What Are Embedded Systems? Meaning, Components, and Applications

• An embedded system is defined as a device consisting of a processor, memory, and input/output units and having a specific function within a larger system.
• Embedded systems have applications in the consumer, home entertainment, industrial, medical, automotive, commercial, telecommunication, military, and aerospace verticals.
• This article covers the meaning, components, and applications of embedded systems.

What Are Embedded Systems?

An embedded system consists of a processor, memory, and input/output units and has a specific function within a larger system. Embedded systems have applications in the consumer, home entertainment, industrial, medical, automotive, commercial, telecommunication, military, and aerospace verticals.

Embedded systems are also called embedded computers. Generally speaking, they are small in form factor and drive specific computing tasks. While they are usually part of larger systems (thus the moniker ‘embedded’), they can serve as standalone devices too. Embedded systems are useful in applications with size, power, cost, or weight constraints.

How do embedded systems work?

Embedded systems are computers. Therefore, like most other computers, they contain a combination of hardware and software such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, volatile and non-volatile memory, graphics processing units (GPUs), input/output communication interfaces and ports, power supplies, and system and application code. However, embedded systems have four main factors that differentiate them from a typical workstation or server: purpose, design, cost, and human involvement.

Like any other computer, embedded systems leverage printed circuit boards (PCBs) programmed with software that guides the hardware on operation and data management using memory and input/output communication interfaces. The result is the terminal production of output that is of value to the end user. As such, at a fundamental level, embedded systems are not too different from workstations and servers.

Types of embedded systems

When considering performance and functional requirements, embedded systems are categorized into real-time embedded systems, standalone embedded systems, networked embedded systems, and mobile embedded systems.

• Real-time embedded systems prioritize prompt output generation and can be classified as soft real-time (lenient deadlines) or hard real-time (strict deadlines).
• Standalone embedded systems can function independently without a host computer.
• Networked embedded systems rely on network connections and communication for output generation.
• Mobile embedded systems refer to small, portable devices such as smartphones and laptops.

Finally, when classified based on microcontroller performance, embedded systems are divided into small-scale, medium-scale, and sophisticated categories, depending on the bit size of the microcontroller.

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Components of Embedded Systems

The components of embedded systems consist of hardware and software elements that work together to enable the desired functionality of the system.

Hardware components of embedded systems

The hardware components of embedded systems encompass various physical elements that comprise the system infrastructure. These include power supply, microcontrollers and microprocessors, memory, timers and counters, communication interfaces, input/output, and electrical circuits, all of which work together to enable the desired functionality of the embedded system.

• Power supply

The power supply component is an electrical unit responsible for powering up the electrical load of the embedded system. While a 5V power supply is generally required, the range can go from 1.8V to 3.3V, depending on the application.

To ensure seamless system operations, a smooth and efficient power supply is a must. The power supply unit can either be live (such as from a wall adapter) or battery-powered. Some embedded systems use an independent power supply, while others leverage the same source as the larger technology being powered.

• Microcontroller and microprocessor

Embedded systems come in two key variants: microcontroller-powered and microprocessor-powered. A form of integrated circuits, these components give the system its computing power. In simple terms, the microcontroller or microprocessor serves as the brain of the embedded system and drives its performance.

Processors range from 8-bit to 16-bit to 32-bit, with the main difference in processing speed and throughput. For instance, a 32-bit processor has a higher processing speed since it can manipulate 32 bits at once, while a 16-bit processor has a comparatively lower processing speed as it manipulates only 16 bits at a time. So why don’t all embedded systems come fitted with 32-bit processors? It’s simple. Not all applications require high processing speed and associated higher costs!

• Memory

The memory component is essential for storing critical data in embedded systems. This component is generally integrated into the microprocessor or microcontroller. The two types of memory are RAM (random access memory) and ROM (read-only memory).

RAM is also known as the ‘data memory’ and is volatile, which means that it stores information only temporarily and is wiped clean when the power supply is turned off. On the other hand, ROM is also known as the ‘code memory’ and is responsible for storing the program code. It is non-volatile, storing system information even when the power supply is turned off.

• Timer and counter

Timers are used in applications requiring the creation of a delay before the execution of a specific function by the embedded system. On the other hand, counters are used in applications where the number of times a specific event takes place needs to be tracked. Up counters count upward from the starting value to 0xFF, while down counters count downward to 0x00. Counters are integrated into the system using register-type circuits.

• Input/output

Input components allow other components within the larger interconnected infrastructure to interact with the embedded system. For instance, a sensor helps provide inputs for the system to process. Once processing is complete (for instance, counting), the results are communicated to the required destination via the output component.

