Whilst the technology and expertise involved to build embedded systems may not be particularly complex, without these fixed systems many of the systems and devices that we rely on without realising would stop working effectively. If you&#;re an engineer or an employer in the embedded systems industry, it&#;s important to know what embedded systems are actually used for and what kind of projects they are likely to be involved in.
Click here to get more.
In this article, we answer questions like &#;What are embedded systems?&#;, &#;What is embedded software?&#; and &#;Why are embedded systems important?&#; to give an overview of what this kind of technology involves and is used for.
Embedded systems are a type of computer system that usually forms part of a larger system, device or piece of electronic equipment. They consist of a microcontroller that performs a specific function within a product and can be found in almost every modern piece of technology that we use today.
An embedded system is a reactive component, designed only to operate if it receives a specific signal in real-time. It communicates with the other components around it using sensors and actuators and will only perform its designated function if it receives the right response.
While an embedded system is often committed to only performing one task, it should not be confused with a dedicated system. The system gets its name from the fact that it is a fixed component inside a machine or device and cannot be moved, in comparison to a modular component which can be swapped out for something that has a different function.
A key feature of an embedded system is that it is small, low-cost and does not need a lot of power to operate. They are usually only made up of a power supply, communication ports, a processor and memory storage, and require minimal software to run and interact with other components, thanks to the fact that they usually only perform one, simple function.
The majority of embedded systems are quite simple, with a structure consisting of three different elements.
The first of these is the embedded system hardware, which is based around microprocessors and microcontrollers. A microprocessor is a CPU that uses external chips for memory and peripheral interfaces, and a microcontroller contains similar chips but these are inside the component instead of externally connected.
Other hardware in an embedded system includes sensors, actuators and A-D or D-A converters.
This hardware works in tandem with software and firmware that controls the specific function the embedded system performs. This software will be dependent on the processor speed and memory, but is usually very simple.
The final key component of an embedded system is a real-time operating system, which most but not all systems have. RTOS performs tasks and sends data about these tasks in real-time, whilst also setting and implementing rules about how long certain tasks should take.
The purpose of embedded systems is to control a specific function within a device. They are usually designed to only perform this function repeatedly, but more developed embedded systems can control entire operating systems.
Some more complex embedded systems can also perform several different functions, but these are still relatively simple tasks that do not require a large amount of processing power.
A key characteristic of embedded systems is that they aren&#;t usually programmable, so once they have been set up to perform a specific function they operate reliably and do not need to be tampered with. However, the software on some devices with embedded systems can be upgraded which means that programmed functions can be refined.
By being designed and programmed to only have one purpose, the functions of embedded systems make them reliable electronic component that does not need very much maintenance and is pretty easy to add to a device. Whilst they are a critical part of a system, they are very unlikely to malfunction and do not need reprogramming so are an essential part of many devices that are required just to function without intervention, like household appliances.
Whilst most of these components are very similar in their design and purpose, there are several different categories of embedded systems that have different characteristics and require different levels of skill to design and install. You can get embedded systems that fit into multiple of these categories, such as mobile embedded systems that are also independent.
The majority of embedded systems operate with real-time software, meaning that they give their required output function within a specified time interval. They are most commonly used in devices or systems that are time-critical and require a very reliable system to ensure functions are carried out when needed.
A network embedded system works in a device or machine that is connected to a network that provides output to other systems. They&#;re frequently found in home security systems where a small device is required to perform a simple function or respond to a specific input and then inform a wider, more complex system connected by a network.
Mobile embedded systems are any embedded systems used in small devices that are designed to be portable. As well as smartphones, they are found in digital cameras, watches and music players and are usually very simple and require minimal power and memory.
An embedded system that is described as independent or stand-alone works by itself and does not require a host system, such as a computer, to carry out its function. It collects input data, processes this data and performs the required function without needing to connect to any other network or system. Common examples include temperature measurement devices or appliances like microwaves.
