Table of Contents
What is an Embedded System?
A computer system that is a combination of computer memory, input/output peripheral devices and a computer processor may be termed as an embedded system. It is known for having a larger electronic and mechanical system. Embedded as a part of a complete device, these comprise mechanical parts and electronic or electrical hardware.
The embedded systems are known for controlling the physical operations of machine which are embedded within it and therefore usually have real-time computing constraints. These systems are known for controlling numerous devices which are commonly used today. Most of the microprocessors which are manufactured are used in the embedded systems.
The modern embedded systems are based on microcontrollers which are microprocessors with peripheral interfaces and integrated memory. The ordinary microprocessors used peripheral interface circuits and external chips for memory, these are commonly used in complex systems.
The processors in both cases may be of different types which might range from those appropriate for general-purpose to the ones specialized in a specific class of computation. These may even be custom-designed for various applications. DSP or digital signal processor is a class of processors with common standards.
Embedded systems are generally dedicated to performing special tasks which is why the design engineers optimize these for reducing their size and cost. At the same time, these are used for increasing performance and reliability. For getting the benefit from economies of scale, the embedded systems are often produced on a large scale.
MP3 players, digital watches, large stationary installations like programmable logic controllers, traffic light controllers, large complex systems like medical imaging systems, hybrid vehicles, and avionics are all the ranges of embedded systems. The complexity of these systems varies from low to high having peripherals, networks mounted with a huge rack of equipment.
Types of Embedded System
The embedded systems may be classified on the basis of the functional requirements and performance. They can also be classified on the basis of the performance of the microcontroller. The microcontroller plays a vital role in an embedded system because the working of hardware is wholly dependent on it.
These take care of the processors and communication which is required for the system. The user requirements depend on the functions performed by the embedded system. There are numerous types of embedded systems which are stand-alone embedded systems, mobile embedded systems, real-time embedded systems, and network embedded systems.
Stand-alone Embedded Systems
These embedded systems do not need a host system like a processor or a computer as they work by themselves. These systems are known for making necessary changes on the device and displaying data on the device connected to it.
Here, the input data is taken from the ports as digital or analog signals which are processed in the port itself. The result generated after the proper conversion and calculation is shared via display done with the assistance of a connected device.
Depending on the data, the result generated after may either display, control, or drive the device. These systems are known for offering efficiency and flexibility even as the sole worker. Its various examples include mobile phones, systems, and washing machines which work without any help from computers.
Real-time Embedded Systems
Real-time embedded systems are required when there is a need for output at a specific time. When there is a deadline that is to be reached or a task that is required to be completed, this system becomes helpful.
An external environment is controlled with the assistance of the computer systems are joined to each other with input/output interfaces or sensors. The output can be scheduled in a dynamic or a static manner. These are further divided into two categories which are hard real-time and soft embedded systems.
Soft Embedded Systems
The processes under these systems are considered as their primary task which they manage fully. However, the deadlines received under it are not considered a priority, and even in case they are missed, the processes do not occur in the system.
The sound system present in the computer system is an example of these systems. Although the deadlines in these systems are not that important, they must not always be missed as this might result in the degradation of the system.
Hard Embedded Systems
Unlike soft embedded systems, these systems have timelines that are treated as deadlines. These deadlines are required to be fulfilled and should not be missed under any circumstances. These must be time-bound in the system even if there are any delays that arise.
The processes performed in it must be executed properly in the first attempt itself as it doesn’t have a permanent memory. In these types of embedded systems, the timeline, as well as the processes, must not be missed. One of the best examples of these systems is the control system of an aircraft.
Network Embedded Systems
A network gets created when a program is running inside another device, this is termed as a network embedded system. Here, the controller or the microprocessor controls the running of a program. This system usually consists of a network related to it which can either be a WAN or LAN.
It is not necessary whether a connection here is a wired or a wireless one. These are considered the fastest-growing category in the embedded system because of their connection and flexibility. Additionally, these systems are known to have a web server that has a connection based on the web browser.
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All the network is accessed and controlled with the assistance of a web browser. The security systems present in the tech park or office are all examples of this type of embedded system. Here, all the connections are created via a controlled and common network under one roof.
Mobile Embedded Systems
The devices which are working with the embedded system and are portable may be considered as a mobile embedded system. These systems have a limitation of functionality and memory but their portability makes them highly useful. The best example of this type of embedded system is a calculator, laptop, and mobile phone.
On the basis of the microcontroller, these systems may be classified as small-scale embedded systems, medium-scale embedded systems, and sophisticated embedded systems.
Components of Embedded System
An embedded system is made up of various software and hardware components. Let’s read the components of the embedded system in detail.
Processor:
The processor plays a vital role in the embedded system and is considered as its brain. The processor is known to be responsible for taking the decision of the performance of this system. There are numerous types of processors present in the market among which the one as per requirement may be chosen.
