP or a NPU). Likewise, the system can include additional external memory besides the internal memory integrated in the microcontroller.
A system can include off-the-shelf add-on modules such as a GPS module, a Bluetooth module or a Wi-Fi module.
Finally, the system can include various peripherals depending on the function of the product. There can be input peripherals (sensors, buttons, microphone, camera, touch screen…) and output peripherals (actuators, LEDs, speaker, display…).
The components of a MCU-based system are selected and assembled for a specific purpose, taking into account the capabilities of the product and the resources needed to implement them. This contrasts with MPU-based systems, which are general-purpose computers that can be used for very different purposes.
Thanks to an optimized usage of processing power and memory, the bill of materials (BOM) can be streamlined. This makes MCU-based systems cost-efficient.
MCU-based systems can achieve low power consumption. This can be important for devices running on batteries such wearable devices.
MCU-based systems operate in real-time. They can response to input events within a strict time frame, which can be crucial on automotive systems for example.
By assembling peripherals within a single chip (the microcontroller), MCU-based systems are more compact. This can be important for products which must be as small as possible such as earbuds.
The main downside of MCU-based systems is that they have limited resources, specifically processing power and memory, compared to MPU-based systems.
The complexity of building a MCU-based system can be important, as it requires knowledge of low-level hardware and software.