Module 7

Applications of
Embedded Systems
TOPICS IN MODULE 7
Introduction to embedded system applications using case
studies – Role in Agriculture sector, Automotive electronics,
Consumer Electronics, Industrial controls, Medical Electronics.
Agriculture Sector
 Contents
▪ Introduction ▪ Solutions
▪ Key Components ▪ Future trends
▪ Benefits ▪ Conclusions
▪ Sensor applications
▪ Actuator application
▪ Communication
▪ Challenges
 Introduction
• Smart Farming using Embedded Systems
– Refers to the integration of advanced electronic devices and
technologies within agricultural practices to enhance efficiency,
productivity.
– To revolutionize the traditional farming practices by incorporating
advanced tools and systems
– Empowers farmers with:
• Real time information
• Data driven decision making
• Reducing resource wastage
 Introduction
• What is an Embedded System?
– A concise definition: "A specialized computer system designed to
perform a specific task within a larger system.“
– Example: A simple microcontroller-based system controlling a water
pump.
• Why Agriculture Needs Embedded Systems?
– Challenges in traditional agriculture: Labor shortages, climate
change, inefficient resource utilization.
– How embedded systems can help: Precision agriculture, automated
tasks, real-time monitoring.
 Key Components
• Microcontroller/Microprocessor:
– The "brain" of the system.
• Sensors:
– Devices that collect data from the environment.
– Examples: Temperature, humidity, soil moisture, light intensity, pH sensors.
– A variety of sensors used in agriculture.
• Actuators:
– Devices that control physical systems.
– Examples: Motors, pumps, valves, LED lights.
• Communication Modules:
– Enable data transmission and control.
– Examples: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks.
 Benefits
• Increased Productivity:
– Optimized resource utilization, reduced labor costs.
• Improved Quality:
– Precise control of environmental factors.
• Reduced Costs:
– Efficient use of resources, lower labor costs.
• Sustainable Agriculture:
– Eco-friendly practices, conservation of resources.
 Sensors & Actuators
• Sensor Applications in Agriculture • Actuator Applications in
– Soil Sensors: Monitor soil moisture, Agriculture
pH, and nutrient levels. – Irrigation Systems: Precise water
– Climate Sensors: Measure distribution based on sensor data.
temperature, humidity, and rainfall. – Ventilation Systems: Adjust airflow
– Light Sensors: Detect light intensity to regulate temperature and
for optimal plant growth. humidity.
– Gas Sensors: Detect harmful gases in – Lighting Systems: Control artificial
the environment. lighting for optimal plant growth.
– Fertilization Systems: Precise
application of fertilizers based on
plant needs.
 Communication
• Wireless Communication:
– Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks for remote monitoring and control.
• Wired Communication:
– Ethernet and RS-485 for reliable data transmission.
• IoT Connectivity:
– Connect devices to the internet for real-time data analysis and remote
management.
 Challenges
• Power Constraints:
– Limited battery life in remote areas.
– Sol: A solar-powered sensor node.
• Environmental Factors:
– Harsh conditions can affect sensor and actuator performance.
• Data Security:
– Protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
Agricultural sector – Smart irrigation
Agricultural sector – Smart irrigation
Agricultural sector – Smart irrigation
 Agricultural Sector – ROBOT

