As the need for more effective and quicker high-performance computers grows, so does the size of the form factors that house them. This is why the field of embedded systems continues to experience boundary-pushing weight, height, power, and price (SWaP-C) improvements.
Computer technologists have been tasked for years with the difficult task of incorporating ever-more powerful computers into and onto ever-smaller chassis and circuit boards (PCBs), primarily to meet an increasing demand for dependable, affordable, size-conscious, environmentally friendly, and economically feasible computer systems.
According to MarketsandMarkets, a business-to-business, or B2B, research organization, the embedded software market will be valued at $116.2 billion by 2025. Many renowned technology firms, including Apple, IBM, Intel, and Texas Instruments, create embedded system chips. Moreover, the predicted rise is partly due to continuing investments in artificial intelligence (AI), mobile technology, and the demand for high-level processing processors.
Continue exploring to learn more about the history of embedded computers.
Table of Contents
Embedded System Definition
You must have wondered, “What are Embedded Systems?” An Embedded system, or embedded computer, is a tiny computer that performs specialized jobs. They can operate as independent devices or components of larger systems. Therefore, the word “embedded” is frequently utilized in situations with size, weight, authority, and cost (SWaP-C) limitations.
Moreover, embedded machines, like the majority of computers, are a mix of hardware and software, typically:
- Microcontrollers or microprocessors
- GPUs are graphics processing units
- Non-volatile and volatile memory
- Connectors and ports for input/output connectivity
- Application and system code
- Power sources
However, four key differences exist between an embedded system and a standard desktop or server. They are as follows:
- Purpose
- Design
- Cost
- Participation of humans
There are benefits and drawbacks to utilizing an embedded system. Therefore, choosing an embedded system that is ideal for you will depend on the needs of your software or application. Moreover, we’ll go over the benefits and drawbacks of embedded technologies and how you may decide if they’re right for you later.
History of Embedded Systems
Embedded computer systems have existed around since the 1960s. In 1961, William Stark Draper created an integrated circuit to minimize the size and mass of the Apollo Navigation Computer, the computerized system deployed on the Apollo Control Module and Lunar Module. It was the first computer to employ integrated circuits, assisting astronauts in collecting real-time flight data. Additionally, automatics, now a subsidiary of Boeing, created the D-17B computer, which was utilized in the Minuteman I guided missile system in 1965.
However, the Volkswagen 1600 was the first car to employ an embedded technology; it used a computer to manage its fuel-injection system.
By the end of the 1960s and the beginning of the 1970s, the cost of integrated circuits had plummeted, and their use had increased. Texas Instruments created the first microcontroller in 1971. Additionally, the TMS1000 sequence, which went on sale in 1974, included a 4-bit CPU, read-only memory (ROM), and random-access storage (RAM), and it cost roughly $2 per unit in bulk purchases.
Also, in 1971, Intel developed the 4004 CPU, often regarded as the first publicly accessible processor.
The 8-bit Intel 8008, introduced in 1972, contained 16 KB of storage; the 64 KB Intel 8080 came in 1974.
Moreover, Wind River produced the first embedded systems OS, the real-time VxWorks, in 1987, followed by Microsoft’s Windows Integrated CE in 1996.
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What Are The Different Types of Embedded Systems?
The efficiency and functional specifications for embedded computer systems, as well as the functionality of microcontrollers, are used to classify them.
When it comes to performance and operational demands, an embedded system into four categories are as follows:
- Embedded real-time systems
- Self-contained, embedded system
- Linked Embedded System
- Embedded mobile system
What is a Debugging Embedded System?
Debugging is where embedded computer systems differ from larger-scale computers’ software and development platforms. Developers on desktop computer settings typically have systems that allow code creation and separate debugger software that may track the embedded system, whereas embedded system programmers do not.
Some programming languages are efficient enough to operate on microcontrollers that rudimentary interactive debugging is accessible on the device.
However, in many cases, programmers require tools that connect an additional debugging system to the goal computer via a serial or other connection. The programmer may see the original code on the screen of an all-purpose machine in this situation, just as they would while debugging software on a desktop machine. Another standard option is to run the computer on a PC that mimics the actual chip in software. Moreover, this effectively allows embedded systems to debug the software’s performance as if operating on an honest scrap.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using an Embedded System
The following are some of the instant benefits of embedded computer systems:
- Reduced electricity usage
- Lower failure rate and less noise
- less susceptible to dust, dirt, and other particles
- Overall, less upkeep is compulsory.
- Overall, Size Reduction
- Reduce your weight
- Lower price
- There is little to no human interaction.
- Task completion with dedication
- Continuous operation
- Exceptional fault tolerance
Additionally, the following are the drawbacks of embedded computer systems, as compared with the majority of full-sized rack-mount servers and workstations:
- Limited processing resources
- Simplicity of task management
Real-World Applications of Embedded Systems
Embedded computer systems are used in various applications, from household appliances to manufacturing machinery, entertainment gadgets to academic equipment, medical instruments to weaponry, and aeronautical control systems. Moreover, home gadgets, workplace automation, security, telephony, tools, recreation, aviation, banking and finance, vehicles, and many embedded system projects are examples of embedded computer system applications.
