Embedded Systems: Various Categories & Features

Introduction
 

An embedded system is a hardware and software combination built around a microprocessor or microcontroller. It is used to carry out specific tasks within a larger mechanical or electrical system, either alone or as a component of a larger system. There is a need to meet the growing demand for more dependable, affordable, size-conscious, energy-efficient, and cost-effective computer systems. Hence engineers have been tasked for years to integrate more powerful computers into and onto smaller chassis and printed circuit boards (PCBs). This is resulting in a rise in embedded systems training institutes as well. We are exploring the world of embedded systems in detail in this blog. Know the fundamentals of embedded systems, how they are organised, how they operate, and how they relate to servers and workstations.

What Is An Embedded System?

A system is a configuration in which every component functions by a set of well-stated rules. It is a way to arrange your work or carry out a task or tasks in a predetermined order. A computer system that is embedded consists of hardware and software that can either be programmed or have fixed capabilities. Either a standalone system or a component of a larger system might be an embedded system. It is intended for one or more specific system-wide functions. A common instance of an embedded system that can only detect smoke is a fire alarm.

What Are The Types Of Embedded Systems

Knowing the basic types is the first step if you want to learn embedded systems. Embedded systems are categorised according to these two criteria:

1. Performance And Functional Requirements

It is classified into 4 types, as follows, based on Performance and Functional Requirements:

1. Real-Time Embedded Systems

A Real-Time Embedded System is strictly time-specific, which means that it produces output in a certain or predetermined period. These embedded systems are capable of responding in urgent situations and prioritise completing time-sensitive tasks and producing results. Because of this, real-time embedded systems are employed in the defence industry, as well as in the healthcare and medical fields. They have below properties:

• Real-time task completion
• Provide prompt responses as necessary.
• split still further into two categories of embedded systems:
• No time-bound operation is necessary with a soft real-time embedded system. For instance, there are no precise cooking time instructions for a microwave oven. You can alter time delays to suit your needs.
• A successful output is required for a hard real-time embedded system; a good instance would be traffic light control.

Further, this Real-Time Embedded System is separated into two categories i.e.

• Soft Real-Time Embedded Systems 

These embedded systems do not adhere to deadlines and time constraints. Even when the system didn't provide the desired result within the allotted time, the output or result is accepted if the task's deadline has passed.

• Hard Real-Time Embedded Systems

In these embedded system types, the time/deadline of the task is tracked down. For the task to be successful, it must be finished within the allotted time frame (specified time interval).

2. Stand-Alone Embedded Systems

Embedded systems that can operate without the help of a host system are known as stand-alone embedded systems. It gives the output after receiving input in digital or analogue form. They have below properties:

• Produce digital output by converting analogue and digital input signals.
• Much simpler
• For example, a doorbell, a calculator, or an MP3 player operates independently

3. Network Embedded Systems

To provide output to the related device, networked embedded systems are linked to a network, which may be wired or wireless. Network communication is used to interact with the embedded web server. They have below properties:

• Use a network interface to operate
• LAN, WAN, or other protocols are used for network communication.
• both wired and wireless
• Ex: ATMs, weather monitoring equipment

4. Mobile Embedded Systems

These systems are portable, simple to use, and resource-efficient. The most popular embedded systems are these. Mobile embedded systems are preferable from a portability standpoint. They have below properties:

• Small, lightweight, and portable
• Work on limiting the memory space
• Constantly changing to become a tiny version
• Mobile phones, digital cameras, etc.

Our Learners Also Read: Top Embedded System Interview Questions With Answers For 2023
 

2. Performance of Micro-controllers

It is categorised into three categories, as follows, based on performance and microcontroller:

1. Small Scale Embedded Systems

An 8-bit or 16-bit microcontroller is used in the development of these systems. They might be battery-powered. Very little/limited memory and processing speed resources are used by the processor. The majority of the time, these systems don't function as standalone units. Instead, they function as any component of a computer system, but they are not programmed to perform calculations. They have below properties:

• A simple design for an entry-level embedded system
• Use 8-bit (8051) or 16-bit (80196) microcontrollers for your work.
• The majority of these devices are battery-powered.
• Due to the small size of microcontrollers, hardware and software complexity is very low.
• Assembly language and C are simple programming languages.
• A small amount of memory is needed since it only processes a small amount of data, as in the case of a thermometer, electronic toy, or robotic arm controller.

