Embedded systems are specialized computing systems that perform dedicated functions or tasks within larger mechanical or electrical systems. They are integral to modern technology, found in everything from household appliances to industrial machines. The Raspberry Pi, a versatile and affordable single-board computer, is an excellent platform for developing and prototyping embedded systems. This article will guide you through the process of creating embedded systems using Raspberry Pi, highlighting its importance and providing practical examples to get you started.

Examples:

Example 1: Setting Up the Raspberry Pi

1. Install Raspbian OS:

   • Download the Raspbian OS image from the official Raspberry Pi website.
   • Use a tool like Balena Etcher to write the image to an SD card.
   • Insert the SD card into the Raspberry Pi and power it on.

2. Initial Configuration:

   • Connect the Raspberry Pi to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
   • Boot up and follow the on-screen instructions to configure the system.
   • Update the system packages:

     sudo apt update
     sudo apt upgrade

Example 2: Controlling an LED with GPIO

1. Hardware Setup:

   • Connect an LED to GPIO pin 17 (physical pin 11) and ground (GND) on the Raspberry Pi using a breadboard and jumper wires.

2. Python Script to Control the LED:

   • Install the RPi.GPIO library if not already installed:

     sudo apt install python3-rpi.gpio

   • Create a Python script to control the LED:

     import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
     import time
     
     GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM)
     GPIO.setup(17, GPIO.OUT)
     
     try:
      while True:
          GPIO.output(17, GPIO.HIGH)
          time.sleep(1)
          GPIO.output(17, GPIO.LOW)
          time.sleep(1)
     except KeyboardInterrupt:
      pass
     finally:
      GPIO.cleanup()

3. Run the Script:

   • Save the script as led_control.py and run it:

     python3 led_control.py

Example 3: Reading Sensor Data

1. Hardware Setup:

   • Connect a DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor to the Raspberry Pi.
     • VCC to 3.3V
     • GND to GND
     • Data to GPIO pin 4 (physical pin 7)

2. Python Script to Read Sensor Data:

   • Install the Adafruit_DHT library:

     sudo pip3 install Adafruit_DHT

   • Create a Python script to read data from the DHT11 sensor:

     import Adafruit_DHT
     
     sensor = Adafruit_DHT.DHT11
     pin = 4
     
     humidity, temperature = Adafruit_DHT.read_retry(sensor, pin)
     
     if humidity is not None and temperature is not None:
      print(f'Temperature: {temperature}°C  Humidity: {humidity}%')
     else:
      print('Failed to get reading. Try again!')

3. Run the Script:

   • Save the script as read_dht11.py and run it:

     python3 read_dht11.py