- Embedded System for Sensing Excessive Speed on Highways
The main goal of this project is to create a highway velocity-checker device that detects careless driving on highways and alerts traffic authorities whenever the speed checker detects any vehicle exceeding the specified speed limits on highways. It is the best application of an Embedded system.
- Use of an Embedded System to Control Street Lights
The primary goal of this project is to identify vehicle movement on highways and turn on street lights in advance of it, then turn off the street lights when the car passes by to preserve energy. Moreover, this project uses integrated C or assembly language to write a PIC microcontroller.
- Traffic Signal Command System Embedded System
The primary determination of this project is to create a traffic light system according to density. The signal time at each intersection adjusts automatically based on the traffic quantity at each junction. Additionally, traffic congestion is a big issue in many places worldwide, giving commuters and tourists recurring nightmares.
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- Use of an Embedded System for Vehicle Tracking
The primary goal of this endeavor is to use a GPS modem to pinpoint the exact position of a car to decrease vehicle theft. The GSM modem delivers an SMS to a preset mobile phone, which saves the data. Moreover, an LCD shows location data in longitude and latitude numbers. Because the microcontroller (AT89C52) has been installed with Keil software, it continuously monitors the GPS modem.
- Auto Intensity Control Embedded Systems
This project intends to use solar electricity from photovoltaic panels to manage the intensity of LED-based street lighting. Solar energy is becoming more popular, and more organizations and individuals are turning to it. Moreover, solar panels are utilized in this project to charge batteries by converting solar energy into electrical energy.
- Embedded System Application for Home Automation System
The main goal of this project is to create a home automation system with an Android app-based remote control. The remote operation is carried out by a smartphone with an Android OS-based or portable device, for example, using a visual user interface-based touchscreen. Moreover, to do this, the app for Android acts as a transmitter, sending on/off orders to the receiver wherever loads are linked.
- Industrial Temperature Control Embedded System
The primary goal of this industrial heat controller project is to regulate the ambient temperature of any device within an industrial application based on its requirements. The temperature range of -55°C to +125°C shows on an LCD. However, the microcontroller, a member of the 8051 family, is at the core of the electronic system and controls all of its activities.
- Embedded Systems Application for War Field Spying Robot
The primary objective of this project is to create a mechanical vehicle that may operate remotely and is equipped with a wireless camera for monitoring. The camera-equipped robot can wirelessly broadcast real-time footage with night vision abilities. Moreover, this sort of robot can be helpful for espionage in combat zones. For the necessary operation, an 8051 series microprocessor is in use.
Here are some of the more amazing embedded computer system ideas that will be accessible shortly:
- Design for a DC Motor Speed Control Unit
- Thyristor Power Control using Infrared Remote
- ZVS Three-Phase Electronic Relay
- Auto Power Supply Management from Four Sources: Solar, Mains, Generator, and Inverter to Ensure No Power Outage
- Thyristor-Controlled Ignition Motor Power
- ZVS (Zero Volt Switching) Lamp Life Extension
- Integral cycle switching for industrial power management without generating harmonics.
- Thyristor Firing Angle Controlled Industrial Battery Charger
- Object Counter with 7 Display Segments
- Moisture Content of Ultra-Fast Action Electronic Circuit Breaker Oil
- Lamp Precise Brightness Control
- Automatic Wireless Medical Monitoring System for Patients in Hospitals
- Multiple Motor Speed Sync in Industries
- Robotics used for embedded systems
- Notice Board with PC-Controlled Scrolling Text Display
- Industrial Load Switching using Touch Screen
- RF-Controlled Robotic Vehicles with Laser Beam Configuration
- Power Saving Devices for Industrial and Commercial Establishments
- The Auto Metro Train will serve as a shuttle between stations.
- Institutional Automatic Bell System
- Robotic Vehicle Operated by Cellphone
- Traffic Signal System Employing Density Using a PIC Microcontroller
- PIC Microcontroller Energy Meter Payment with Load Control via GSM and User Customizable Number Features
These are some of the embedded system implementations that encompass various electronic tasks. Moreover. this blog may have surely helped you better comprehend the notion of embedded systems-based initiatives.
Conclusion
While some embedded systems are pretty simple, they are growing progressively complicated, and many of them may now either replace human decision-making or give capabilities above what a human can deliver. For example, some aviation systems, particularly those used in drones, can integrate sensory data and act on it faster than a person, enabling new operational characteristics.
Wearables, crewless aircraft, smart houses, smart buildings, surveillance cameras, 3D printers, and intelligent public transportation will drive embedded system growth. However, if you are still struggling to understand the practical usage of an embedded system, you can comment below and get your answers accordingly!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q#1: What Is Embedded System With Example?
An embedded system is a computer technology system with a microprocessor as its brain that exists to fulfill a particular purpose, either as a standalone system or as part of a more extensive system.
Q#2: What Are 3 Examples Of Embedded?
An embedded system is a computer that backs a machine. It only serves one purpose in the more significant mechanism. However, examples are computer systems in automobiles, traffic lights, digital televisions, ATMs, airline controls, point-of-sale (POS) devices, digital cameras, GPS navigational systems, elevators, and smart meters.
Q#3: Where Is Embedded Software Used?
Consumer, commercial, automotive, household goods, medical, telecommunications, retail, aviation, and military applications use embedded systems. However, telecommunications systems use various embedded systems, ranging from telephone exchanges for the network to mobile phones for the end user.