Have you wondered how your digital watch works? Or why is a fire alarm so accurate? Well, the answer lies in the concept of an embedded system. They are applicable in various industries like agricultural devices. From medical devices to autos we are living with them. Moreover, an embedded system can do a single operation or multiple tasks at the same time. Hence, an embedded system’s design includes many parts. Hardware, Software, and Real-time OS are the three main components of embedded systems.
In this post, we will delve into the world of embedded systems. Also, we will be investigating the components to design these systems.
Systems that always function as an integral part of a larger device are the embedded systems. Thus, you can say they are small, low-cost computers in mechanical or electrical systems. For smooth functioning, there are several elements of an embedded system.
They have a processor, power supply, memory, and communication ports. So, here is how an embedded system works:
Processors are the primary element of embedded systems that accept sensor data in digital format. Further, it processes those answers to generate output in a real-time processing environment. The processor may be a microprocessor or a microcontroller.
Here, Microcontrollers are microprocessors with peripheral connections and integrated memory. However, Memory and peripherals are not integrated into the chip in microprocessors; instead, they have separate integrated circuits. Still, microprocessors often require more support circuitry than microcontrollers.
Hence, a processor is one of the crucial components of an embedded system.
Embedded Systems applications are popular in:
The application of embedded system in automation provides the necessary intelligence and control to various processes and systems. This results in enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and reliability.
Embedded systems vary in complexity but often consist of three major components. These are also known as the major elements of embedded systems.
The hardware of embedded systems revolves around microprocessors and microcontrollers. Microprocessors are very similar to microcontrollers and often refer to a CPU (central processing unit). It integrates with other basic computing components such as memory chips and digital signal processors (DSPs). Hence, Microcontrollers include all these components on a single chip.
Here are some of the important hardware components of embedded system :
The power supply delivers the necessary electrical power to the embedded system. It can gain power from batteries or wall adapters and should be stable and efficient to ensure continuous operation.
The processor, often known as the central processing unit (CPU), serves as the brain of the embedded system. It determines the system’s performance and capabilities. Processors can be microprocessors that are general-purpose CPUs. Else, they can be microcontrollers or integrated CPUs with peripherals.
Various forms of memory are applicable in embedded systems. RAM as we know temporarily stores data and variables during runtime. But, ROM (Read-Only Memory) stores permanent data such as firmware and program code. Flash memory is useful for non-volatile storage.
Embedded systems must have input and output capabilities to interface with the outside world. Sensors and user interfaces (buttons and switches) provide data to the system. But, displays, LEDs, and actuators convey information.
They are vital in embedded systems for tracking time and generating delays. They manage events, measure time intervals, and synchronize actions.
These allow the embedded system to communicate data with other devices or systems. Standard communication interfaces include USB (Universal Serial Bus) and UART (serial communication). RS-485 (long-distance serial communication), and Ethernet (network communication) are also its part.
Depending on the application, embedded systems may have additional circuits specialized to certain functionalities. ADCs (analog-to-digital converters) and DACs are examples of such circuits.
These are some of the useful hardware embedded system components.
The complexity of embedded software might vary. However, industrial-grade microcontrollers and embedded IoT systems have very basic software. Moreover, they require little memory. Several software components and tools are useful when creating an embedded system. The following are the most common software components of embedded systems:
It makes assembly language code executable by the target microprocessor or microcontroller. Hence, the assembler works by converting it to machine or object code.
Allows the running and testing of embedded system software on a host system. Also, it emulates the behavior of the target hardware for debugging and issue resolution.
Converts high-level programming languages (e.g., C++ or C) into machine or object code. An embedded system can run this code, perform optimizations, and generate executable code.
Provides a comprehensive programming environment with capabilities like code editing. It also allows compiling, debugging, and project management tools to aid in the development process.
Pre-written code modules or functions that provide useful functionality or specific hardware interactions. Hence, it allows for code simplicity, size reduction, and reuse. Above are the most useful software components of embedded systems.
These are not always present in embedded systems like in smaller-scale systems. RTOSes establish how the system functions by overseeing software. Moreover, they enforce rules during program execution.
They respond to events or analyze data within severe time limits. However, RTOS must achieve the intended outcome within a specific time range. These systems are useful in industrial automation, healthcare, and military applications. Some examples include Medical monitoring equipment, machine control systems, and flight control systems.
As noted earlier, an embedded system is a combination of computer hardware and software. The components of embedded systems are there for specialized functions within a larger system. So all types of embedded systems require software to run to accomplish specific functions. For instance, a microcontroller contains software for handling or operations. Moreover, many tools construct this program. These tools include an editor, a compiler, an assembler, a debugger, and a simulator.
While some embedded systems are quite simple, they are growing more complex. Also, an increasing number of them are now capable of replacing human decision-making. Moreover, they are providing capabilities beyond what a human could deliver. For instance, some aviation systems, such as those used in drones. They can integrate sensor data and act on it faster than a human, allowing for new types of operating characteristics.
The components of embedded systems may also upgrade with time. Embedded systems will continue growing fast, fueled in large part by the Internet of Things. Wearables, drones, smart homes, smart buildings, etc may accelerate embedded system growth.
Embedded system has the importance of both hardware and software components. There are several hardware and software components in an embedded system. However, the selection of components for developing an embedded system depends on the application and user requirements. The greater the number of components. The higher the cost of embedded systems the more difficult the design of an embedded system. Enroll in a professional certification in Embedded System Course from The IoT Academy to explore the depth of embedded components with IoT.
Ans. The important components of RTOS include the Scheduler, and Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP). It also involves Function Library, Memory Management, Fast dispatch latency, and User-defined data objects and classes.
Ans. In any embedded system, the processor serves as the system’s brain. Thus, the processor is in charge of defining the embedded system’s performance.
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