An embedded system can incorporate sensors, actuators, and some form of intelligence in order

to create a more capable system. An example of an embedded system that uses a microprocessor
is the SawStop. In the year, 2013 about 4000 fingers were cut off in the United States. However,
the SawStop, which is primarily used to cut wood, has a built-in sensor that could potentially
decrease the number of accidents in the US.

As can be seen from the above figure the user interface is directly linked to the saw. In this case,
the user interface would be a finger that comes into very close proximity with the saw. The blade
has a sensor that detects electrical conductivity. Since the human body is conductive it will react
with the blade, therefore, the blade sends an electrical signal to the sensor which quickly
activates the safety system. The sensor and the digital signal processor (DSP) are both
responsible for monitoring the signal.

Before the signal is sent to the microprocessor it has to be conditioned. Otherwise, the
microprocessor will not understand the signal. Signal conditioning can mean anything from
offsetting, scaling, and filtering the data in a proper manner. Once the microprocessor
understands the signal, it will be able to send the signal to the power interface. The power
interface needs a power source. In this example, the power source would be an outlet.

If everything is going smoothly then the power interface will provide power only to the motor.
However, if the signal detects a human limb then the microprocessor will immediately turn the
power off from the motor and redirect this power to the brake. Once the brake is activated, the
blade is pushed beneath the table and out of harms way. This ends the closed loop control
system for the SawStop.

Work Cited
[1] Levin, Myron. "After More Than a Decade and Thousands of Disfiguring Injuries, Power
Tool Industry Still Resisting Safety Fix - FairWarning." FairWarning. 2013. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.
[2] "SawStop | America's #1 Table Saw | SawStop.com | SawStop." SawStop | America's #1
Table Saw | SawStop.com | SawStop. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.
[3] Jain, Preeti. "Embedded System." EngineersGarage. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.