These processors are capable of acting both as a microprocessor and a microcontroller. The processor may be a 16-bit processor, an 8-bit processor, or a 32-bit processor. The lesser bit indicates that the requirement of smaller applications in the embedded system.
A higher bit processor is required in the embedded system which has large applications. Here, the processor is required to be very fast with a minimum price and performance which must be up to the mark. This facilitates the fast performance of the functions in the embedded system.
Power Supply:
The power supply acts as a key component in the embedded system circuit. Generally, the embedded system is known for its requirement of a 5V supply which ranges between 1.8 to 3.3 V. The source of power supply can either be a battery or a wall adaptor. The selection of power supply is done as per the requirements of the user and application.
Timers Counters:
There is a requirement of delay in some of the applications such as in the LED display. This is where the need for timer counters arises. Here, the programming may be executed in such a way that delay leads to the generation of the embedded system. The delay in time span may be decided by making use of the system frequency and crystal oscillator so that the delay may be generated as per the need of the user.
Memory:
There are different microcontrollers that are used in the embedded system as a result of which the memory is placed in these microcontrollers themselves. The memory is basically of two types RAM or read-only memory and RAM or random-access memory.
Output and Input:
When the embedded systems are put to use, the input is required to interact with the system. This input provided to the embedded system may be executed by using the sensor or the user itself. The processor used in this system may be based on output and input.
Communication Ports:
A communication port is a type of interface which is used for communicating with various other types of embedded systems. An embedded system comprises numerous types of communication ports such as USB, Ethernet, UART, RS-485, and many more.
When the usage of an embedded system is done in small-scale applications then the communication ports may be put to use from the microcontroller. There are various protocols that may be used for transferring data from one system board to the other.
Circuits Used in Application:
There are numerous hardware components that may be used for designing when the design of the embedded system is in process. The circuit selection is dependent on the application which is being used for the embedded systems.
Emulator:
This is a software tool that is being used for executing the functions of the host system. In this, all the components are controlled by the emulator tool which is also used for debugging code and finding bugs. It is also used for transferring the code from host to target.
Compiler:
This is a type of software that is used for converting the programming language into a language that may be understood by the target machine. It is used for executing the functions with the basic use being the transfer of high-level code into a low-level language. The low-level language mainly includes object code, machine code, and assembly language.
Assembler:
An assembler is being put to use when the programming language used for designing the application is an assembly language. Here, the assembly language program is converted into a HEX code so that it may be processed more.
How do embedded systems work?
Every embedded system or device which may be a mobile or computer is known for having some inputs and outputs. An embedded system takes the analog/digital input which is provided by the user. The examples include a keypad, sensor, touch screen, and push-button switch.
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The input is processed either through conversion or calculation. Once the analog value is converted into a digital output, there arises a requirement to control by using the output devices.
Characteristics of embedded system
Let’s read about the characteristics of an embedded system, these are as follows.
- The embedded systems are known for being task-specific as they are specialized in performing the same task in a repetitive manner over its life.
- They either have a minimal or no user interface at all as they may be fully automatic.
- These are created for performing tasks that are to be completed in a certain time frame.
- These types of embedded systems are designed for reacting to external stimuli.
- These systems are built for achieving specific levels of efficiency.
- These are small in size and are capable of working with less power at a low cost.
- These systems cannot be upgraded or changed by the users which is why they have high stability and reliability.
- These systems are required to work for long hours without giving any difficulties to the users.
Examples of embedded systems
Embedded systems are used at multiple places. Examples of embedded systems include digital watches, electronic calculators, GPS systems, central heating systems, engine management systems, dishwashers, digital phones, and televisions.
Applications of Embedded systems
Embedded system applications are many, these are applicable in the areas such as communication, transportation, home appliances, robotic systems, space, and a lot more.
These systems are used for detecting cases of rash driving on highways and for controlling the street lights.
These systems are used for controlling the traffic signal, tracking vehicles, controlling the intensity of autos and industrial temperature. These are used in home automation systems, in the war field spying robot, and in various other appliances.
Advantages of embedded systems
The advantages of embedded systems are numerous, they are not only convenient for mass production but also have a low per piece price. These systems are highly reliable and stable with the capability to perform specific tasks.
These systems are small in size and therefore are easy to carry and load. They utilize less power, are fast, and optimally use the resources that are available. They are known for improving the quality of products.
Disadvantages of embedded systems
Here are the disadvantages of embedded systems. These systems once configured cannot be modified or changed. There is no scope for up-gradation or improvement in the systems which have already been created. These are not only hard to maintain but also give a hard time to the users in arranging a back-up of the files.
In the case of embedded systems, troubleshooting is difficult and the transfer of data from one system to another is quite problematic. This happens as the systems are not only designed for specific tasks but because the hardware is also limited.
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