How Are Automation and Embedded Systems Related?

 

Application of embedded systems in industrial automation, controlling machines and monitoring machines are two main use cases in considering an embedded system. From HVAC units to sophisticated industrial automation applications, embedded systems are everywhere; they serve as programmable operating systems specialising in tasks like system monitoring or control. Automation is also essential for embedded systems used in home automation projects. Automation embedded systems design is a booming career, with automated embedded systems used in almost every industry. Engineers who are starting their careers as embedded systems engineers receive an average salary of 4 Lakhs Per Annum. If you are looking forward to pursuing a career in automation embedded system designs, this blog will help guide you in starting a career in this domain. 

Automated Testing Embedded Systems

Automated testing of embedded systems is a software testing technique used when the system's source code is unavailable or cannot be modified. There are two major advantages of design automation for embedded systems impact factors.

1. Automation is faster than manual testing and can run multiple tests in parallel on the same device.
2. Automated test cases are more reliable because they are based on the system's real expected behaviour.

How to Automate Embedded Systems?

Embedded systems and automation go hand in hand. An embedded system performs specific functions within a larger system that is not visible to the user.

Industry experts can automate embedded systems in two different ways

• Using an operating system (OS) 
• Programming in machine language.

Many courses in embedded systems for engineering students can help a user gain the knowledge and expertise to automate embedded systems. 

Types of Embedded Systems

Broadly speaking, most appliances and machines have three types of embedded systems.

• Real-time embedded systems
• Network Embedded systems
• Mobile embedded systems

Automation is necessary for all types of embedded systems. To understand the use of automation in embedded systems, let us look at the two general uses of automation in embedded system designs. 

These are two of the many industries that use automated embedded systems.

• Industrial applications
• Home automation projects

Let us explore the importance of automation in embedded system designs in each of these sectors separately and see whether automation is an essential part of embedded systems or not. 

Application of Embedded Systems in Industrial Automation

Industries use machines, robots, and other control systems to manage and operate manufacturing processes. Including tasks like assembly, packaging, and quality control improves factory productivity and safety. Embedded systems are a key component of industrial automation. These systems control machinery and automate processes. 

Embedded industrial machinery is handy for automating a lot of work, much of it programmable to perform specific tasks. Embedded systems are commonly used in industrial settings to automate the different processes used in manufacturing the product or its components. Embedded systems in industrial applications use automation, receive inputs from various sensors deployed throughout manufacturing plants and utilise this input data to optimise production processes. Embedded modules are making machines smarter, safer, and more efficient while taking greater control of industrial automation.

The increasing ubiquity of embedded systems is visible in industrial automation in various sectors, including agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automotive, industrial machines, etc. Trends coming out of the embedded sector are entering embedded industries at a growing pace, as operational technology, engineering technology, and the world of information technology are converging. 

Job Opportunities for an Embedded Engineer

Starting a career as an embedded engineer requires a high level of technical proficiency and interpersonal fluency. Embedded engineers must collaborate with the relevant hardware, mechanics, and application software specialists.

The engineer must then successfully establish a software architecture and plan in light of the stated restrictions, such as those concerning security, cost, autonomy, or development time. Embedded engineers with industry-relevant project experience can draw a salary of INR 9 Lakhs Per Annum. 

Home Automation Project Using Embedded System Pic Microcontroller

Earlier, automation was limited to commercial use. But today, automation is present in every household appliance. Interior decoration companies and architectural ventures install home automation projects using embedded systems PIC microcontrollers. PIC stands for Peripheral Interface Microcontroller.

The PIC technology was developed in 1993 by General Instruments Microcontroller and since then has been used widely to control the software programmed to perform different tasks with automation. 

Home automation embedded system designs are thus being used widely in designing modern homes. Contemporary home designs use automated embedded systems. For instance, many homeowners use products like thermostats to control the temperatures inside their homes. Others use automated doorbells, camera systems and windows to improve the security inside and around their home.

These spaces require automation-embedded system designs to be able to set up and run such functions through these products. Thus, automation is an important part of embedded systems. Automation and embedded systems are interrelated, and embedded systems require automation processes to set up home automation projects. 

Embedded systems are important in all kinds of industries. The increasing use of embedded systems in different products and machines has increased the demand for skilled experts who can develop such complex embedded systems. Embedded systems in industrial applications call for automation, as automation is an important part of embedded systems. Automated embedded systems open up a lot of possibilities in both industrial and residential areas of operations. 

Conclusion

Skill-Lync offers a wide range of upskilling courses for engineering students.

Students can enrol on multiple upskilling courses in mechanical, electrical, civil, computer science, and even biomedical engineering departments. Engineering students can use the Skill-Lync platform to add new-age skills and pursue courses related to subjects like embedded systems. Skill-Lync courses help train the engineer of the 21st-century skills providing them with industry-ready skills. Our course allows students to excel in their chosen domain and achieve their dream goals.