What is an Embedded System? and Basic Knowledge About Embedded System

A microcontroller-based, software-driven, dependable, real-time control system that is created specifically to carry out a given task is a general definition of an embedded system. It can be compared to a computer hardware system with software already built in.

What are Embedded systems?

Systems that are embedded into a device are used to control specific operations. Embedded systems are frequently only designed to do this function periodically, while more sophisticated ones can take over entire operating systems.

How significant are embedded systems in daily life?

It is frequently disputed what role embedded systems have in daily life. These tiny computers are integrated into multiple systems to do specialized image and data processing tasks, and as a result, they have a substantial impact on how we commute, spend our leisure time, conduct business, and perform many other daily tasks.

 

Types of Embedded Systems:

  • Real-Time Embedded Systems
  • Stand Alone Embedded Systems
  • Networked Embedded Systems 
  • Mobile Embedded Systems 

 

Real-Time Embedded System

  • A Real-Time Embedded System is strictly time-specific, which implies that it only produces output during a specified, predetermined time period.
  • These embedded systems are capable of responding quickly in urgent situations and prioritizing completing time-sensitive tasks and producing results.
  • Because of this, real-time embedded systems are employed in the defense industry, as well as in the healthcare and medical fields and some other industrial settings where timely output is valued highly. 

 Example

  • Traffic Control System
  • Military Usage in defense sector
  • Medical Usage in health sector

Stand Alone Embedded Systems 

  • Independent systems that are capable of functioning without a host system are known as stand-alone embedded systems.
  • It gives the output after receiving input in digital or analogue form.

 Examples

  • MP3 players
  • Microwave ovens
  • Calculator

Networked Embedded Systems

  • The output from networked embedded systems is sent to the attached device over a network, which may be wired or wireless.
  • Network communication is used to interact with the embedded web server.

 Examples

  • Home security systems
  • ATM machine
  • Card swipe machine

Mobile Embedded Systems 

  • Mobile embedded systems are compact, simple to use, and consume fewer resources. 
  • The most popular embedded systems are these. 
  • Mobile embedded systems are preferable from a portability standpoint.

 Examples

  • Mobile phones
  • Digital Camera

Components of Embedded System 

  • Processor
  • Timers counters
  • Circuits used in application
  • Power supply
  • Communication ports
  • Memory
  • Output and Input

 Processor

  • The system’s brain in any embedded device is the CPU.
  • The performance of the embedded system is decided by the CPU.
  • There are numerous types of processors available on the market, and users can select one based on their needs.
  • The embedded system can carry out microcontroller and processor tasks.

Timers counters

  • A delay must usually be included in the application.
  • For instance, in applications using LED displays, a delay is required so that the LED can keep blinking.
  • For that, a timer and a counter can be used by the embedded system.
  • It is possible to program in a way that causes delays in the embedded system.
  • The crystal oscillator and system frequency can be used to determine the delay time span, allowing delay to be generated as needed by the user.

Circuits used in application

  • When designing an embedded system, a variety of hardware components might be used.
  • The circuit selection is completely dictated by the embedded system’s application.
  •  For instance, temperature sensors are needed in temperature sensor applications to measure the temperature. For instance, temperature sensors are needed in temperature sensor applications to measure the temperature.

Power supply

  • The power supply is an essential component for powering the embedded system circuit.
  • A 5 V supply is typically required for an embedded system, however it can alternatively be between 1.8 and 3.3 V.
  • The power source can be a battery or a wall adapter.
  • Based on the requirements of the user and the application, the power supply is selected. 
  • Additionally, dissipation should be permitted and the power supply should be as effective as possible.

Communication ports

  • The communication port is the sort of interface used for communicating with various embedded system types.
  • In embedded systems, a variety of communication port types are available, including UART, USB, Ethernet, RS-485, and others.
  • The microcontroller’s communication ports can be utilized when an embedded system is used in a small-scale application.
  • Additionally, serial protocols exist that can be utilized to transfer data from one system board to another

Memory

  • Each microcontroller used by the embedded system has its own built-in memory.
  • The two primary types of memory are ROM and RAM (random access memory) (Read-only memory)
  • Data saved in RAM, which is a volatile type of memory, is lost when the system is turned off.
  • The embedded system loads code from the ROM memory when the system is turned on. The ROM is used to store the program.

Output and Input

  • When the embedded system is in use, communication with it is necessary.
  • The embedded system can receive input from both the user and the sensor. Due to the fixed input and output ports on the embedded system, devices can only be connected to those ports specifically.
  • Examples include P0, P1, P2, and a number of others.
  • The embedded system’s processor may be based on input and output. The input and output ports must be configured correctly in order to be used. 

 

Examples of Embedded System:

In a variety of technologies and sectors, embedded systems are used. Here are a few instances

  • Automobiles
  • Mobile Phones
  • Industrial Machines
  • Medical Equipment

Automobiles

  •  Many computers, or embedded systems, are present in modern cars (up to100 at times), and they are all intended to carry out various functions. These systems carry out a variety of fundamental utility tasks in certain cases, while others offer entertainment or user-facing features. Cruise control, backup sensors, suspension control, navigation, and airbag systems are just a few embedded technologies found in consumer vehicles.

Mobile Phones

  • These are made up of a variety of embedded systems, such as GUI software and hardware, operating systems (OSes), cameras, microphones, and USB I/O (input/output) modules.

Industrial Machines

  • Both being embedded systems and containing embedded systems, such as sensors, are possible. Automation systems that conduct specific monitoring and control tasks are frequently installed in industrial machinery.

Medical Equipment

  • Embedded systems like sensors and command and control systems may be among them. Similar to commercial machines, medical equipment must be exceedingly user-friendly to avoid machine faults that may have been avoided. According to this, they frequently create an OS and GUI that are more complicated in order to produce a usable UI.

Conclusion

Additionally, embedded systems are quickly emerging as a change-agent in the computer, data communications, telecommunications, industrial control, and entertainment industries. In any industry, automatic systems will be beneficial and save both individuals and groups of people. Embedded systems will soon be among the technologies with the quickest rate of development due to new, creative applications in these and other fields. The embedded system thus has a significant impact on how we live today..