By definition, an embedded system is sometimes referred to as an integrated system owing to its mix of hardware and software (also known as Firmware). It is made up of clever computer devices found all around us. Smartphones, smartwatches, smart home gadgets, medical equipment, security alarms, and Internet of Things (IoT) goods are all examples of devices. Typically, an embedded system consists of a mix of hardware and software, which may be either fixed in function or programmable. An embedded system may be created to support single or many functions inside a more extensive system. Just a few applications are industrial control systems and machinery, cars, military systems such as avionics and weapons systems, medical equipment, consumer goods, and building automation.
In 1960, Charles Stark Draper of MIT utilized embedded systems for the first time to build the Apollo Guidance System. Embedded system performance is critical. Sensor, A-D Converter, Memory, Processor & ASICs, D-A Converter, and Actuator have embedded system components. Soon (2020-2021), new technologies like the Internet of Things will link our world to over 50 billion gadgets (IoT). Machine learning and artificial intelligence will also be meaningful in embedded system design. To create such systems, one must understand the software and hardware development process.
Key Takeaways
- Emerging developments in embedded electronics will alter the way electronics are programmed and expand the reach of machine learning in technology.
- By 2027, the worldwide embedded systems industry will expand rapidly, reaching more than $130 billion annually.
- The development of embedded electronics has necessitated new design software and methods targeted to these systems.
As the name implies, it may consist of either hardware or software combined to perform a particular function. It is a device that performs a single job with the help of a microcontroller/microprocessor. It is a self-contained device that may run on its own or with the assistance of an operating system. Examples include a washing machine, a music player, an ATM, a vending machine, or a data logger. Nowadays, the overwhelming majority of devices run on the operating system (Operating System). Thus, why do we need an operating system?
- The user needs more intelligent gadgets competent for doing many tasks in less time.
- Provides sufficient RAM to execute several applications.
- Disposable and consistent over time with further software upgrades.
- Integrated voice control and wireless applications such as WIFI, ZigBee, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), and GSM protocols are supported.
Smartphones, washing machines, air conditioners, and kiosks are all instances of embedded systems.
Embedded System Characteristics
Types of Embedded System
Three types of Embedded Systems are:
- Small Scale Embedded Systems:
This embedded system may be built around a single 8- or 16-bit microcontroller. A battery may power it. The most critical programming tools for creating small-scale embedded systems are an editor, an assembler, an integrated development environment (IDE), and a cross-assembler.
- Medium Scale Embedded Systems:
These embedded systems are developed utilizing microcontrollers with a memory size of 16 or 32 bits. These systems are complicated in terms of both hardware and software. C, C++, Java, and source code engineering tools are utilized to build this kind of embedded system.
- Sophisticated Embedded Systems
This class of embedded systems is very sophisticated in terms of hardware and software. IPS, ASIPS, PLAs, configuration processors, or scalable processors may be required. To build this system, you’ll need to collaborate on hardware and software design, as well as components that must be integrated into the final system.
Difference between Microprocessor and Microcontroller
Understand the differences here between a microprocessor and a microcontroller.
| Microprocessor | Microcontroller |
| It makes use of a variety of functional blocks, including registers, ALUs, clocks, and control units. | It utilizes microprocessor RAM, timer, parallel I/O, ADC, and DAC. |
| In a microprocessor, bit handling instructions are few, consisting of just one or two kinds. | The microcontroller supports a wide variety of bit handling instructions. |
| Provides fast code and data transfer between external memory and the CPU. | Provides for fast code and data transfer inside the microcontroller. |
| Assists you in the development of general-purpose digital computer systems. | Assists you in designing specialized systems for particular applications. |
| It enables concurrent multitasking. | It is a system that is focused on a particular job. |
| You may specify the amount of memory or I/O ports required in a microprocessor system. | The set amount of memory or I/O in a microcontroller system makes it suitable for completing a particular job. |
| Supports external memory and I/O ports, which adds weight and expense to the system. | This kind of technology is smaller and less expensive than a microprocessor. |
| External gadgets need more room and use much more energy. | This kind of technology takes much less room and uses extremely little energy. |
The Latest Trends in Embedded Electronics
- Python’s Popularity Among Embedded Systems Engineers Is Growing.
- Artificial Intelligence and Embedded Electronics
- New Technology Will Aid in the Growth of Embedded Electronics
- A Variety of Programming Strategies Reduces the Cost of Embedded Systems
- Embedded Systems That Are Highly Customizable Will Drive Innovation.
The Future of the Embedded Electronics Market
An embedded system serves as the processing core of a device, and the number of devices equipped with such cores is expected to grow exponentially in the future years. According to a study by Fior Markets, the embedded electronics sector would expand from slightly more than $84 billion yearly to more than $137 billion annually.
The Latest in Embedded Technology for 2021
- SEGGER recently announced the availability of their new Open Flashloader, which enables developers to program any RISC-V system that fits in only 2 kB of RAM. This enables J-Link to debug probes to download directly into the flash memory of RISC-V microcontrollers or system-on-chips (SoCs).
- Silicon Labs has announced the addition of SmartClockTM features to their Si5332-AM family of AEC-Q100 certified clock generators. SmartClockTM actively monitors reference clocks for possible problems and incorporates clock redundancy. If a fault situation is identified, SmartClockTM sends this information to external system microcontrollers or safety managers, directing the chip to switch to a backup power source to continue operating.
