Embedded systems are found in various aspects of our everyday lives. They can be seen in digital watches, smartphones, home appliances, and medical devices. But what is an embedded system? In this article, Nexle Corporation will provide a clear definition, show different types, explore use cases, and touch on the future of embedded systems. Let’s delve into the topic by scrolling down!
What is an Embedded System?
An embedded system is a specialized computer hardware system. It includes a microprocessor and software designed for a specific purpose. This system can function independently or as part of a larger system.
The brain of the system is an integrated circuit optimized for real-time processing. There are many levels of complexity, from a single microcontroller to a group of connected processors with peripherals and networks and from no user interface to intricate graphical user interfaces. Depending on the goal for which it was created, an embedded system’s level of complexity might vary significantly.
Up to 98% of all manufactured microprocessors are used in embedded systems. Applications for embedded systems include hybrid cars, avionics, digital watches, microwaves, and more.
What are the Types of Embedded Systems?
What is a Real-time Embedded System?
Real-time embedded systems are capable of providing information and results instantly. This is particularly important in fields like space travel, where having immediate access to crucial information is vital. The processing times of the outputs can be used to divide real-time embedded systems into two groups:
- Soft real-time embedded systems
- Hard real-time embedded systems
These are a few examples of real-time embedded systems:
- Aircraft controls
- Sensor data is processed and transmitted by computers in land vehicles and aircraft.
- Missile defense system controls
- Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle controls
What are Soft and Hard Real-Time Embedded Systems?
The deadlines or time limits for producing soft, real-time embedded systems are more flexible. There may be a little performance drop if outputs aren’t delivered on time, but this is not considered a system or application failure and is not expected to have serious effects. While the system may be slow, its results are still valued.
To illustrate the concept of a “soft real-time embedded system,” consider a computer running an application whose main goal is to evaluate relatively harmless, non-mission-critical sensor data, such as a specific region’s temperature and humidity measurements, in real time.
Real-time output transmission may be delayed depending on the computer’s processing speed and available memory. Although it is helpful to have this information on hand, collecting and analyzing data on temperature and humidity isn’t usually seen as a mission-critical activity that generates mission-critical data. Therefore, the system’s late outputs would still be considered important, and the latency itself, although indicative of a reduction in service quality, would not have any significantly negative consequences.
Put another way, complex real-time embedded systems are the opposite of their soft ones. Due to the nature of the programs and applications typically using complex real-time embedded systems, failure to meet output deadlines is considered a system or application failure, which can have catastrophic consequences.
For instance, in missile defense systems, complex real-time embedded systems are implemented because of the urgent need to identify, track, intercept, and destroy approaching missiles without putting people, property, or infrastructure at risk.
What are Standalone Embedded Systems?
In contrast to networked embedded systems, standalone embedded devices may operate independently. They’re suited to functioning alone to get results. The following are some examples of standalone embedded systems:
- MP3 player
- Digital camera
- Digital wristwatch
- Calculator
- Refrigerator, washing machine, microwave oven
- Temperature measurement system
While it’s true that specific embedded systems can work completely on their own, this is by no means general. When used as a component of a larger mechanical, electrical, or electronic system, many embedded systems develop in their aimed roles.
For instance, adaptive cruise control (ACC) systems are not considered independent embedded systems since they cannot perform their intended function if separated from the vehicles in which they are installed.
But a calculator, for instance, sends back an answer in math after taking input from the user. In contrast to the ACC system, it does not need to be embedded into a larger system. Hence, it is considered a standalone embedded system.
What are Network-Embedded Systems?
To provide results, networked embedded devices connect to the internet through wired or wireless networks and exchange data with remote servers. Examples of embedded systems that rely on networks that are often discussed include:
- Home and office security systems
Security systems for the home or business are systems of sensors, cameras, alarms, and other embedded devices that monitor the inside and outside of a facility and sound an alarm if they detect anything unusual.
- ATMs
To process transactions like withdrawals, balance inquiries, deposits, and more, an ATM must be connected to a host computer and a computer-controlled by the bank.
- POS systems
A point-of-sale (POS) system is a network of computers and a central server that records financial and other data about customers.
In general, embedded systems are considered network or networked embedded systems if they either include or are supported by networks of other devices.
