Understand Embedded Systems and Applications

Wed Nov 16, 2022

Introduction

From the name itself, "embedded" means something is attached to another thing, and "system" means a set of ideas or rules for organising something. An embedded system is a computer hardware system with embedded software designed to perform a specific function. It can work individually and also function with large systems. It is a microcontroller- or microprocessor-based system that serves as a controller for the device and allows the user to interact with it. 

These embedded systems can work with or without human intervention. Some examples of embedded systems are microwave ovens, digital watches, toys, televisions, digital phones, laser printers, cameras, industrial machines, electronic calculators, automobiles, medical equipment, washing machines, and video game consoles. Although the choice of programming language for developing embedded systems is entirely up to the developer, embedded systems can be programmed using different programming languages like embedded C, embedded C++, embedded Java, and embedded Python.


Components of Embedded Systems

The basic structure of an Embedded System consists of a sensor, A-D converter, processor & ASICs, D-A converter and actuator. 

Sensor − A sensor stores the measured quantity in the system's memory and converts it to an electrical signal read by an observer or by any electronic instrument such as an A2D converter. 

A-D Converter − A-D converter stands for analogue-to-digital converter converts the analogue signal sent by the sensor into a digital signal. 

Processor & ASICs − Processors are used to processing the data that measures the output and store it in the memory. 

D-A Converter − D-A converter stands for digital-to-analogue converter converts the digital data fed by the processor to analogue data. 

Actuator − An actuator contrasts the output provided by the D-A Converter to the actual expected result, stored in it and stores the approved result.

Types of Embedded Systems

Embedded Systems divides into four types that are: 

Real-time Embedded System: Real-time embedded systems, as the name implies, are those systems which are promptly used for fast replies and less time consumption. These types of embedded systems deliver immediate responses in critical conditions. They give the most priority to time-based task performance and output generation. Examples of real-time embedded systems include aircraft controls, land-vehicle and flight computers that process and transmit sensor acquired data, missile defence system controls, and self-driving vehicle controls.

Standalone Embedded System: Standalone embedded systems are self-contained systems that do not require the assistance of a host computer to function. It takes input in digital or analogue form and provides the output. They can generate results on their own. Examples of standalone embedded systems include Digital cameras and wristwatches, MP3 players, Appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, Temperature measurement systems and Calculators.

Network Embedded Systems: Network, or networked, embedded systems are on wired or wireless networks and communicate with web servers for output generation. In simple words, these systems are connected to a network, which may be wired or wireless, to provide output to the attached device. They communicate with the embedded web server through the network. Examples of embedded network systems include home and office security systems, point-of sale (POS) systems, and automated teller machines (ATMs). 

Mobile Embedded Systems: Mobile embedded systems are small, easy to use, and require fewer resources, and they are the most preferred embedded systems, as from a portability standpoint, mobile embedded systems are best. Not all standalone embedded systems are mobile embedded systems, but all mobile systems are standalone embedded systems. Some examples are portable embedded devices, like mobile phones, calculators and laptops.

Applications of Embedded Systems

Generally, embedded systems operate embedded system software such as C, C++, ADA, etc. Some technical embedded systems may employ operating systems such as LINUX, Windows CE, TreadX, OSE, Nucleus RTOS etc... 

Embedded systems are everywhere now. We use them unknowingly in our daily lives. So, here are Some applications of embedded systems are:

  1. Home appliances 
  2. Transportation 
  3. Health care 
  4. Business sector & offices 
  5. Defence sector 
  6. Aerospace 
  7. Agricultural Sector

Embedded System Engineering

Embedded System Engineering is the procedure of managing various machines and appliances that are distinguishable from traditional computer operating software engineering. Integrating software engineering with noncomputer devices directs the construction of embedded systems. A specific embedded system needs a broad scope of programming instruments, microprocessors and operating methods. Embedded system engineering, as performed by embedded software engineers, must be tailored to the hardware's management and running requirements. 

An embedded systems engineer allows the design, creation, and support of embedded systems in development. The position usually contains software growth. But it also needs the understanding of complete embedded methods. An embedded engineer will perform on embedded systems to complete a detailed task. The engineer will frequently generate the software detail of the system. The engineer may also support questioning the complete system guarantee it operates well. Today, embedded software engineers are yet to require the traditional mastery of low-level HW/SW programming at the record status, but the skills conditions are expanding. 

Embedded system engineering is a reassuring profession which offers high pay. Being an embedded software engineer can be a rewarding background, as they work on schemes with an influential enterprise mark.

Embedded Systems Jobs

The embedded systems engineer plans, create, examines, and supports embedded strategies. The engineer will determine and settle problems and operate collaboratively with creators, product managers, and others on different units. Some responsibilities for Embedded System Job of an engineer:

  • Develop and produce embedded systems, including embedded procedure firmware.
  • Experiment and debug the methods.
  • Observe and support the system after production.
  • Enhance system efficiency and solidity behind the development.
  • Cooperate with clients to develop systems based on their requirements.

Conclusion

The initiative for embedded systems is anticipated to resume development quickly, driven by the continued development of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), the internet of things (IoT), machine learning, and deep learning.

Tanu Bhardwaj

I am a student of BSc in Computer Science I appreciate my commitment to my profession, which I drive with a fresh and demanding mind. Here, I'm interning as a content writer. I have experience in graphic design in addition to my Canva expertise.

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