The application of embedded systems is vast, from incredibly simple sets of components in small, stand-alone devices to more complex, reliable systems within wider machinery and networks that serve an overall purpose. Here are some of the most common examples of the use of embedded systems.
Modern automotive vehicles contain plenty of computers and embedded systems that are in charge of carrying out various specific functions within the vehicle. These tasks work together to make the car run but are all controlled on an individual level by embedded systems that are responding to different data and operating at different times. This reduces the cost of building each vehicle and also means that one small failure won&#;t affect the whole system.
Mobile phones consist of multiple different embedded systems that manage the operating system, camera, audio player, microphone and graphical user interface. The small size and power input that embedded systems need make them the best choice for devices like smartphones, as they don&#;t take up much space and are relatively economical to run alongside lots of other hardware and software.
As well as mobile phones, embedded systems are used in devices such as personal organisers, smartwatches and music players. Again, the small size of the system makes them a good choice for these devices, along with the fact that lots of different functions can be controlled at once without affecting each other. Smartwatches are also a good example of how software can be updated on an embedded system that cannot otherwise be reprogrammed, as users can sync their device to a computer and update the overall system.
More complex embedded systems are often used in medical equipment that requires repeated functions like sensing and mechanism control. Whilst there is often more nuanced digital function required when dealing with human health, certain embedded systems can ensure that time-sensitive functions are carried out or they&#;re used in user interfaces that link to more complex systems.
Automation is a big part of most industrial machinery, and embedded systems are key to getting machines to perform accurate, repeated actions. Sensors and other monitoring equipment are controlled by embedded systems, or occasionally a piece of industrial equipment is an entire embedded system itself.
There are a variety of different embedded systems involved in payment devices and systems that improve the security of money and personal detail transfer and make payments faster. Used in ATMs and point of sale (POS) systems, embedded systems control keypads, user interfaces, and security networks in payment transfers and withdrawals.
All kinds of communication processes involve embedded systems, from simple components of phones and other devices right the way up to aspects of telecommunication networks. A lot of satellite technology also makes use of embedded systems, although this kind of technology tends to be more complex than the systems you&#;ll find in phones or routers.
Home appliances are one of the biggest areas where embedded systems are used. Everything from microwaves to washing machines is often operated with multiple different embedded systems controlling everything from how long a machine runs to the user interface and when alarms are triggered. By individually controlling a range of functions, the appliances are very reliable and also don&#;t require a huge amount of processing power to efficiently operate.
A lot of home or corporate security systems use embedded systems to operate, allowing for relatively small and simple devices to be set up and manage the security of an entire building. The importance of embedded systems in security devices is critical, because it allows several different systems to monitor different elements of security through sensors and then report back to the embedded system&#;s microcontroller that will activate an alarm if something is detected.
A lot of the electronic equipment and devices used in the military and defence industries rely on embedded systems to efficiently operate. Areas such as surveillance, communication, data acquisition and storage all involve embedded systems in the equipment, and there is also a large sector of the engineering industry dedicated to improving the security of embedded system software to protect the information handled by these systems.
The use of embedded systems is widespread, and the technology and components that make up these systems are continuing to grow more advanced and refined. The benefits of having a system that performs a repeated function and does not require a huge amount of power or memory are great, and as the demand for automation in many areas increases, it is likely that the demand for embedded systems will only increase as well.
If you&#;re looking for support whilst hiring or job-hunting in the embedded software and electronics sector then get in touch and find out how a specialist recruitment partner can help.
An embedded system is a combination of computer hardware and software designed for a specific function. Embedded systems might also function within a larger system. These systems can be programmable or have a fixed functionality. Embedded systems are used today to control numerous devices. For example, they're used in industrial machines, consumer electronics, agricultural and processing industry devices, automobiles, medical devices, cameras, digital watches, household appliances, airplanes, vending machines, toys and mobile devices.