- Cincoze has added two Quadro MXM GPU boards to its GM-1000 machine vision line modules. The new MXM-RTX3000 and MXM-T1000 GPUs enable fast deployment of machine vision in smart factories for applications like positioning, measurement, and identification. Both MXM GPU modules are based on NVIDIA’s newest Quadro Turing GPU architecture and are manufactured using the latest 12nm technology. The MXM-RTX3000 has 1920 CUDA cores, 5.3 TFLOPS peak FP32 performance, parallel integer processing, a Tensor core for AI computation, and dedicated RT cores for ray tracing. The MXM-T1000 has 896 CUDA cores, 2.6 TFLOPS peak FP32 processing capability, and low power consumption of 50W, making it ideal for power-conserving high-performance computing.
- ADLINK Technology has introduced the DLAP x86 line of deep learning acceleration systems for industrial AI edge deployment. The DLAP x86 series is designed to accelerate compute-intensive, memory-intensive AI inference and learning operations in industrial applications. The series is built on a heterogeneous architecture for maximum performance, using Intel CPUs and NVIDIA’s Turing GPU architecture, enabling increased GPU-accelerated computing while maintaining optimal power consumption. The DLAP x86 series is ruggedly designed for dependability and can withstand temperatures up to 500C with 240 watts of heat dissipation, severe vibrations (up to 2 Gms), and shock (up to 30 Gms), making it ideal for industrial, manufacturing, and healthcare settings.
- Seeger has released its SystemView analysis tool for RISC-V embedded systems, which visualizes and records real-time data via J-Link and SEGGER’s Real-Time Transfer (RTT) technology, IP, and UART. The platform can monitor and analyze jobs, interruptions, timers, resources, API requests, and user activities. While the target is operating, events are collected, processed, and displayed in the SystemView program.
Embedded Systems in the Industries
For decades, embedded systems have been a critical component of sectors such as aerospace and military, automotive, medical devices, communication, and industrial automation. As processor design improved and more computing power could be incorporated into systems and devices, these systems’ intelligence and capacities grew dramatically. This has enabled embedded system-based products to become more intelligent and durable while also enabling smart and connected items in other sectors (consumer goods, appliances, sports goods, and so on). Embedded systems are increasingly becoming an essential part of virtually everything we do in our daily lives.
Automotive
Automotive applications presently utilize the most embedded systems and will likely continue to do so in the future. For communication, safety, awareness, upkeep, and total vehicle system management. The growing need for improved navigation, driving assistance, and vehicle-to-vehicle communications will further boost the demand for embedded systems. Moreover, hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and electric cars (EV) are increasing sophisticated system control (EV).
Intelligent Embedded Systems for Automotive
Most people think about autonomous cars when discussing AI in the automobile sector. This technology will likely become a part of transportation in the future, perhaps very soon. Currently, cognitive learning algorithms are utilized to improve efficiency, safety, and value in operations using conventional, manually operated vehicles.
Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing embedded applications. Embedded systems are widely used in portable therapeutic equipment and gadgets for monitoring vital signs. Small integrated devices that monitor heart rate or detect arterial blockages have progressed into complex surgical operations.
Consumer Electronics
Consumer electronics has always been a significant market for embedded systems, but the IoT has increased importance. Innovative linked goods need a new design criterion with integrated intelligence as a critical component. Innovative engineers will likely develop goods using new sensors and software.
Building Automation
Smart building and HVAC automation systems use embedded software and hardware and should grow significantly in the following years. Embedded intelligence will be a key component of smart buildings and smart cities. Building automation has traditionally focused on environmental monitoring, lighting, and access control. Smart buildings will likely include predictive and prescriptive technologies that identify optimum conditions. Ultimately, we want fully autonomous, self-healing systems. Based on AI and machine learning, these technologies will have embedded intelligence. The smart building sector has adopted the digital twin idea to combine fundamental operations with virtual engineering models.
Future of Embedded systems and career options
It is now possible for gadgets to interact in more ways than ever before. Our lives will be more linked and accessible than ever before when every item around us has a tiny processor/sensor implanted inside it.
Career paths
Unlike the IT sector, the entrance hurdles are significant owing to the necessary knowledge and experience. Many contemporary embedded systems engineers in India admit that their first employment was their first significant practical learning. So, you must work for a company that allows you to use cutting-edge technologies. You must be enthusiastic about technology and innovation, with an open mind to learn. One must be knowledgeable in both hardware and software, which is not straightforward given the diversity of technological platforms in use. Graduating with excellent research/self-projects may help students get better jobs.
Embedded systems are now widely utilized. Embedded systems engineers and designers are needed in many sectors, from automotive to mobile production.
MIT Robot Lab
A recent college graduate has the option of becoming an Embedded Systems Engineer, earning an average income of Rs. 4,00,000 – Rs. 8,00,000 and following the same career path as Engineers in the Information Technology Industry — Engineers to Senior Engineers to Designers to Project Leads. Samsung, LG, HCL, IBM, National Instruments, and Texas Instruments hire Embedded Systems Engineers. These firms also help modern research laboratories. Many technology consulting companies like Persistent Technologies hire entry and senior embedded systems engineers.
So, whether you want to work on a cool pocket robot or a complicated mars rover, be ready to join an embedded systems team. Embedded Systems will undergo a radical transformation in the following years as similar technologies like wireless communication and artificial intelligence development.
