Microprocessors And Its Real-time

Applications
Vijetha V
Akshatha Kini
Vinutha Pai K
Sushma Baliga B
February 16, 2009
Contents
1 Introduction 3
2 Applications 4
2.1 Trac light control and information transmission device . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Camera with microprocessor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.3 Microwave oven control with external memory control data . . . . . . 7
2.4 Water temperature control system for a washing machine . . . . . . . 8
2.5 Toy airplane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.6 Microprocessor applications in the nuclear industry . . . . . . . . . . 9
3 Conclusion 10
February 16, 2009 Microprocessors And Its Real-time Applications
1 Introduction
A microprocessor is a circuit that combines the instruction-handling, arithmetic, and
logical operations of a computer on a single chip. A microprocessor executes the
programs stored in main memory by fetching their instructions, examining them, and
then executing them one after another according to their programmatic order. Micro-
processors may implement the technique of overlapping a fetching stage, a decoding
stage, an execution stage and possibly a write back stage. These steps are controlled
by a periodic clock signal. The period of the clock signal is the processor cycle time.
A microprocessor receives instructions composing a program from a storage device,
and decodes the instructions with the decoder to control its constituent device such as
a calculation device, an input device, an output device, a storage device, or a control
device depending on the contents of the instructions, thereby to proceed with the
processes in sequence.
Microprocessors are used to handle a set of tasks that control one or more external
events or systems. Microprocessors are typically used in either reactive or embedded
systems.
Reactive systems are those that have an ongoing interaction with their environment
- for example, a re-control system that constantly reacts to buttons pressed by a
pilot.
Embedded systems are those used to control specialized hardware in which the
computer system is installed - for example, the microprocessor system used to control
the fuel/air mixture in the carburetor of many automobiles. In embedded systems
the software system is completely encapsulated by the hardware that it controls.
Often the processor is required to manage various dierent tasks that have to be
scheduled somehow and must also deal with outside interrupt sources such as an
alarm when something goes wrong.
Real-time systems are those in which timeliness is as important as the correctness of
the outputs, although this does NOT mean that they have to be fast systems.
A real-time system does not have to process data in microseconds to be considered
real-time - it must simply have response times that are constrained and thus pre-
dictable.
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February 16, 2009 Microprocessors And Its Real-time Applications
2 Applications
Some of the real time applications of microprocessor are explained below. The ex-
plained applications are:
Trac lights
Digital camera
Microwave oven
Water temperature control system for a washing machine
Toy airplane
Microprocessor applications in the nuclear industry
2.1 Trac light control and information transmission device
A trac light control and information transmission device compromising a micropro-
cessor, trac light controller, an electronic display board, a video camera, a compres-
sion circuitry, an I/O interface, a trac ow detector and DSL (Digital Subscriber
Loop). The control signals, trac, public information or news of the central trac
control computer can go through the DSL to the microprocessor; the microprocessor
can control the trac light and display all the information on the electronic display
board. The trac ow data of the cross roads can be accessed by the trac ow
detector and the video camera and transmitted back to the central trac control
computer. A representative diagram is shown in the gure below.
Figure 1: Repesentative Diagram
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February 16, 2009 Microprocessors And Its Real-time Applications
Detailed Description
Trac light control and information transmission device that consists of a micro-
processor on the cross road, the microprocessor further connects to a trac light
controller, an electronic display board, a video camera, a compression circuitry, an
I/O interface, a trac ow detector which are connected to the central trac control
computer through the DSL (Digital Subscriber Loop). The control signals, trac,
public information or news of the central trac control computer can go through
the DSL to the microprocessor; the microprocessor can control the trac light and
display all the information on the electronic display board. The trac ow data of
the cross roads can be accessed by the trac ow detector and the video camera
and transmitted back to the central trac control computer. This scheme applies
the existing broadband network to transmit data between the central trac control
computer and the microprocessors of the cross roads to avoid the installation of the
cables and save the construction cost.
Heretofore, it is known that a trac light applies red, yellow and green light to control
the trac direction and ow, the control of the trac light is done by the local control
box or by the computer in the remote central trac control oce so that the trac
ow can be controlled under normal.
Cables and/or wires must be installed between every control box of the trac light
and the central computer to transmit the control signals and data; two ways to install
the cables: above ground and underground.
It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide a trac light control
and information transmission device that applies the existing broadband network to
transmit data between the central trac control computer and the microprocessors
of the cross roads to avoid the installation of the cables and save the construction
cost.
In order to achieve the objective set forth, a trac light control and information trans-
mission device in accordance with the present invention comprises a microprocessor
on the cross road, the microprocessor further connects to a trac light controller, an
electronic display board, a video camera, a compression circuitry, an I/O interface,
a trac ow detector and connected to the central trac control computer through
the DSL (Digital Subscriber Loop). The control signals, trac, public information or
news of the central trac control computer can go through the DSL to the micropro-
cessor; the microprocessor can control the trac light and display all the information
on the electronic display board.