• Communication interface

Communication interfaces enable embedded systems to establish communications with each other and other components within the larger system. Different interfaces include USB, I2C, UART, RS-485, and SPI. For simple applications, communication ports within the microcontroller are utilized, and ports can be externally installed in case of advanced applications.

• Electrical circuit

Depending on the application, embedded systems can contain customized electrical circuits. Some of the basic components used in electrical circuits of embedded systems are:

• Printed circuit board (PCB)

The PCB is a crucial component within the electrical circuit of embedded systems. It is a mechanical circuit board that uses conductive copper traces to link other components electronically. Electronic circuits made using a PCB are more cost-effective and operationally efficient than wire wrap or point-to-point configurations.

• Resistor

The resistor is an electrical component primarily responsible for producing resistance in the current flow. It reduces current flow in a calculated manner to adjust signal levels. Motor controls and power distribution systems use high-power resistors to dissipate more heat.

The resistor’s electrical function depends on its resistance; the greater the resistance, the more resistance is created in the current flow. Resistors are subdivided into fixed and variable, with fixed resistors changing their resistance with temperature and variable resistors leveraged as sensing devices for light, humidity, heat, and force.

• Capacitor

A capacitor is an electrical circuit component with two terminals. It is mainly used for energy storage and release as the circuit requires. While capacitors come in various forms, most feature two electrical conductors separated using a dielectric material. Capacitors are used for various applications, including smoothing, bypassing, and filtering electrical signals.

• Diode

A diode allows the current to flow in only a single direction. This component is generally made of semiconductor materials such as silicon or germanium. It is useful for applications such as switches, signal mixers, logic gates, voltage regulators, limiters, clippers, gain control circuits, and clampers.

• Transistor

In the electrical circuit, transistors are responsible for switching and amplification. They come in two main types: metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), which is a voltage-controlled component with terminals such as source, gate, and drain; and bipolar junction transistor, which is a current-controlled component with terminals such as base, emitter, and collector.

Transistors are used in various applications such as computers, aircraft, pacemakers, stoves, and motor control. This component works on a simple principle: the small current at one terminal produces a large current in the other terminals for amplification.

• Integrated circuit

The integrated circuit combines numerous electrical components within one chip. It helps users by providing a ready-made chip that can be directly incorporated into the embedded system without capacitors and resistors having to be added separately. Integrated chips can function as oscillators, microprocessors, amplifiers, memory units, timers, and more.

• Light-emitting diode (LED)

LEDs are widely used in electrical circuits to indicate whether the circuit functions correctly. LEDs allow users to identify the state of current within the circuit.

• Inductor

Finally, the inductor is an electrical component for energy storage in an electric field and within the presence of an electrical current. An inductor takes the form of an insulated wire encircling a coil. It blocks alternating current while allowing direct current to flow. Inductors used for this function are known as ‘chokes.’

Software components of embedded systems

Unlike computer software, which can be installed on different devices to achieve the same goal, embedded system software is specifically written for a particular type of device, and its goals are much narrower in scope. The software components of embedded systems are:

• Text editor

A text editor is the first software component needed for building an embedded system. This editor is used to write source code in C and C++ programming languages and save it as a text file.

• Compiler

This component’s core function is the development of an executable program. Once the code is prepared in the text editor, the machine must understand it. This is achieved with the compiler’s help, translating the written code into low-level machine language. Examples of low-level languages include machine code, assembly language, and object code.

• Assembler

The assembler is for instances where assembly language is the programming language used to build the application. The assembly language program is translated into HEX code for further processing. Once the code is written, the programmer is used to write the program on the chip.

This is slightly different than the process followed in a compiler. In the compiler, written code is directly converted into machine language. On the other hand, the assembler first converts source code to object code, after which the object code is converted into machine language.

• Emulator

This component makes the embedded system behave like a real, live system while operating in a simulation environment. Simply put, it simulates software performance and helps ensure that the performance of the written code is ideal. The emulator is used to gain an idea of the way the code will operate in real time.

• Link editor

Software code is generally written in small-sized pieces and modules. The link editor, also known as a ‘linker,’ is the component used to take one or more object files and integrate them to develop a single executable code.

• Debugger

Finally, the debugger is a software component used for debugging and testing. It is responsible for scanning the code, removing bugs and other errors, and highlighting the specific instances where they occurred. The debugger helps programmers address errors swiftly.

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Applications of Embedded Systems

Embedded systems are crucial in several technologies, including the internet of things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) devices. Almost every smart device today uses this versatile technology in some capacity or the other.

