Components of Embedded Systems: Hardware and Software Components
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Written By
The IoT Academy
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Published on
July 12th, 2023
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Updated on
October 31, 2023
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A computer hardware system with software, or, to put it another way, an embedded system is a combination of computer hardware and software created for a specific function. As its name implies, embedded refers to something attached to another item. A system is a configuration in which each of its parts cooperate by a particular set of rules. It is also a manner of functioning, organizing, or carrying out single or several tasks following a predetermined plan.
Understanding the interplay between these components is crucial for designing, developing, and maintaining effective embedded devices or systems. For now, let’s carry on with the post below to understand what are the components of embedded system.
What is An Embedded System?
A system called an embedded system is integrated into a larger mechanical or electrical system. It includes a computer processor, memory, input, output, and peripheral devices. A specialized embedded system performs a single function, which may be mechanical or electrical.
If you use examples like printers, automatic washing machines, digital cameras, ATM cards, etc. Thus, each of these objects is built on embedded systems and designed to perform that purpose. Now, this system may be a component of another system or it may exist independently. If you want to learn embedded systems, you can enroll in a course to skill yourself. As a result, the operation of an embedded device is based on a set of predetermined plans or programs with particular components.
Now, if you use a cash machine or an automatic chocolate vending machine. When you watch these systems in action, you will realize that they are operating according to a set of predetermined programs and plans. So, there will be a pick choice for either a candy or a cool ring when you insert a coin. While with a printer, you are aware that when you select the print option, a printout should be taken. So there is a certain plan or program for this embedded system that it is built on and there are specific components for its function.
Every embedded system only has the necessary hardware and software for particular applications. After discussing the characteristics of embedded, we will move further to the major embedded system components.
Embedded System Characteristics
Below are some of the key characteristics of the embedded systems. You may know them in detail via an embedded testing course.
Only capable of one function, an embedded system often does a specialized operation. For instance: A pager always works as a pager.
All computing systems are subject to design metric limitations, but those for embedded systems may be strict. An implementation’s cost, size, power, and performance are all measured by design metrics.
It needs to be compact to fit on a single chip, swift to analyze data in real-time, and power-efficient to prolong battery life.
It must have memory because the software on it is often stored in ROM. Computer secondary memories are not required.
To link input and output devices, they must have connected peripherals.
The software provides systems with HW-SW More functionality and flexibility.
Many embedded systems must always respond to changes in their environment and must compute specific results instantly, without any lag time. Take a cruise control system in a car as an example; it keeps track of speed and brake sensors and responds. A delayed computation could lead to the car losing control. It must repeatedly calculate accelerations and decelerations within a finite amount of time.
It must be a microprocessor- or microcontroller-based system.
Our Learners Also Read: Embedded Systems Various Categories & Features
Embedded System Components
Due to the possibility of this question in interviews, there are 3 main components of embedded system. Thus, you should state that hardware, application-specific software, and real-time operating systems make up an embedded system. An embedded systems training prepares you to answer such queries.
Hardware and software components both make up an embedded system. It also goes by the name “firmware” when it performs certain tasks. Every aspect of daily life has been impacted by the employment of embedded systems. The home appliances sector, the automotive sector, the agriculture sector, and the medical sector are a few examples of industries where it is employed.
The major embedded system components include hardware and software. Let us discuss them below:
Hardware Components of Embedded System
Since the system is not general purpose, you do not need to add all hardware to it, but you should have the minimum quantity required.
1. Power Supply
We are aware that to operate any system, electricity is necessary. There are three ways to supply power to a system:
- The system will either have its power supply or, if it is a component of a larger system, it will draw power from that system.
- Donate to a system that the embedded system interfaces with, like a network card.
- In some instances, the charge pump principle is used in an embedded device that uses little power and accepts ATM cards. As soon as we put the ATM card in, the machine will start to receive electricity, which is why we termed the charge pump. This charge pump will thus supply the required power.
2. Processor
Any embedded system’s core component is the CPU. It determines how well the system works. There are three different processor types: 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit CPUs. For embedded systems, smaller applications require fewer bits. Large applications call for embedded systems with larger bit processors.
The embedded system’s brain is its processor. The following categories of processors are possible:
- General purpose processor
- Digital signal processor
- Media processor
- Application specific processor
- Microprocessor
- Microcontroller
- Embedded processor
- Application-specific instruction processor
We primarily use microprocessors or microcontrollers.
3. Timers Counter/ Timer
Some applications need a delay, such as LED display apps, which need one so that the LED can keep blinking. In embedded systems, timers are employed for this reason. Mechanisms are often required in embedded systems to count the occurrence of things and carry out actions at regular intervals. Time boundaries apply to embedded systems when counting the number of events or the interval between them.
