Characteristics of Embedded Systems
Embedded systems are specialized computing systems designed to perform specific functions within larger systems. They are characterized by real-time operation, low power consumption, and often have limited resources such as memory and processing power. Embedded systems are commonly found in everyday devices such as smartphones, household appliances, and automotive systems.
4 Key excerpts on "Characteristics of Embedded Systems"
eBook - ePubSoftware Engineering for Embedded Systems
Methods, Practical Techniques, and Applications
- Robert Oshana, Mark Kraeling, Robert Oshana, Mark Kraeling(Authors)
- 2019(Publication Date)
- Newnes(Publisher)
...In some cases, embedded systems are part of a larger system or product, as in the case of an antilock braking system in a car.” Many definitions exist, but in this book we will proceed with the definition outlined in the following text. An embedded system is a specialized computer system that is usually integrated as part of a larger system. An embedded system consists of a combination of hardware and software components to form a computational engine that will perform a specific function. Unlike desktop systems which are designed to perform a general function, embedded systems are constrained in their application. Embedded systems often perform in reactive and time-constrained environments. A rough partitioning of an embedded system consists of the hardware which provides the performance necessary for the application (and other system properties like security) and the software which provides most of the features and flexibility in the system. A typical embedded system is shown in Fig. 5. • Processor core. At the heart of the embedded system is the processor core(s). This can be a simple inexpensive 8-bit microcontroller or a more complex 32-bit or 64-bit microprocessor or can even be comprised of multiple processors. The embedded designer must select the most cost sensitive device for the application that can meet all the functional and nonfunctional (timing) requirements. • Analog I/O. D/A and A/D converters are used to get data from the environment and back out to the environment. The embedded designer must understand the type of data required from the environment, the accuracy requirements for that data, and the input/output data rates in order to select the right converters for the application. The external environment drives the reactive nature of the embedded system. Embedded systems must be at least fast enough to keep up with the environment...
- Nilanjan Dey, Amartya Mukherjee(Authors)
- 2018(Publication Date)
- CRC Press(Publisher)
...2 Basics of Embedded Systems 2.1 Introduction Today, we are in an era of smart devices as embedded technology is involved in various applications that we use in our daily life by the virtue of microprocessors and microcontrollers. The system might consist of only electronic or electromechanical devices. Since this work is concerned with the application of these technologies, we mainly focus our discussion on several microcontrollers and the embedded system development environments. An embedded system might be a real-time system that performs mission- critical tasks. Most embedded systems are based on sensors and output actuators. A sensor typically examines the behavior of the outside world and sends the information to an embedded microcontroller system. It is typically either digital or analog in nature. An analog sensor sends a voltage level corresponding to the sensed data value, whereas a digital sensor sends a digital pulse-width modulation (PWM) or pulse-position modulation (PPM) pulse corresponding to the sensed value. An actuator can be considered as an output device that responds to the behavior sensed by the sensor device. It may typically be a manipulator, a robotic arm, or a relay-based device that performs a real-time task based on the given sensor data. 2.2 Classifications of Embedded Systems Typically, embedded devices can be categorized into several classes. Such classifications are based on the processing power, cost, functionality, and architecture. The typical classifications are as follows. 1. Small-scale embedded system : A small-scale embedded system is mostly based on either 8- or 16-bit architecture. It generally runs on 5 V battery power, having limited processing power and memory. It commonly uses small-size flash memory or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) to store programs and instructions. The system itself is less complicated than other high-end systems...
eBook - ePubMicrocontroller Prototypes with Arduino and a 3D Printer
Learn, Program, Manufacture
- Dimosthenis E. Bolanakis(Author)
- 2021(Publication Date)
- Wiley(Publisher)
...In consideration of the reader who is introduced to a field of study that does not necessarily fall within his/her area of expertise, the term is primarily addressed as follows. Embedded computers encompass any electronic device (contained in a hardware system) that can be programmed (with some kind of code) to carry out some computing. By definition, the process of developing programming code for an electronic device draws one's attention to an interdisciplinary task between the disciplines of CS and EE. Figure 1.1 distinguishes five categories of embedded computers, in terms of the tasks that are more closely linked with the discipline of either CS or EE. To understand the position that each type of embedded computer holds on the proposed scheme, it is important to make reference to the basic features of conventional computer programming (which is originally rooted to CS). Computer vs. Embedded Computer Programming and Application Development The application software that is designed by a computer scientist or engineer to run on a personal computer interacts with the computer hardware through a system software known as the operating system (OS). The programming language used by the developer who builds custom‐designed software incorporates utilities that are considered part of the OS. This set is referred to as the application programming interface (API) and encrypts the underlying hardware operations from the developer. For instance, the API in C programming language is declared in the header files, such as the “stdio.h,” which embeds input and output functions. Hence, the developer learns how to exploit functions in order to input/output (IO) data to/from the computer system. Starting with the design of the simplest application, students are introduced to functions and syntax rules toward inputting/outputting data from/to the outside world...
- Robert Oshana(Author)
- 2006(Publication Date)
- Newnes(Publisher)
...3 Overview of Embedded Systems Development Life Cycle Using DSP Embedded Systems As mentioned earlier, an embedded system is a specialized computer system that is integrated as part of a larger system. Many embedded systems are implemented using digital signal processors. The DSP will interface with the other embedded components to perform a specific function. The specific embedded application will determine the specific DSP to be used. For example, if the embedded application is one that performs video processing, the system designer may choose a DSP that is customized to perform media processing, including video and audio processing. An example of an application specific DSP for this function is shown in Figure 3.1. This device contains dual channel video ports that are software configurable for input or output, as well as video filtering and automatic horizontal scaling and support of various digital TV formats such as HDTV, multichannel audio serial ports, multiple stereo lines, and an Ethernet peripheral to connect to IP packet networks. It is obvious that the choice of a DSP “system” depends on the embedded application. Figure 3.1 Example of a DSP-based “system” for embedded video applications In this chapter we will discuss the basic steps to develop an embedded application using DSP. The Embedded System Life Cycle Using DSP In this section we will overview the general embedded system life cycle using DSP. There are many steps involved in developing an embedded system—some are similar to other system development activities and some are unique. We will step through the basic process of embedded system development, focusing on DSP applications. Step 1—Examine the Overall Needs of the System Choosing a design solution is a difficult process. Often the choice comes down to emotion or attachment to a particular vendor or processor, inertia based on prior projects and comfort level...
