Embedded Systems

 

Have you ever wondered what actually is embedded system?

 

A computer hardware and software combination created for a particular purpose is an embedded system. Additionally, the embedded system might work as part of a bigger system. They can be programmed or have predetermined functions.

An embedded system may be found in industrial machinery, consumer electronics, agricultural and processing sector equipment, automobiles, medical devices, cameras, digital watches, home appliances, airplanes, vending machines, toys, and mobile devices.

Even though they are computer systems, embedded systems can have simple graphical user interfaces (GUIs), like those seen in mobile devices, or they can have no user interface (UI), like those found on devices made to execute a specific task. Button, LED (light-emitting diode), and touchscreen sensing are examples of user interfaces. Some systems also employ remote user interfaces.

Various embedded system examples

Many different technologies in a variety of industries use embedded systems. Several instances include:

1. Automobiles - In contemporary autos, embedded systems or numerous computers (up to 100 in some cases) are frequently used to carry out various functions.

2. Mobile phones - These devices are made up of numerous embedded systems, including as operating systems (OSes), GUI software and hardware, cameras, microphones, and USB I/O (input/output) modules.

3. Industrial machinery – They can both be embedded systems and contain embedded systems, such as sensors.

How does an Embedded system work?

The term "embedded" refers to the fact that embedded systems always operate as a component of an entire device. Small computers that are embedded in other mechanical or electrical systems are low-cost and power-efficient. They typically include a processor, a power source, memory, and communication interfaces. Embedded systems employ communication ports to send data via a communication protocol between the processor and peripheral devices, which are frequently other embedded systems. This data is interpreted by the processor with the aid of simple memory-stored software. Typically, the software is very specialized for the purpose the embedded system serves.

 

 

 

Characteristics of embedded systems

Embedded systems' primary attribute is that they are task-specific.

The following qualities can also be present in embedded systems:

• consist of hardware, software, and firmware in most cases;
• are built for specialized duties inside the system, not for a variety of jobs, therefore they can be embedded in a larger system to carry out a particular purpose;
• Both microprocessors and microcontrollers are integrated circuits that provide the system's computing power, hence can be either one.

       Types of embedded systems

There are a few fundamental types of embedded systems, and each has unique functional needs. As follows:

Mobile embedded systems are compact devices created with portability in mind. This can be seen in digital cameras.

Networked embedded systems can output data to other systems by being connected to a network. Point of sale (POS) systems and home security systems are a couple of examples.

The host system is not necessary for standalone embedded systems. Similar to every embedded system, they carry out a certain function. In contrast to other embedded systems, they are not always a part of a host system. An illustration of this would be a calculator or MP3 player.

Real-time embedded systems provide the desired result in a predetermined amount of time. They are frequently employed in the medical, industrial, and defense fields.

So, that was all about embedded systems.

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By-

AMODINEE NAGRALE

Assistant Event Director, ELESA.