Different Types of Embedded Systems You Should Know About

 

When software is integrated into hardware, it is an embedded system. Charles Stark Draper at MIT was the first person to use an embedded system to work on the Apollo Guidance System in 1960. It's a computerized system that may be customized to meet our specific requirements. A microcontroller is used to control the functioning of an embedded system. User interface hardware includes the display, input, and output devices and the system's memory. Embedded systems require a power supply, CPU, and communication interfaces to function effectively. A Postgraduate program in embedded systems will grant you better insight into the same and help you understand the concept better. 

 

Types Of Embedded Systems

It is possible to categorize embedded systems applications based on their performance, functional requirements and the microcontroller's performance. A microcontroller is a critical component of an embedded system since it controls the hardware.

 

Based on the functional and performance requirements:

 

Stand-Alone Embedded System 

A host computer isn't needed for this type of embedded system because it functions independently and displays data on the linked device. Analog or digital signals are obtained from the ports and processed in the port. A connected device shows the final result after adequate calculation and conversion. Even though they operate independently, these systems offer high adaptability and efficiency. Washing machines, cell phones, MP3 players and wristwatches are a few examples of stand-alone embedded systems. 

 

Real-Time Embedded Systems

Real-time embedded systems are helpful when output is required at a specific time. They are time critical and produce a result within the specified time. There are two types of real-time embedded systems: Soft and hard embedded systems.

In both soft and hard real-time embedded systems, timelines are strictly followed. In a hard embedded system, if the timelines are elapsed, then it would be considered a system failure. But in a hard embedded system, even if the timelines are elapsed, the result is accepted. For producing the result at the right time, real-time embedded systems tend to skip certain processes. 

 

Network Embedded Systems

A network is created when a program is running on another device. It's called a network embedded system, where a microprocessor or controller controls the operating program. This system is connected to a network, either LAN or WAN. Wireless or wired connections aren't required for the connection to work. A web browser is used to control and access the entire network. All connections are made through a standard network and managed under a single umbrella by security systems in any business or tech park.

 

Mobile Embedded Systems

The term "mobile embedded systems" refers to any portable device. Although its memory and capability are limited, its portability and handy systems benefit many users. Mobile phones, laptops, and calculators are the best examples that we can easily connect.

 

Classification of Embedded System based on the Performance of Microcontroller

 

 

With the help of a rechargeable battery, 8-bit or 16-bit microcontrollers, you can construct a small-scale embedded system. Small embedded systems are programmed with a variety of tools. The processor is extremely sluggish, and the hardware is highly constrained in size. Any Developers can start making new apps quickly with an IDE because they don't have to set up and integrate multiple utilities by hand as part of the setup process. When all of the tools are in the same workbench, developers don't have to spend hours learning how to use each one separately. IDE can be used to write the code for these embedded systems.

 

Embedded Systems of Smaller Size

Microcontrollers with 16-bit or 32-bit microprocessors are utilised to build small-sized embedded systems. In addition, these can be created using DSPs or RISCs. Numerous coding languages can be used to program hardware and software. Medium-sized systems, like small ones, necessitate the use of an IDE. In high-end applications requiring vast memory and processing power, medium-scale computers are a viable option.

All the hardware and software intricacies of a sophisticated embedded system make it valuable to everyone. These systems require large memory registers, scalable processors, and IPs. Graphical screens, touchpads, and cutting-edge alternatives require software and hardware to function at their best.

 

Medium-Sized Embedded System

Embedded Systems with 16-bit or 32-bit microcontrollers are called medium-scale embedded systems. The performance of these medium-sized embedded systems is superior to that of small-scale embedded systems. In these systems, the integration of hardware and software is complex. Programming languages like Java, C, and C++ are commonly used to create medium-sized embedded systems. Compilers, debuggers, simulators, and other software development tools are frequently employed to develop these systems.

 

Sophisticated or Complex Embedded Systems

To construct a complex embedded system, many microcontrollers of 32-bit or 64-bit architecture must be incorporated. These systems are designed to handle large-scale, complex tasks. These systems are incredibly complicated in terms of both hardware and software.

 

Conclusion

Embedded systems are well-known for their scalability and dependability. We can't envision the real world today without embedded systems. A system is a way of putting things together so that they all work together according to certain rules.

An embedded system is a combination of computer software and hardware that can only do one thing or can be changed to do something else. A laser printer is an example of an embedded system because it controls different parts of the printing process.

Skill-Lync’s PG in Embedded Design will help to equip you with the right skill set required to become an embedded engineer.