Embedded systems typically contain a microprocessor -- or a microcontroller-based system, memory and input/output (I/O) devices, all of which share a dedicated function within a larger system. While embedded systems are computing systems, they can range from having no user interface (UI) -- for example, on devices designed to perform a single task -- to complex graphical user interfaces (GUIs), such as in mobile devices. UIs can include buttons, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and touchscreen sensing. Some systems use remote user interfaces as well.
According to Global Markets Insight, the embedded systems market was valued at $110.3 billion in and is predicted to grow to more than $190 billion by . Chip manufacturers for embedded systems include many well-known technology companies, such as Apple, IBM, Intel and Texas Instruments. The expected growth is partially due to the continued investment in artificial intelligence (AI), mobile computing and the need for chips designed for high-level processing.
Embedded systems are used in a wide range of technologies across an array of industries. Some examples include the following:
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit RoyalRay.
Embedded systems always function as part of a complete device. They're low-cost, low-power consuming, small computers that are embedded in other mechanical or electrical systems. Generally, they comprise a processor, power supply, and memory and communication ports. Embedded systems use the communication ports to transmit data between the processor and peripheral devices -- often, other embedded systems -- using a communication protocol. The processor interprets this data with the help of minimal software stored in the memory. The software is usually highly specific to the function that the embedded system serves.
Embedded systems often communicate with outside systems in a device, enabling data exchange and control functions.
The processor might be a microprocessor or microcontroller. Microcontrollers are simply microprocessors with peripheral interfaces and integrated memory included. Microprocessors use separate integrated circuits for memory and peripherals instead of including them on the chip. Both can be used, but microprocessors typically require more support circuitry than microcontrollers because they're less integrated into the microprocessor. The term system-on-a-chip (SoC) is often used. SoCs typically include multiple processors and interfaces on one chip. They're often used for high-volume embedded systems. Some examples of SoC types are the application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and the field-programmable gate array (FPGA).
Often, embedded systems are used in real-time operating environments and use a real-time operating system (RTOS) to communicate with the hardware. Near-real-time approaches are suitable at higher levels of chip capability, defined by designers who have increasingly decided the systems are generally fast enough and the tasks tolerant of slight variations in reaction. In these instances, stripped-down versions of the Linux OS are commonly deployed, although other OSes have been pared down to run on embedded systems, including Embedded Java and Microsoft Windows IoT -- formerly Microsoft Windows Embedded.
Embedded system designers often also use compilers, assemblers and debuggers to develop embedded system software.
The main characteristic of embedded systems is that they're task-specific. They often include the following additional characteristics:
Embedded systems vary in complexity but, generally, consist of the following three main elements:
In terms of hardware, a basic embedded system consists of the following elements:
The sensor reads external inputs, the converters make that input readable to the processor, and the processor turns that information into useful output for the embedded system.
The structure of an embedded system shows the flow of data from a sensor through an analog-to-digital converter, a processor, memory, a digital-to-analog converter and an actuator.
Embedded system types differ in their functional requirements. They include the following:
Embedded systems can also be categorized by the following performance requirements:
There are several common embedded system software architectures, which become necessary as embedded systems grow and become more complex in scale. These include the following:
Very large-scale integration (VLSI) describes the complexity of an integrated circuit (IC). VLSI is the process of embedding hundreds of thousands of transistors into a chip, whereas large-scale integration (LSI) microchips contain thousands of transistors, medium-scale integration (MSI) contains hundreds of transistors, and small-scale integration (SSI) contains tens of transistors. Ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI) refers to placing millions of transistors on a chip.
VLSI circuits are a common feature of embedded systems. Many ICs in embedded systems are VLSIs, and the use of the VLSI acronym has largely fallen out of favor.
Embedded systems differ from the OSes and development environments of other larger-scale computers in how they handle debugging. Usually, developers working with desktop environments can run both the code being worked on and separate debugger applications that can monitor the embedded system that programmers generally can't.