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February 16, 2009 Microprocessors And Its Real-time Applications
2.2 Camera with microprocessor
A digital camera includes a photo sensor with a plurality of picture elements that
dene an image resolution that is adjustable. The digital camera includes a micro-
processor that provides for exible operation of the digital camera. The micropro-
cessor also provides the digital camera manufacturer the capability of economically
conguring the digital camera as desired. The microprocessor also provides the digi-
tal camera user with on demand specialized imaging modes such as the capture mode
and the cine view mode.
Detailed Description
The digital camera generally includes a lens or lens assembly attached to a body,
and within the body there is a viewnder, an aperture, a shutter, and a stepper
motor for adjusting the lens assembly, aperture, and shutter. Also within the body
there is an image capturing medium, a gain control device, an analog-to-digital (A-D)
converter, a digital-to-analog (D-A) converter, a microprocessor, a memory controller,
an internal memory unit, and a memory card. Display and control panels are provided
on the body for input/output with the user. Power is provided by a power unit such
as a battery.
The digital camera is capable of operation in a variety of lighting conditions ranging
from the very bright sunlit outdoors to very dimly lit or dark situations. Low-light
performance of the digital camera is implemented in a variety of ways. The digital
camera adjusts to low-light conditions by modifying one or more of the following
settings: size of the aperture, speed of the shutter, gain from the image capturing
medium, and resolution capability of the image capturing medium.
The image capturing medium may be a complimentary metal oxide semiconductor
(CMOS) sensor that is positioned behind the lens, aperture, and shutter within the
body of the camera. The image capturing medium encompasses any device or material
that is capable of capturing radiant energy and at least partially capable of converting
same into an electronic signal that becomes a virtual representation of the optical
image projected onto the sensor by the lens assembly.
The gain control device is connected the CMOS sensor to amplify the electronic
signals. The gain control device may be a variable analog amplier that is connected
between the A-D converter and the CMOS sensor to regulate the intensity of the
electronic signal passing from the CMOS sensor to the microprocessor via the A-D
converter. The intensity of the signal is also regulated by the microprocessor via
the DA converter that is interposed the microprocessor and gain control device. The
A-D converter converts the amplied analog signals from the gain control device into
digital signals of acceptable levels that are appropriate for the microprocessor.
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February 16, 2009 Microprocessors And Its Real-time Applications
The low-light level performance of the digital camera can also be regulated by the gain
control device. The microprocessor can signal the gain control device to amplify the
signal from the CMOS sensor to make up for a weak signal due to low-light conditions,
with some attendant amplication of inherent noise from the CMOS sensor. The gain
control device, aperture, and shutter may be adjustable together in any combination
or adjustable independently to constitute an image enhancement apparatus that is
automatically controlled by the microprocessor.
2.3 Microwave oven control with external memory control
data
A microwave control unit that includes external memory storage is for storing control
parameters, cooking parameters, and feature data. In one embodiment, the control
unit includes a pre-programmed microprocessor coupled to a key panel and a display.
The controller also is coupled, to a power supply, sensors, and power switches. The
control microprocessor includes an on-board memory unit, e.g., a read only memory,
for storing the control program as well as control parameters, cooking parameters,
and feature data. Under the control of the control program, the microprocessor is
congured to control, energy output levels and cooking time based on the operator
inputs. The control unit also includes an external model conguration read only
memory (EMCR) coupled to the control microprocessor via an external bus. The
EMCR also has control parameters, cooking parameters, and feature data stored.
The parameters and data stored in the EMCR can dier in many respects from the
control program stored in the on-board memory.
Detailed Description
Control unit includes a pre-programmed controller or control microprocessor, coupled
to a key panel and a display. An operator may input instructions to controller via
key panel, and certain messages and data are displayed by controller on display. For
example, the remaining time in a cooking cycle may be displayed by controller. Con-
troller also is coupled, to a power supply, sensors, and power switches. Instructions
input by an operator at key panel are utilized by controller in controlling cooking op-
erations. Temperature representative signals are provided to controller by sensors so
that controller can determine whether the desired operation is being achieved. Con-
troller includes an on-board memory unit, read only memory, for storing a control
program, control parameters, cooking parameters, and feature data.
Control unit also includes an external model conguration read only memory (EMCR)
coupled to control microprocessor via an external bus. More particularly, EMCR is
congured for serial communications with processor, which provides the advantage
that only two lines are needed for connecting EMCR to processor. The parameters
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February 16, 2009 Microprocessors And Its Real-time Applications
and data stored in EMCR can dier in many respects from the parameters and data
stored in the on-board memory.
When EMCR is installed, processor uses only the parameters and data in EMCR.
When EMCR is not installed, processor uses only the parameters and data stored in
ROM.
Control microprocessor and EMCR be mounted on the same printed circuit board.