A few real-world applications of embedded systems are:

Embedded Systems Applications

1. GPS

The global positioning system (GPS) uses satellites and receivers to synchronize location, velocity, and time data to provide a navigation system the world can use. GPS systems are commonly used in vehicles and mobile devices. All ‘receivers’ (devices that receive GPS data) are integrated with embedded systems to enable the use of the global positioning system.

2. Medical devices

Cutting-edge medical devices with embedded systems are used for patients requiring constant monitoring. For instance, embedded sensors gather health data such as readings from implants, pulse rate, and heart rate. This data is then transmitted to a private cloud, where it can be reviewed automatically by an alert system or manually by a medical professional.

3. Automotive

Embedded systems in automotive applications enhance overall safety and user experience. Key examples of embedded systems in action are adaptive speed control, pedestrian recognition, car breakdown warning, merging assistance, airbag deployment, anti-lock braking system, and in-vehicle entertainment equipment.

4. Automated fare collection

Automated fare collection solutions enable public transportation passengers to pay their fares through automated machines or even online without interacting with another human being. The automatic transit fare collection ecosystem consists of ticketing machines, magnetic stripe cards and smart cards for regular travelers, ticket and card checking machines, and automatic gate machines. All these components include embedded systems to enable them to communicate with each other and thus keep the mechanism operational.

5. Fitness trackers

Fitness trackers have become increasingly popular wearable devices that monitor health metrics and track activities such as running, walking, and sleeping. These devices leverage embedded systems for data collection such as heart rate, body temperature, and steps walked. This data is transmitted to servers via a wide area network (WAN) such as LTE or GPRS.

6. Home entertainment

Entertainment systems such as televisions are a mainstay in homes worldwide. Embedded systems are key in reading inputs from connectors, such as the antenna, DisplayPort, HDMI, and Ethernet. Besides this, remote controls transmit infrared signals for reading by televisions. Smart televisions even include an operating system that supports internet and streaming applications. Embedded systems play an important role in these functions and are gaining more ground as new ways to make home entertainment even smarter are discovered.

7. Automated teller machines

Automated teller machines (ATMs) are large computerized electronic devices used globally in the banking sector. During a transaction, an ATM communicates with its host bank computer over a network connection. The bank computer verifies the data entered during the transaction and stores processed information. At the same time, the ATM uses embedded systems to process user inputs from the field and display the transaction data from the bank computer.

8. Manufacturing

Factories today use robots in several processes that require high-precision tasks, operating in dangerous work conditions, or both. Typical automated jobs require robots to be fitted with sensors, actuators, and software that allow them to ‘perceive’ the environment and derive the required output efficiently and safely. Robots are equipped with embedded systems that link them to various subsystems to achieve this goal.

Plant automation robots would have to rely on external computing and control systems without these embedded systems. This can lead to increased safety risks due to delays in human response or connection failure. Therefore, as Industry 4.0 becomes an all-pervasive reality, plant automation systems are increasingly being integrated with embedded systems equipped with artificial intelligence and machine learning to make equipment safer, more efficient, and smarter.

For instance, these systems allow machines to automatically identify and remove defects from production before the human eye can see them. Factory robots with embedded systems have many applications, including assembly and quality assurance.

9. Electric vehicle charging stations

Electric vehicle charging stations supply electric power to recharge the batteries of connected electric vehicles. Embedded systems are used in charging stations to provide computing power for graphics displays, automatically highlight technical issues, and alert technicians about upcoming maintenance requirements, among other functions.

10. Self-service kiosks

Finally, we have interactive self-service kiosks that offer users information and services in environments where a human employee’s presence is unfeasible. Think of a ticketing kiosk catering to moviegoers for a 2 a.m. screening at a mostly empty theater. Self-service kiosks come in various forms, from snack vending machines to refueling stations with self-checkout equipment. These kiosks can be found at airports, retail stores, hospitals, government buildings, and many other locations. Embedded systems provide the computing power required for these kiosks to offer customers an interactive experience.

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Takeaway

Embedded systems are small computers integrated into various larger systems and execute specific tasks such as graphics and data processing. They are widely used in the modern world and significantly impact how we entertain ourselves, commute, run commercial operations, and carry out various other day-to-day activities.

Everything from elevators and point-of-sale machines to printers and routers to vehicles and EV charging stations contains embedded devices. Simply put, they are found everywhere in today’s world. They may be small in size but are swift in processing speed, purpose-built, and hardy. They drive the high-quality performance of applications in real-time. Embedded systems are also becoming increasingly powerful and sophisticated, thus enhancing their applicability in edge computing, IoT, graphics rendering, and other functions.

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