What is Embedded system

 Embedded System

An embedded system us a combination of computer hardware and software designed for some uses. Embedded systems may also function with a larger system. The systems can be programmable or have a fixed functionality. Industrial machines, consumer electronics, agricultural and processing industry devices, automobiles, medical equipment, cameras, digital watches, household appliances are possible locations for an embedded system.

While embedded systems are computing systems, they can range from having no user interface(UI) to complex graphical user interface(GUI). Some systems use remote user interfaces as well.

How does an embedded systems work?

Embedded systems always function as part of a complete device that's what meant by term embedded. They are low cot, low power consuming, small computers that are embedded in other mechanical or electrical systems. Generally, they comprise a processor, power supply, and memory and communication ports. Embedded systems use the communication ports to transmit data between the processor and peripheral devices, often, other embedded systems using a communication protocol. The processor interprets this data with the help of minimal software stored on the memory. The software is usually highly specific to the function that the embedded system serves.

The processor may be a microprocessor or microcontroller. Microcontrollers are simply microprocessors with peripheral interfaces and integrated memory included. Microprocessors use separate integrated circuits for memory and peripherals instead of including them on the chip. Both can be used, but microprocessors typically require more support circuitry than microcontrollers because there is less integrated into the microprocessor. The term system on a chip(SoC) is often used. SoC's include multiple processors and interfaces on a single chip. They often used for high volume embedded systems. Some example SoC types are the application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and field programmable gate array(FPGA).

Structure of an Embedded System

Embedded systems vary in complexity but, generally, consists of three main elements:

Hardware: The hardware of embedded systems is based around microprocessors and microcontrollers. Microprocessors are very similar to microcontrollers and, typically, refer to CPU that is integrated with other basic computing components such as memory chips and digital signal processors. Microcontrollers have those components built into one chip.

Software and firmware: Software for embedded systems can vary in complexity. However, industrial grade microcontrollers and embedded IoT systems usually run very simple software that requires little memory.

Realtime operating system(RTOS): These are not always included in embedded systems, especially smaller scale systems. RTOS define how the system work by supervising the software and setting rules during program execution.

Types of embedded system

There are few basic embedded system types, which differ in their functional requirements. They are:

Mobile embedded systems are small sized systems that are designed to be portable. Digital cameras are an example of this.

Network embedded systems are connected to a network to provide output to other systems. Examples include home security systems and point of scale systems.

Standalone embedded systems are not reliant on a host system. Like any embedded systems, they perform a specialized task. However, they do not necessarily belong to a host system, unlike other embedded systems. A calculator or MP3 player is an example of this.

Real time embedded systems give the required output in a defined time interval. They are often used in medical, industrial and military sectors because they are responsible for time critical tasks. A traffic control system is an example of this.

Finally,

While some embedded systems can be relatively simple, they are becoming more complex, and more of them are now able to either supplant human decision making or offer capabilities beyond what a human could provide. For instance, some aviation systems, including those used in drones, are able to permitting new kinds of operating features.

The embedded system is expected to continue growing rapidly, driven in large part by the internet of things. Expanding IoT applications, such as wearables, drones, smart homes, smart buildings are expected to fuel embedded systems growth.