An embedded system's circuit board can feature multiple electronic components and wiring, which can include a processor, power supply, memory and communication ports.
Some programming languages run on microcontrollers with enough efficiency that rudimentary interactive debugging is available directly on the chip. In addition, processors often have CPU debuggers that can be controlled and, thus, control program execution via the JTAG industry standard or similar debugging port.
In many instances, however, programmers need tools that attach a separate debugging system to the target system via a serial or other port. In this scenario, the programmer can see the source code on the screen of a general-purpose computer, just as they would in the debugging of software on a desktop computer.
A separate, frequently used approach is to run software on a PC that emulates the physical chip in software. This essentially makes it possible to debug the performance of the software as if it were running on an actual physical chip.
A simple way to debug embedded applications is to use a general-purpose I/O pin. This verifies that a specific line of code in an application is being executed.
Another basic debugging tool is a source-level debugger, which enables users to walk through their code, pause and check program memory or variables.
Logic analyzers are another common and useful debugging tool. They can read waveforms from multiple signals at a time, while also being able to decode that data from various standard interfaces.
Broadly speaking, embedded systems have received more attention to testing and debugging because numerous devices using embedded controls are designed for situations where safety and reliability are top priorities.
Embedded systems date back to the s. Charles Stark Draper developed an integrated circuit in to reduce the size and weight of the Apollo Guidance Computer, the digital system installed on the Apollo Command Module and Lunar Module. The first computer to use integrated circuits, it helped astronauts collect real-time flight data.
In , Autonetics, now a part of Boeing, developed the D-17B, the computer used in the Minuteman I missile guidance system. It's widely recognized as the first mass-produced embedded system. When the Minuteman II went into production in , the D-17B was replaced with the NS-17 missile guidance system, known for its concentrated use of integrated circuits. In , the first embedded system for a vehicle was released; the Volkswagen used a microprocessor to control its electronic fuel injection system.
By the late s and early s, the price of integrated circuits dropped and usage surged. The first microcontroller was developed by Texas Instruments in . The TMS series, which became commercially available in , contained a 4-bit processor, read-only memory and random-access memory, or RAM, and it initially cost around $2 each in bulk orders.
Also, in , Intel released what's widely recognized as the first commercially available processor, the . The 4-bit microprocessor was designed for use in calculators and small electronics, though it required external memory and support chips. The 8-bit Intel , released in , had 16 KB of memory; the Intel followed in with 64 KB of memory. The 's successor, the x86 series, was released in and is still largely in use today.
In , the first embedded OS, the real-time VxWorks, was released by Wind River, followed by Microsoft's Windows Embedded CE in . By the late s, the first embedded Linux products began to appear. Today, Linux is used in almost all embedded devices.
Throughout the s and s, processing power increased due to the transition from 8- and 16-bit microcontrollers to 32- and 64-bit processors.
The s saw an increased focus on security features in embedded devices, possibly driven by the rise of IoT and connected devices.
Today, due to technological advancements, embedded systems have also begun to integrate with AI and machine learning (ML) systems. Also called embedded AI, this is the integration of AI into resource-limited devices such as smartphones or autonomous vehicles.
While some embedded systems can be relatively simple, others are becoming more complex and can either supplant human decision-making or offer capabilities beyond what a human could provide. For instance, some aviation systems, including those used in drones, can integrate sensor data and act upon that information faster than a human could, permitting new kinds of operating features.
The embedded system is expected to continue growing rapidly, driven in large part by IoT. Expanding IoT applications, such as wearables, drones, smart homes, smart buildings, video surveillance, three-dimensional printers and smart transportation, are expected to fuel embedded system growth.
Other embedded system trends include the following:
Embedded systems perform specific tasks efficiently and reliably in almost any modern device. Learn more about how embedded systems work together with IoT devices.
Want more information on embedded module? Feel free to contact us.