The printed circuit board would include a socket connector for receiving EMCR.
EMCR can be removed and inserted into such socket connector when desired. EMCR
is congured for serial communications with processor. Such serial communications
provides the advantage that only two lines are needed to connect EMCR to processor.
Illustrating process steps executed by control microprocessor, and upon initialization
of control microprocessor, microprocessor attempts to read parameters or data from
EMCR. If the attempt to read from EMCR is successful, a requested parameter or
data is returned, and then processor continues with processing using the parameters
and data set stored in EMCR. If the attempt is not successful, then processor uses
the parameters and data stored in on-board ROM.
The control unit therefore enables fast and easy conversion to modied parameters
and data, and is believed to be less expensive than using specialized processors that
allow for revisions to parameters and data stored in the on-board memory.
Alternatively, and rather than a total redesign and change-out of an existing pro-
cessor, the EMCR can be used to revise or add just a few or maybe even just one
function. Such architecture enables creation of a base routine with a supplemental
routine both the base routine and the supplemental routine would be executed by the
processor. Multiple supplemental routines could be generated and stored in EMCRs
to enable reconguration of the processor control based on the oven model, rather
than separate processor control programs for each model.
2.4 Water temperature control system for a washing machine
A microprocessor controlled water temperature control system is used in a washing
machine or dish washer. Average water ll temperature is calculated periodically and,
with one water valve maintained in an on condition, the other water valve is cycled for
a percentage on time as calculated by the microprocessor which is required to produce
an actual water ll temperature equal to the desired water temperature selected by
the user. The single water valve is cycled on and o repetitively over a predetermined
cycle time period with the percentage on time being recalculated for each cycle so
that the system is capable of adapting to changing inlet water temperatures.
This invention relates to washing machines and, more particularly, to automatic
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February 16, 2009 Microprocessors And Its Real-time Applications
washing machines that have a system for controlling the temperature of ll water
introduced into the washing machine tub. Systems for providing selectable water
ll temperatures in, for example, clothes washers are well known. Sophisticated and
expensive systems employing temperature sensors and modulated valves have been
employed while more economical systems that merely turn on one or both water
valves to achieve hot, cold or warm selection have also been employed.
2.5 Toy airplane
A toy airplane assembly is provided that is easy to y, inexpensive, and durable.
The toy plane assembly includes a plane having a radio receiver and a microproces-
sor. Batteries housed in the fuselage power the printed circuit board to which the
microprocessor and radio receiver are attached. The radio receiver receives signals
from a hand-held remote control radio transmitter and signals are transmitted to the
microprocessor. The microprocessor decodes the signals and, in response, distributes
power to the motors for driving the propellers. All movement of the plane is controlled
by the microprocessor, thereby providing microprocessor assisted ight. The plane
fuselage is a one-piece molded part, made of a foam material to provide a durable
plane.
Detailed Description
The radio controlled plane assembly of the present invention is easy to y. The plane
fuselage is a one-piece molded part.
Motors drive propellers positioned on the wing on opposite sides of the fuselage. The
microprocessor and the radio receiver are attached to a printed circuit board housed in
the fuselage. Batteries supply power to the printed circuit board. The radio receiver
located in the fuselage receives signals from radio transmitter in the hand-held remote
control. The signal triggered the microprocessors, which distributes power to the
motors for driving the propellers. All the movement of the plane is controlled by the
microprocessor. The microprocessor assisted ight provides an easy to y plane.
2.6 Microprocessor applications in the nuclear industry
Microprocessors in the nuclear industry, particularly at the los Al amos Scientic
Laboratory, have been and are being utilized in a wide variety of applications ranging
from data acquisition and control for basic physics research to monitoring special
nuclear material in long-term storage. Microprocessor systems have been developed
to support weapons diagnostics measurements during underground weapons testing at
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February 16, 2009 Microprocessors And Its Real-time Applications
the Nevada Test Site. Multiple single-component microcomputers are now controlling
the measurement and recording of nuclear reactor operating power levels. The CMOS
microprocessor data-acquisition instrumentation has operated on balloon ights to
monitor power plant emissions. Target chamber mirror-positioning equipment for
laser fusion facilities employs microprocessors.
3 Conclusion
Microprocessors have many more other real-time applications. Its covers almost all
the elds. Some other applications such as microprocessor used in lifts, in automobile,
controlled signal transformer, cell phones, refrigerator, escalator. Other major eld
where microprocessor is used is in medical science that is in testing various surgical
instruments. Even in manufacturing industry microprocessors are used, example to
ll in the exact amount of liquid into the containers. The containers are made to
move on a conveyor belt and the exact quantity is lled in and sealed. All this is
possible due to programmed processor. Microprocessors are programmed as per the
requirements for the job to be completed successfully.
References
www.freepatentsonline.com
www.silicavalley.com
www.howstuswork.com
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