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The demand for faster, efficient, and high-performing computers is increasing, the dimensions of the form factors that carry them forward decrease.
These days, the IT industry and engineers are constantly working on challenging tasks to consolidate more powerful computers into and onto considerable smaller chassis and printed circuit boards; To fulfil the growing demand for more reliable, smaller, robust, energy-efficient, and cost-effective computer systems.
It is why we see the more innovative and lesser size, weight, power, and cost consuming systems every time in the embedded computer system market.
Let’s dive into this very world.
We will discuss what is embedded system is and everything you should know about Embedded Systems.
What is Embedded System
Embedded System is a semiconductor microprocessor-based hardware computer system with integrated software invented to perform a specific function as an independent or extensive system. The core in embedded systems is an integrated circuit made to carry forward computation processes and operations in real-time.
Embedded Systems can be effortless, from single microcontrollers to complex connected peripherals, From no UI to materialistic graphical UI. They can be built according to their tasks, from singular to any intense complicity. Their Application ranged from watches to hybrid vehicles.
What are the Types of Embedded Systems
We can divide Embedded Systems according to their performance, functions, requirements, and internal components. With these details, they can be divided into distinct categories and further subcategories.
Here We will divide embedded systems upon their programs, design, performance, and functions.
- Real-time embedded systems
- Standalone embedded systems
- Network embedded systems
- Mobile embedded systems
Real-time embedded systems
As the given name, Real-Time embedded systems can provide output and results promptly. Real-time embedded systems are designed to prioritize output results calculation speed; They are used in critical mission areas, like aerospace which requires important data at sudden moments.
For Examples:
- Modern Vehicle Controls
- Missiles and defense systems and controls
- Aircraft controls
- Vehicle and aerospace control systems
We can divide real-time embedded systems further into two types according to output results processing times-
- Soft Real-Time Embedded Systems
- Hard Real-Time Embedded Systems
Standalone Embedded Systems
Like the name given, standalone embedded systems can function entirely without a hosting system.
Examples:
- Digital cameras
- Digital wristwatches
- Appliances like microwave ovens, refrigerators
- Digital Thermometers
- Calculators
Network Embedded Systems
Network Embedded Systems works via a wired or wireless connection to communicate with host and server devices; provide input data to the host, and then provide output results to users.
Most Common examples for network embedded systems:
- Domestic security systems
- ATM machines
- POS machines
- IP cameras
Basically, A embedded system that relies upon and works via a network can be described as Network Embedded System.
Mobile Embedded Systems
Small, portable embedded devices are classified as Mobile embedded systems, like calculators cell phones.
Technically, there is some overlap between mobile embedded systems, standalone embedded systems, and network embedded systems.
All mobile embedded devices happen to be standalone systems, and some of them fully or partially work as network-embedded systems.
Microwave ovens are standalone embedded systems, but they aren’t portable or small to be considered mobile embedded systems. Mobile embedded systems like POS machines are smaller, and portable, and they only work via a network.
We can also classify embedded systems according to their internal components and micro-controllers into three types:
- Small-scale embedded systems
Embedded Systems that have an 8-bit or 16-bit microcontroller
- Medium-scale embedded systems
Embedded Systems that have a 16-bit or 32-bit micro-controller
- Sophisticated embedded systems
Embedded Systems that have a 32-bit or 64-bit micro-controller
Embedded System Program & Design
Every embedded system is different and designed explicitly for its tasks; As a result, programming an embedded system is complicated and unique and needs a master programmer. Therefore, embedded systems are primarily programmed via C or C++.
Embedded System Program needs an experienced programmer due to its technicals needs.
Embedded Systems are made for their specific tasks that require specific programming and designing. Embedded system design has to be task-specific and well optimized to work and coordinate properly. They need to cope with rough situations like changing temperature, power fluctuations, physical shock, and damages; an excellent embedded system design can efficiently functioning in these conditions.
How Embedded Systems Works
Embedded Systems combine software and hardware that works together. They count on micro-processors, micro-controllers, memory, input/output communication, and power supply to perform their tasks.
Embedded systems have a printed-circuit-board programmed with embedded system programs that commend hardware on how to process input, work process, and calculate results using communication interface and data and ultimately provide users with the output.
They are not different from other computer systems; they work almost like them and perform identically. They are fundamental to computer systems.
Use of Embedded Systems
Embedded Systems are everywhere, in every industry, or any other place. We use them in our standard or complex professional works sometimes, even without knowing it. Here are some applications of Embedded systems:
Defense Sector
- Hightech vehicles and apparatuses, Like UAVs and satellites
- Weapons, targeting, and guidance technology tools
- Advanced integrated clothing for solders
- Hightech warfare
- navigation, radar, and satellite systems
Aerospace Sector
- Air traffic control or ATC systems
- Flight control and navigation
- Collision avoidance systems
- Weather prediction calculations and monitoring systems
- Aircraft and vehicle management systems
Other Common Domestic Applications
- Regular Household appliances
- Entertainment devices
- POS systems
- ATMs
- Domestic or Enterprise security tech
- Industrial production monitoring and control
- Look around; You will find one
The Embedded system industry is foreseen to grow swiftly and driven by potential tech developments include virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, deep learning, machine learning, and IoT. Embedded systems will be the main component of these upcoming technologies to make them more efficient and accurate.