The method for executing the tasks on a regular schedule is needed by the embedded system. Tasks must be finished within a certain time frame. The timer is used to create waveforms with specific delays and to create delays in general. As a result, these are the timers’ primary tasks or actions.
4. Memory
The microcontroller itself contains two different types of memory. RAM and ROM are these. ROM is a code memory, whereas RAM is a volatile memory. In embedded systems, there are several types of system memory, including:-
- Internal memory at the microcontroller
- RAM at the system on a chip or external RAM
- Internal caches at the microprocessor
- External RAM chips
- ROM / PROM
- Flash / EEPROM
5. The Communication Port
You can communicate with other embedded systems via this interface. In embedded systems, various communication interfaces are available, including UART, USB, Ethernet, RS-485, and many more. A serial port is an interface for serial communication in which data is transferred one bit at a time. The serial protocols UART, SPI, SCI, and I2C are often used.
Below are various communication ports in embedded systems:-
- UART
- CAN
- RS-232
- RS-423
- RS-485
- SPI
- I2C
- USB
- Ethernet
6. Parallel Port
Peripheral connections are made via a parallel port. The term alludes to the method of data transmission, where parallel ports send several bits of data simultaneously. In comparison to modern serial ports, parallel ports have more data lines and require longer cables and port connectors.
7. Output And Input
Input is necessary to communicate with the embedded system. An input source for the system could be a sensor. The system’s microcontroller has an input port and an output port that may be set up. You can use the fixed number of input and output ports on the microcontroller under your needs.
We require input to engage with embedded devices. The input could come from the user or a sensor. Occasionally, some systems require more input or output. I/O will be used to determine the processor.
The ports P0, P1, P2, and P3 in 8051 microcontrollers are typical divisions of this input and output. And the microcontrollers in the ATmega series PA, PB, PC, and PD. The given register must be used to set up the I/O for input or output. We must consult the manufacturer’s datasheet to do it.
An Embedded Systems Course is the best place to learn about these hardware and software components.
Software Components of Embedded System
Hardware and software modules come together to form an embedded system. The hardware-embedded system components have been outlined above. Embedded system software components are the focus of this section. Software for computers and embedded systems serves quite distinct functions. Computer software can be placed on various devices to accomplish the desired goals. However, embedded system software is created for a given device to accomplish a given goal.
1. Editor
The first tool you need for embedded system software is an editor. The text file you create in the editor will contain the code you write in the C and C++ programming languages. Geany is a nice illustration of a text editor. Many languages, including Java, C, HTML, Python, PHP, Pascal, and Pearl, are supported by this editor.
2. Emulator
An emulator is a piece of software that enables you to use the features of the host system. All the parts are controllable through the emulator tool. The emulator is also used to debug applications and find bugs. The emulator was also used to transmit code from the host system to the target machine.
The primary function of the emulator is to simulate a genuine system’s behavior in the embedded system. You may simulate how the code will operate in real time by using an emulator. It is employed to simulate software performance and aids in obtaining the written code’s optimal performance.
One operating system can be run on another device using an emulator. For instance, you might run the Mac operating system on your Windows operating system using an emulator.
3. Assembler
A machine language is created from written code by the assembler tool. It is briefly distinct from a compiler. The assembler transforms source code first into object code and then into the language that the machine can understand, whereas the compiler transforms written code into machine language.
The assembler works when the programming language used to create the application is assembly language. After that, the assembly language program is converted to HEX code so it may be processed further. After the code is written, the programmer is used to write the program into the chip.
4. Compiler
A text editor writes the code but how does a computer comprehend this code? This written code is converted into machine language by a compiler so that the machine can understand it. The creation of an executable application is the major goal of this tool.
The written programs that translate source code from a high-level programming language into a low-level programming language are referred to as “compilers.”
A compiler is a piece of software that transforms a programming language into a language the target machine can comprehend and use to execute the functions. The main job of the compiler is to convert high-level code to a low-level language. Low-level languages include those used in machine code, object code, and assembly language.
An embedded system’s cost and intricate design are correlated with the increased number of components in the system.
5. Linker
Software is written in discrete modules and components called “linkers.” A linker, often known as a link editor, is a program that merges one or more object files into a single executable code.
6. Debugger
A debugger is a tool used for testing and debugging. It examines the code, finds where errors and problems are present, removes them, and notes their locations. Programmers can confront and correct mistakes rapidly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, components of embedded systems include a blend of hardware and software. The hardware elements, such as microcontrollers, sensors, and memory, provide the foundation upon which the software can execute its tasks. On the other hand, the software components, including the operating system, firmware, and application code, breathe life into the hardware, enabling it to perform specific functions. These systems have become indispensable in our modern world, from everyday gadgets to critical industrial applications. As we move forward in the digital age, the synergy between embedded system components will continue to drive innovation and enhance our daily lives.
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