In this article we are going to discuss about Embedded systems.
As its name suggests, Embedded means something that is attached to another thing. An embedded system can be thought of as a computer hardware system having software embedded in it. An embedded system is a microprocessor- or micro controller-based system of hardware and software designed to perform dedicated functions within a larger mechanical or electrical system. Such a system can be small and independent or large and computational. It is a micro controller-based control system used to perform a specific task of operation. Complexities range from a single micro controller to a suite of processors with connected peripherals and networks; from no user interface to complex graphical user interfaces. The complexity of an embedded system varies significantly depending on the task for which it is designed. Applications range from digital watches and microwaves to hybrid vehicles and avionics. As much as 98 percent of all microprocessors manufactured are used in embedded systems.
Lets take an example. Laser Printers uses embedded systems to manage various aspect of the printing. Apart from performing the main task of printing, it has to take user inputs, manage communication with the computer system, to handle faults, and sense papers left on the tray, etc. Here, the main task of the microprocessor is to understand the text and control the printing head in such a way that it discharges ink where it is needed. To perform this, it needs to decode the different files given to it and understand the font and graphics. It will consume substantial CPU time to process the data as well as it has to take user inputs, control motors, etc.
Major Components :
Such a system is a combination of three major components:
1. Hardware: Hardware is physically used component that is physically connected with an embedded system. It comprises of micro controller based integrated circuit, power supply, LCD display etc.
2. Application software: Application software allows the user to perform varieties of application to be run on an embedded system by changing the code installed.
3. Real Time Operating system (RTOS): RTOS supervises the way an embedded system work. It act as an interface between hardware and application software which supervises the application software and provide mechanism to let the processor run on the basis of scheduling for controlling the effect of latencies.
How an Embedded System Works:
Embedded systems are managed by micro controllers or digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), GPU technology, and gate arrays. These processing systems are integrated with components dedicated to handling electric and/or mechanical interfacing. Embedded systems programming instructions are referred as firmware, are stored in read-only memory or flash memory chips, running with limited computer hardware resources. Embedded systems connect with the outside world through peripherals, linking input and output devices.
Basic Structure of an Embedded System:
i. Sensor : The sensor measures and converts the physical quantity to an electrical signal, which can then be read by an embedded systems engineer or any electronic instrument. A sensor stores the measured quantity to the memory.
ii. A-D Converter: An analog-to-digital converter converts the analog signal sent by the sensor into a digital signal.
iii. Processor & ASICs: Processors assess the data to measure the output and store it to the memory.
iv. D-A Converter: A digital-to-analog converter changes the digital data fed by the processor to analog data
v. Actuator: An actuator compares the output given by the D-A Converter to the actual output stored and stores the approved output.
Types of Embedded System :
Fig. 1. Types of Embedded Systems
Small Scale, Medium Scale and Sophisticated.
i. Small Scale Embedded Systems:
This embedded system can be designed with a single 8 or 16-bit micro controller. It can be operated with the help of a battery. For developing small scale embedded system, an editor, assembler, (IDE), and cross assembler are the most vital programming tools.
ii. Medium Scale Embedded Systems:
These types of embedded systems are designed using 16 or 32-bit microcontrollers. These systems offer both hardware and software complexities. C, C++, Java, and source code engineering tool, etc. are used to develop this kind of embedded system.
iii. Sophisticated Embedded Systems :
This type of embedded systems have lots of hardware and software complexities. You may require IPS, ASIPS, PLAs, configuration processor, or scalable processors. For the development of this system, you need hardware and software co-design & components which needs to combine in the final system.
Application of Embedded System:
Below are the fields where embedded systems are extensively used :
i. Robotic science
ii. Medical
iii. Automotive,
iv. Networking,
v. Home Devices,
vi. Automobiles
vii. Industrial Control.
Major advantages of Embedded System is that It is able to cover a wide variety of environments.The major drawback of Embedded System is that it needs a long time to market.
The industry for embedded systems is expected to continue growing rapidly, driven by the continued development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), machine learning , deep learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The cognitive embedded system will be at the heart of such trends as: reduced energy consumption, improved security for embedded devices, cloud connectivity and mesh networking, deep learning applications, and visualization tools with real time data.According to a 2018 report published by QYResearch, the global market for the embedded systems industry was valued at $68.9 billion in 2017 and is expected to rise to $105.7 billion by the end of 2025.
Embedded systems in 2022:
The embedded system industry has seen a radical change over the years. With the change in technologies like inception of IoT and IIoT, embedded systems have become the catalyst for intelligent networks to emerge. Embedded software development is gaining popularity.
Embedded systems have become integral in most industries like medical devices, automotive, aerospace, defense, and automation. The development of microprocessor systems for embedded systems is really dynamic. Every year, larger, stronger, more energy-efficient microprocessor has arrived and enriched the systems. Lets discus few aspect related to embedded systems which are in focus of the designers as these are the need of hour.
We all love social media, we love to be connected. So that bare us to the threat of hackers. As a result stronger security systems need to be part of any embedded systems. The Micro controller manufacturers has already introduced newer, faster, and more complicated mechanisms that protect the devices, code, and communication interfaces. This trend of making systems more secure will continue for sure.
ii. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We cannot skip AI – Artificial Intelligence. This trend strongly came to embedded systems.
iii. Multi-core Micro-controller Development
As the application becomes more sophisticated and complex, use of multi core micro-controller is becoming popular among designers.
iv. Embedded Computers
Embedded computers are becoming a significant part of almost every piece of the technology we use in our everyday lives. That smart touch screen on refrigerator door that integrates feeds from social media and local news network is an excellent example of an embedded computer.
v. Embedded Devops
Embedded devops is need of hour, although not every company is equipped with that. Many experts are saying sooner or later all need to incorporate devops as it will help in maintain shorter time-to market.
We tried to discuss about embedded systems in a nutshell. It is a vast domain. If you are interested to work in intersection of hardware an software then Embedded systems might be your call.
Video Lecture on this topic is available here :
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