2. Medium Scale Embedded Systems

These systems are created with the aid of a 16-bit or 32-bit microcontroller. These medium-scale embedded systems operate faster than small-scale systems. These systems have complicated hardware and software integration. Programming languages like Java, C, and C++ are all used to create medium-sized embedded systems. These kinds of systems are developed using various software tools, such as compilers, debuggers, simulators, etc. They have below properties:

• A system's microcontrollers are either 16-bit or 32-bit.
• provides faster than small-scale Embedded device
• Complexity in hardware and software exists.
• Using microcontrollers and digital signal processors to process
• need far greater memory than smaller ones.
• You also need application-specific operating systems besides microcontrollers.
• For example, routers, ATMs, audio players, and pagers

3. Complex Or Sophisticated Embedded Systems

These systems use many 32-bit or 64-bit microcontrollers in their design. These systems were created to handle complicated, large-scale tasks. These systems are quite complicated in terms of both hardware and software. Designing final systems or hardware goods involves using both hardware and software components. They have below properties:

• Use multi-core CPUs and microcontrollers with 32- or 64-bit architecture.
• very strong memory requirements
• The most energy-intensive sort of embedded system is one that uses power.
• There are many complexities in both hardware and software.
• A major concern is speed.
• For example washing machines, digital watches, LAN cards, mobile systems. Some applications, such as satellite systems, also use real-time operating systems (RTOS).

Know these basic concepts by joining an embedded systems course from a reliable institute.

Embedded System Characteristics

Unlike generic computer systems, embedded systems only function for a specific task in a time-limited manner. A washing machine, for instance, cannot multitask like a laptop. Here are some unique features of an embedded system that relate to this.

• Processor and Memory

The type may have different processing and memory requirements. For instance, simple embedded systems would need less memory, whereas complex systems would need more memory and multi-core CPUs.

• Tight Design Restrictions

Various design considerations must be made about its price, functionality, size, and power to achieve an embedded system's maximum performance. These design elements are kept to a minimum to support their basic function.

• High-Tech Functionality

No two embedded system programs can have the same functionality. A washing machine and a microwave operate in very different ways. But, a laptop and a desktop perform identical tasks.

• Real-Time Management

Not an active operation, though. It implies that the software instructs the hardware to work in a time-constrained manner. Additionally, it might have two modes: Hard and Soft. The earlier mode (for example, a clock) signals that the task must be done within the allowed time, whereas the latter mode (for example, a microwave) allows for the possibility of the system using more time than what is allotted.

• Low Cost of Production

Embedded system designs have lower manufacturing costs than traditional designs since they are tailored to specific applications. As a result, embedded systems consume less energy when operating.

Join an embedded course to explore its features. 

How Do Embedded Systems Work? 

Hardware and software are combined to complete specific tasks by embedded systems. They need electricity, memory, input/output communication interfaces, microprocessors, microcontrollers, and a power source to run. An embedded system, like almost all computers, uses a printed circuit board (PCB) that has been designed with software to instruct its hardware on how to manage data through input/output communication interfaces and memory and then provides outputs useful to the user. As a result, ordinary rack-mount servers and workstations are not different from embedded systems. embedded systems programming is also a crucial component of its workflow.

What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Employing Embedded Systems?

The immediate benefits of embedded systems include:

• Lower energy use
• A reduced failure rate and less noise
• greater resistance to dust, dirt, and other particles
• Overall less upkeep
• Smaller, lighter, and cheaper
• There is little to no human interaction
• Committed task completion
• Continuous operation
• A high level of fault tolerance

The following are some drawbacks of embedded systems, at least in comparison to the majority of full-sized rack-mount servers and workstations:

• Limited processing capacity
• Task management is simple
• An embedded system requires a lot of effort to design.
• The delay to market is considerable.
• Embedded systems perform a very specialised duty, hence it is not possible to program them to perform extra tasks.
• Memory resources in embedded systems are very constrained.
• It doesn't provide any advancement in technology.
• Backing up embedded files is tricky.

Summing Up

• A system is a set-up where each of its parts functions by predetermined guidelines.
• A combination of computer software and hardware that is either fixed in capabilities or programmable is referred to as an embedded system.
• The management of many printing aspects by a laser printer is an example of an embedded system.
• The embedded system needs real-time performance. An embedded testing course includes testing and performance monitoring too. 
• When a function is crucial during operation, the system's survival probability is measured for dependability.
• The ability of a computer system to function in the presence of errors is known as fault tolerance.
• Timing and other requirements for embedded systems must be met.
• Building flexible systems with built-in debugging capabilities enables remote maintenance.
• The convenience of using the same embedded program is measured by portability.

Conclusion

An electronic device with software that is integrated into computer hardware is known as an embedded system. Depending on the work requirements, it may be programmable or not. An embedded system's qualities include its speed, size, power, precision, and adaptability. Thus, the embedded system can be employed for real-time applications when it executes activities fast. If you are looking for someone to train you, then The IoT Academy is the best embedded training institute to start with!

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