Updated March 13, 2023
Introduction to Embedded Systems
The following article provides an outline for What is Embedded Systems? By Wikipedia, “An embedded system on a plug-in card with a processor, memory, power supply, and external interfaces. An embedded is a controller programmed and controlled by a real-time operating system (RTOS) with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system, often with real-time computing constraints.” It’s an arrangement of different tasks in a single unit. It is a microcontroller or microprocessor-based system which is designed to perform a specific task in a better way. It can be independent or a part of the big system. This is one that has a dedicated purpose software embedded in computer hardware.
Understanding
Examples of systems are as follows:
- Telephone
- Set-top box
- Mobile phone
- TV
- Washing machine
- PSP
- Mp3 player
- Digital watches
- Vending machines
- Home appliances
- microwave
etc., and many more we have. As for now, we are living in an embedded world.
How do Embedded Systems make Working so Easy?
Embedded means it’s a permanent part of some big systems.
For example, we can consider a set-top box. Nowadays, every house has a set-top box. The functionality named decoder is embedded into a set-top box to read the signal. As per those signals, we can able to see our television.
Concept
Below are some concepts of embedded which are as follows:
1. What is a System?
The system is something that works as per a predefined set of rules. It’s a way of working on one or more tasks. Each unit is embedded in and forms a bigger functional system.
Ex: watch, washing machine
2. What is an Embedded System?
As we all know, the definition of Embedded system (hardware with software embedded in it). It consists of Hardware and Software.
3. Types of an Embedded System
- Small Scale
- Medium Scale
- Sophisticated
Working with Embedded Systems
Embedded works by including a rugged computer board into an industrial enclosure with associated I/O to fulfill a function in an embedded environment. The computing element is an embedded motherboard in the CPU, which is the feature-packed small form factor; Processor is the heart of an embedded system.
1. General Purpose Processor (GPP)
- Embedded Processor
- Digital Signal Processor
- Microprocessor
- Media Processor
- Microcontroller
2. Application Specific System Processor (ASSP)
Application-Specific Instruction Processors (ASIPs), GPP core(s) or ASIP core(s) on either an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) circuit.
Basic Structure of embedded:
Advantages
Given below are the advantages mentioned:
- It is easy for bulk production.
- This system is highly reliable for everyday life.
- It has very few interconnections.
- This system is tiny in size.
- They are cheap.
- It has a quick operation.
- It has improved product quality and better performance.
- It optimizes available system resources.
- It has low power operation and efficient.
- They are less error-prone.
Required Skills
- In-depth knowledge of software architecture.
- Ability to read and understand schematics.
- Sound knowledge of programming languages like C and C++.
- The idea of microprocessor design and architecture.
- Knowledge of hexadecimal, binary, decimal, octal numbers with internal memory organization.
- The first and foremost thing is the embedded software that decides to function of the embedded system. Embedded C language is most frequently used to program the microcontroller.
Why Should we use Embedded Systems?
The uses of this are really uncountable because every day new products are getting launched to the market which uses embedded computers in a different way. Recently, microprocessors, microcontrollers, and FPGA chips have become much cheaper. Anyone can implement their idea and launch. This is a much flexible way of technology.
Scope
There is no scope for an embedded system:
- Consumer applications: Washing machine, Remote controlled toys, Entertainment (Audio/Video), Clocks, Wristwatches, Games, Toys.
- Communication applications: Wireless (Pager, Cell phone), Telephone, Answering machines, Networking (ATM, Credit card, Ethernet), Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
- Automotive applications: Motor control (Ignition, Exhaust), Power Windows, Safety (Airbag, ABS), Elevators.
- Military applications: Target recognition, Guidance, Navigation, and Aircrafts.
- Industrial applications: Traffic Control, Robotics, Production, Inventory, and Stock Management, Chemical and Nuclear power plants.
- Medical applications: Cardiac Monitors, Treatment, Prosthetics, and Dialysis Machines, Pacemaker and many more.
Why do we need Embedded Systems?
As the embedded systems are dedicated to specific tasks, design engineers can optimize them to reduce the size and cost of the product. By increasing the reliability and performance, some systems are mass-produced; this largely helps the economic area. We are more technology-focused by these embedded systems.
Who is the Right Audience for Learning Embedded Systems?
There are no criteria for learning anything, but we must select the right path to grow.
- You must know at least one programming language, such as C or C++.
- Basic knowledge of electronics.
- Learn microcontroller concepts
- People who are interested in electronics and computers tend to go for learning this concept.
- Anyone who is eager to know this concept deeply.
How will this Technology help you in Career Growth?
Embedded systems engineers are highly recommended as a crucial resource. It includes defense, robotics, communications, consumer electronics, home appliances, and aeronautics. If you are thinking about a good career and you are good at your academics as well as learning, you must prefer an embedded system as a core part of any big development.
Conclusion
We hope you must be wondering about this topic of an embedded system. It’s quite theoretical, but when you actually start getting things, you will be more clear on the magic of this. To conclude about this system is nothing but a core part of any technology. If you really want to build something with a set of hardware and software, you should proceed with an embedded system as a learning goal.
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