What are Mobile Embedded Systems?
Mobile embedded systems include all the small, portable embedded devices on the market, from calculators to mobile phones. It’s important to note the technical overlaps between network-embedded systems, standalone embedded systems, and mobile-embedded systems. All mobile embedded devices operate independently, while some also function as embedded systems.
Although microwave ovens have embedded systems, they are not mobile since they are too large and heavy to be carried around. Mobile embedded systems, such as point-of-sale terminals, are more compact and easily transportable, although they are network-dependent.
What are Small-Scale, Medium-Scale, and Large-Scale Embedded Systems?
Embedded systems may be broken down into three different types depending on the capabilities of their microcontrollers:
- Small-scale embedded systems: 8-bit or 16-bit microcontroller
- Medium-scale embedded systems: 16-bit or 32-bit microcontroller
- Sophisticated embedded systems: 32-bit or 62-bit microcontroller
How do Embedded Systems Work?
Embedded systems are designed to work only as part of a bigger device. A low-power embedded computer is a small device that may be found in other mechanical or electrical systems. They typically have a CPU, a power supply, memory, and data and voice transmission connectors. With the help of a communication protocol, embedded systems’ processors may send and receive data with external devices, most often with other embedded systems. The CPU uses the minimal software stored in memory to make sense of this information. In most cases, the software running on an embedded system is written with a particular goal in mind.
A microprocessor or microcontroller might serve as the processor. Simply said, microcontrollers are microprocessors with integrated memory and peripheral interfaces. Microprocessors rely on external integrated circuits instead of incorporating memory and peripherals on the chip. Although both are useful, microprocessors often need supplementary circuitry in addition to microcontrollers due to the microprocessor’s lower level of integration. The acronym “SoC” (system-on-a-chip) is often used to describe these integrated circuits. SoCs are integrated circuits that have different interfaces and processors. They find widespread use in mass-produced embedded systems. Types of SoCs include ASICs and FPGAs, which are specialized chips used in specific applications.
Embedded systems often interact with hardware using a real-time operating system (RTOS) in real-time operating environments. At higher levels of chip capability, when systems are normally fast enough, and jobs are tolerant of modest changes in response time, near-real-time techniques are acceptable. Embedded Java and Windows IoT (previously Windows Embedded) are two additional operating systems that have been slimmed down to operate on embedded devices, although Linux is the most popular choice.
Use Cases of Embedded Systems
To deeply understand “what is an embedded system,” it’s better to discover its use cases. Embedded systems may be found everywhere and in every industry. Whether in simple or complicated work, we could use them without realizing it. Examples of where embedded systems may be used are:
Aerospace Sector
- Weather prediction calculations and monitoring systems
- Air traffic control/ ATC systems
- Flight control and navigation
- Aircraft and vehicle management systems
- Collision avoidance systems
Read more: Embedded System Design: Step-by-step Guide in 2023
Defense Sector
- Advanced integrated clothing for soldiers
- Hightech vehicles and apparatuses, like UAVs and satellites
- Hightech warfare
- Navigation, radar, and satellite systems
- Weapons, targeting, and guidance technology tools
Other Common Domestic Applications
- ATMs
- POS systems
- Entertainment devices
- Regular household appliances
- Domestic/ enterprise security tech
- Industrial production monitoring and control
Future Trends in Embedded Systems
The embedded systems industry is experiencing rapid growth thanks to technological advances such as AI, augmented reality, virtual reality, machine learning, deep learning, and the Internet of Things. One area of particular interest is the cognitive embedded system. It stands to benefit from various factors, including energy efficiency, embedded device security, cloud and mesh networking, applications of deep learning, and tools for real-time data visualization.
QYResearch estimates that the embedded systems market will grow from its 2017 $69.1 billion to $105.7 billion by the end of 2025.
Read more: Firmware vs Embedded Software: What’s the Difference?
We hope you now understand clearly about “what is embedded system.” To sum up, embedded systems play a crucial role in numerous applications that we rely on daily. Comprising of hardware, software, and communication components, they continue to advance and enhance as new technologies and obstacles arise. At Nexle Corporation, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of embedded systems. If you have any further questions or insights to share on this topic, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
