Embedded systems are present in various everyday items. They serve as the brains behind smartphones, smartwatches, vehicles, and aircraft. These systems consist of a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and input/output peripherals, specifically designed to handle time-sensitive tasks. The complexity of an embedded system depends on the required features and the task simple or complex. In this article by Nexle Corporation, we will explore the basics of embedded system design, including its hardware and software components, as well as the challenges and limitations involved in its design.
What Is Embedded System Design (ESD)?
Embedded system design (ESD) is the process of creating a computer system that performs a particular function inside a larger system or device. When integrated as a part of a larger electrical or mechanical system, a microprocessor-based computer system is identified as an embedded system. An integrated circuit is at the core of an embedded system, which is responsible for all computing tasks. Hardware and software with a specific function are also included.
Embedded systems can vary from simple to complicated implementations, depending on the task’s requirements. They may use a single microcontroller or several, each with its own set of peripherals and network connections. They are not allowed to have any UI or complex GUI. Most embedded system code is written in assembly or C, a low-level programming language, and then stored in ROM or flash memory chips.
Multiple factors should be considered, and problems solved while designing an embedded system. They are picking on the best hardware and software components, optimizing the system for speed, power, and size, performing thorough testing and debugging, and making sure the system is compatible and secure.
Embedded system designers must be well-versed in electronics, computer architecture, operating systems, algorithms, and programming languages. In addition, they have to be familiar with the embedded system development tools and standards, such as compilers, debuggers, simulators, emulators, and protocols.
Embedded Systems Design Cycle
Embedded system design can be overwhelming without proper planning. However, breaking down the design cycle into manageable stages enables effective planning, execution, and collaboration.
Step 1: Analysis of Requirements
When creating an embedded system, the first and most important step is to collect and evaluate the product’s requirements and formulate specifications. You should make a detailed list of requests and discuss any questions with your team and clients.
Pay attention that the quantity of input/output ports and the clarity of the logic diagram are not the only factors. A system designed to function inside is significantly distinct from one designed for use in harsh conditions. The ideal embedded system requirements may be identified by investigating the system’s purpose and its actual setting of operation.
Step 2: Schematic
The hardware designer can create the schematic after the requirements are turned into specifications. At this point in the design process, the team decides on the right microcontroller and other circuit components.
A microcontroller is the central part of an embedded system.When deciding on the right microcontroller, several factors need consideration. These include processor speed, memory capacity, peripheral options, power consumption, and cost.
Step 3: PCB
The PCB design phase comes right after completing the schematic. During this stage, it is crucial to take into account functionality, ease of manufacturing, and overall reliability. These factors play a significant role as you navigate the PCB design process.
Incorporating a high-speed microcontroller and/or mixed-signal circuitry into a PCB design raises the project’s complexity. High-speed designs may cause electromagnetic interference (EMI), and mixed-signal designs need to take action for proper ground separation and against noise coupling.
Step 4: Prototype
After the PCB layout has passed the DRC test and is free of errors, you may go on to complete the prototypes. The availability of low-volume prototyping services from various vendors makes this a non-issue.
Step 5: Firmware Development
Designing an embedded system involves more than just hardware. To make it function, firmware designers have to program the hardware to life. Existing driver libraries and example codes provided by the manufacturer may help speed up the process. However, designing firmware takes a lot of effort, and one wrongly placed line of code might result in hours of additional debugging tasks.
Read more: Firmware vs Embedded Software: What’s the Difference?
Step 6: Testing & Acceptance
Embedded system designs are required to pass stringent testing before they are approved for production or deployment. In addition to passing the functionality test cases, the circuit must be analyzed for its reliability, especially when working near its limitations.
Embedded System Performance Classifications
Your embedded system should have excellent real-time performance, high dependability, and stability. This is why classifying embedded systems according to their performance details is widely used. Below are some examples of the three different types that can be used.
Small Scale
Small, portable gadgets that run on batteries often utilize embedded systems with 8- or 16-bit processors. Applications such as mobile phones and digital cameras are typical.
Medium Scale
Embedded systems use 16- or even 32-bit processors due to their bigger size and higher complexity level than lightweight devices. C, C++, and Java are the three most common languages used to develop software. Routers and automated teller machines are two examples of those medium-scale applications.
Sophisticated
Hybrid vehicles and medical imaging equipment are examples of multiple 32-bit or 64-bit processors. Both their programming and their operations are cutting-edge.
Read more: What Is An Embedded System: Definition, Types, Use, and Future
Challenges In Embedded System Design
Limited Resources
To achieve optimal system performance, designers are tasked with overcoming various limitations such as storage space, CPU power, power consumption, dimensions, and weight. This necessitates a search for innovative methods to maximize functionality within these constraints.
Integration
Integrating all the various software and hardware components into the system might be difficult. This is something that skilled developers will have considered in advance. Despite thorough pre-consideration, unexpected problems may still arise.
The optimal approach involves collaborating with seasoned professionals with in-depth expertise in integrating systems with diverse capabilities. They’ll be able to quickly figure out how everything should be combined in your embedded development service.
Reliability
The medical field, aerospace technology, and automobile manufacturing all make use of embedded systems. Because of the potentially disastrous consequences of errors, safe and accurate performance is most important in these industries.
As a result, embedded system designers may need to make efforts to guarantee that the final product will continue functioning as expected in the event of a fault. This requires constant monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks.
Security
Embedded system design already has several obstacles, and security is now one of them. It is an essential aspect of any IT project. Because of the widespread growth in hacking attempts in recent years, engineers must now take extreme caution while working on any system.
To ensure data is protected from interception, it is important to assess the security of a system, carry out penetration tests, restrict access, and use secure communication protocols. Additionally, remember to conduct regular audits, educate users about safe practices, and frequently apply the most up-to-date security patches and upgrades.
Obstacles to security in embedded system design
Regulatory Compliance
Finally, many embedded systems are required to adhere to current industry standards since failure to do so may result in significant financial penalties. Therefore, the embedded system designers you hire should be industry professionals who consistently provide solutions that meet all applicable regulations. Also, ensure the completed platform has been thoroughly tested, checked against applicable regulations, and certified as appropriate.
By combining your knowledge of electronics, computers, and engineering, you can enter a profession that is both thrilling and financially rewarding. When developing an embedded system, there are several factors to consider: speed, battery life, dependability, safety, and price. To address these factors effectively, it’s essential to utilize efficient development tools and techniques, along with the appropriate hardware and software components.
When new technologies and trends come into existence, embedded system design adjusts to incorporate them. As embedded systems become more prevalent and intricate, designers of these systems will have a chance to create inventive and efficient solutions for various fields and purposes.