Xie, D.; Chen, L.; Liu, L.; Chen, L.; Wang, H. Actuators and Sensors for Application in Agricultural
Robots: A Review. Machines 2022, 10, 913. https://doi.org/10.3390/machines10100913
Automotive Electronics
 Outline
• CAN (Controller Area Network) • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
(ADAS)
• Airbag System
• Drive-by-Wire Systems
• Electronic Data Recorders (EDR)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Traction Control System
• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
• Cruise Control System
 Controller Area Network (CAN)
• Definition: Controller Area Network, a robust vehicle bus standard.
• Role: Allows microcontrollers and devices to communicate without a
host computer.
• Applications: Used in engine management, ABS, airbags, and other real-
time critical functions.
• Benefits: Reduces wiring, enables faster data exchange, and improves
system robustness.
Controller Area Network (CAN)
Controller Area Network (CAN)
 Airbag System
• System Description:
– Sensors detect collisions and trigger
airbag deployment.
• Embedded Function:
– Microcontrollers analyze impact data
and activate airbags within
milliseconds.
• Importance:
– Prevents serious injuries, one of the
primary safety features in modern
vehicles.
 Electronic Data Recorders (EDRs)
• Definition: EDRs are often called “black boxes” for cars.
• Function: Records critical data before and during crashes (e.g.,
speed, braking, seatbelt use).
• Usage: Assists in crash analysis, insurance, and safety research.
• Embedded Role: Constantly monitors and logs data without
affecting vehicle performance.
 Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• System Description:
– Prevents wheels from locking up during braking.
• Embedded Role:
– Monitors wheel speed sensors, adjusts braking pressure to maintain
traction.
• Benefits:
– Improves vehicle control during emergency braking, enhances safety
on slippery roads.
 Principle of Working
• Wheel speed sensors detect whether a wheel is showing a
tendency to lock up.
• In case of a lock-up tendency, the ECU reduces the braking
pressure individually at the wheel concerned.
• High-speed correction of braking pressure up to shortly before
the lock-up threshold.
• Brake-fluid return together with the closed-loop brake circuits
make this safe and cost effective system.
 Traction Control System
• Function: Prevents wheels from spinning when accelerating,
especially on slippery surfaces.
• Embedded Function: Monitors wheel speeds, reduces engine
power or applies brakes to control wheel spin.
• Safety Aspect: Improves handling and stability, especially in
adverse weather conditions.
 Vehicle Stability Control
• System Description: Assists drivers in maintaining control
during extreme maneuvers.
• Embedded Function: Uses sensors to detect loss of control and
applies brakes or reduces engine power.
• Benefit: Reduces the risk of rollover or spinouts, improving
overall vehicle safety.
 Cruise Control System
• Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning
• CACC : Cruise at a given speed when the road is clear (cruise control)
otherwise follow the car in front, using Radar (adaptive) and/or
communications (cooperative).
• CW: Warn the driver when an object is being approached oto fast or it is too
close.
 Cruise Control System
• System Description: Maintains a steady speed set by the driver without
the need to press the accelerator.
• Embedded Function: Sensors monitor speed, adjust throttle position to
maintain desired speed.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Advanced system that can adjust speed based
on traffic conditions.
 ADAS
• Overview: Collection of systems designed to assist drivers,
including lane-keeping, collision avoidance, and parking
assistance.
• Embedded Role: Uses multiple sensors (cameras, radar, LIDAR)
and real-time data processing.
• Examples: Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency
Braking, Blind Spot Detection.
• Future Potential: Steps toward autonomous driving and
enhanced driver safety.
 Drive by Wire Systems
• Definition: Replaces mechanical control systems (e.g., steering,
braking) with electronic controls.
• Embedded Function: Sensors and actuators manage inputs like
acceleration, braking, and steering.
• Advantages: Reduces weight, improves response, and enables
more precise control.
• Applications: Used in electric vehicles, facilitates autonomous
driving technologies.
Throttle by Wire
Brake by Wire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V77jIMi21Vs
Consumer Electronics
Embedded Systems in Washing Machines
 Modes

Fully Manual
automated mode
mode

Semi-
automated
mode
 Fully Automated Mode
• Senses the requirement of water, water temperature,
detergent, load, wash cycle time and perform operations.
• Instantaneously senses cloth quality
• After the completion of work it should notify the user about
the completion of the work.
• Once the system is started it performs the task independenly
without any user interference.
 Semi Automatic Mode
• Once the predefined mode is started the system perform its
job.
• Washing conditions are predefined
• After completion it inform the user about the completion of
work.
 Manual Mode
• User specify which operation, they want to do, provide related
information of the control system
– Example: Only wash mode, or only dry mode.
• User defines the wash cycle and time, amount of water and
load.
• User start the machine.
• Specififed operation is performed by the machine.
 Components
• Display Panel
• Sensor
• Water level sensor
• Door sensor
• Driving motor
• Controller
• Pump
 Microcontroller and Prog. Language
• Low-level programming language ,the internal functions and
control the Hardware
• Arduino or Raspberry PI
• C/ Embedded C/C++ is a recommendation, C
Industrial controls
Medical Electronics
Pacemaker Block diagram
Defibrillator block diagram