Embedded processors can be broken into two broad categories. Ordinary microprocessors (μP) use separate integrated circuits for memory and peripherals. Microcontrollers (μC) have on-chip peripherals, thus reducing power consumption, size and cost.
Numerous microcontrollers have been developed for embedded systems use. General-purpose microprocessors are also used in embedded systems, but generally require more support circuitry than microcontrollers.

This course takes you through the world of todays most important breed of processors- ARM Processors, along with their development, features, real world interfacing and the embedded communication systems.

Course Objectives

• To understand need and application of ARM Microprocessors in embedded system.
• To study the architecture of ARM series microprocessor
• To understand architecture and features of typical ARM7& ARM CORTEX-M3 Microcontroller.
• To learn interfacing of real world input and output devices
• To learn embedded communication systems.

Course Outcomes

After successfully completing the course students will be able to:

• Describe the ARM microprocessor architectures and its feature.
• Interface the advanced peripherals to ARM based microcontroller
• Design embedded system with available resources.

Syllabus and Notes

Unit 1: ARM7, ARM9, ARM11 Processors

[Main Page: ARM7, ARM9, ARM11 Processors]

• Introduction to ARM processors and its versions
• ARM7, ARM9 & ARM11 features, advantages & suitability in embedded application
• ARM7 data flow model, programmer's model, modes of operations
• Instruction set
  • Data Processing Instructions
  • Control Flow Instructions
  • Data Movement Instructions
• Programming in assembly language

Unit 2: ARM7 Based Microcontroller

[Main Page: ARM7 Based Microcontroller]

ARM7 Based Microcontroller LPC2148:

• Features, Architecture (Block Diagram and Its Description)
• System Control Block ( PLL and VPB divider), Memory Map, GPIO, Pin Connect Block, Timer
• Interfacing with LED, LCD, GLCD, KEYPAD

Unit 3: Real World Interfacing with ARM7 Based Microcontroller

[Main Page: Interfacing with ARM7 Microcontroller]

Interfacing the peripherals to LPC2148:

• GSM and GPS using UART
• on-chip ADC using interrupt (VIC)
• EEPROM using I2C
• SDCARD using SPI
• on-chip DAC for waveform generation

Unit 4: ARM CORTEX Processors

[Main Page: ARM CORTEX Processors]

• Introduction to ARM CORTEX series, improvement over classical series and advantages for embedded system design
• CORTEX A,  M,  R processors series, versions, features and applications
• NVIC (Nested Vectored Interrupt Controller)
• Need of operating system in developing complex applications in embedded system, desired features of operating system & hardware support from processor
• Firmware development using CMSIS standard for ARM Cortex
• Survey of CORTEX M3 based Controllers, its Features and Comparison

Unit 5: ARM CORTEX M3 based Microcontroller

[Main Page: ARM CORTEX M3 based Microcontroller]
ARM-CM3 Based Microcontroller LPC1768:

• Features, Architecture (Block Diagram & Its Description)
• System Control, Clock & Power Control, GPIO, Pin Connect Block
• Interfacing with RGB LED, Seven Segment, TFT Display, MOTOR control using PWM.

Unit 6: Real World Interfacing with ARM-CM3 Based Microcontroller

[Main Page: Real World Interfacing with ARM-CM3]

Embedded Processors LAB

Group A: LPC2148 Based Experiments

1. Interfacing LPC2148 to LCD/GLCD
2. UART Interfacing LPC2148 in embedded system (GSM/GPS)
3. Interfacing LPC2148 for internal ADC on interrupt basis
4. Interfacing SD card to LPC2148
5. Interfacing EEPROM to LPC2148 using I2C protocol  

Group B: LPC1768 Based Experiments

1. Interfacing LPC1768 to Seven Segment / RGB LED
2. Generation of PWM signal for motor control using LPC1768
3. Interfacing TFT display to LPC1768
4. Implementing CAN protocol using LPC1768
5. Implementing ETHERNET protocol using LPC1768

Previous Years Questions

• Pattern 2012 Question Papers
• Model Answer Paper: May 2017 Exam

Practical/ Oral Exam Questions

• Expected Questions

Assignments

Ask Queries

• Blogs: SujitWagh
• Forums: Embedded Processors

References

• Wikipedia
• UniPune website