Roles and responsibilities of an Embedded Systems Specialist

Most of the technology that we use on a daily basis is operated in large part by embedded systems. All of our household appliances, cellphones, uninterruptible heating and security systems, and other electronic devices depend on embedded system technology to work. Although the technology and knowledge required to create embedded systems may not be particularly complex, many of the systems and gadgets that we unknowingly rely on would stop working without these fixed systems. It's important to understand what embedded systems are really utilised for and what kinds of projects they are likely to be involved in whether you're an engineer or an employer in the embedded software consulting.

What are Embedded Systems?

An embedded system is a type of computer system that typically integrates into a larger system, gadget, or piece of electronic equipment. They are a component of practically every modern piece of technology we use today and consist of a microprocessor that serves a specific purpose within a product. The only way an embedded system can function is if it gets a specific signal in real time. It uses sensors and actuators to communicate with the other parts in its environment, and it will only carry out its intended task if it receives the proper answer.

An embedded system should not be mistaken with a dedicated system, despite the fact that it frequently dedicates itself to solely carrying out one task. The name of the system comes from the fact that it is a fixed part of a machine or device that cannot be moved, as opposed to a modular part that may be exchanged for a part with a different purpose.

A crucial characteristic of an embedded system is its tiny size, cheap cost, and low power consumption. Due to the fact that they often only execute one, simple job, they are typically simply composed of a power source, communication ports, a CPU, and memory storage, and very minimum software is needed to run and interface with other components.

Components of an Embedded System

The bulk of embedded systems have a very simple structure made up of just three components. The hardware for embedded systems, which is based on microprocessors and microcontrollers, is the first of these. A microcontroller has comparable chips, but they are internal to the component rather than being externally linked. A microprocessor is a CPU that uses external chips for memory and peripheral connections. Sensors, actuators, and A-D or D-A converters are examples of additional hardware found in embedded systems.

Together with software and firmware, this hardware enables the embedded system's particular function to be controlled. The complexity of this software will depend on the memory and processor speed. Real-time operating systems are the last important component of an embedded system, although not all systems have them. Real-time operating systems (RTOS) define and enforce rules about how long particular activities should take while also carrying out tasks and sending data about them in real-time.

Uses of Embedded Systems 

The use of embedded systems ranges widely, from extremely basic parts in small stand-alone devices to more sophisticated, dependable systems integrated into larger machines and networks that have a larger function. Here are a few of the most prevalent applications for embedded systems.

Modern automotive vehicles 

Many embedded systems and computers may be found in contemporary automobiles, which are responsible for performing a variety of different tasks within the vehicle. Although these functions work together to make the automobile move, they are each individually managed by embedded systems that react to various data and operate at various times. 

Phones

Mobile phones are made up of a variety of embedded systems that control the graphical user interface, operating system, camera, audio player, and microphone. The ideal option for devices like smartphones is embedded systems because of how little space and power they use and how reasonably priced it is to operate them with a variety of other hardware and software.

Medical Equipment

Medical equipment that needs repetitive operations like sensing and mechanism control frequently uses more complicated embedded systems. While dealing with human health frequently necessitates more subtle digital activities, certain embedded systems can make sure that time-sensitive operations are carried out or that they are employed in user interfaces that connect to more complicated systems.

Industrial Machines

Most industrial machinery is heavily automated, and embedded systems are crucial to getting machines to perform precise, repetitive tasks. Embedded systems are used to control sensors and other monitoring equipment. In certain cases, a full embedded system is built inside a piece of industrial machinery.

Characteristics of embedded systems

Unlike generic computer systems, embedded systems are time-bound and only effective for a specific function. Embedded system design is less expensive to produce than a flexible universal computer system since it is customised to a specific use. Because of this, embedded systems use less energy when operating. Processor and memory requirements may change depending on the type. 

Small embedded systems, for instance, would need less memory, but complex systems, which use multi-core processors, need more memory. The cost, performance, size, and power of an embedded system must all be taken into account during design in order to achieve its maximum performance. The simplicity of their purpose justifies the minimization of certain design elements.

Advantages of embedded systems

• Embedded systems created for widespread usage are simple to control. These gadgets require minimal maintenance since the materials used to create them are inexpensive and durable.
• Since design scalability and other performance metrics play an important role in determining an embedded system’s performance, hence embedded systems with a single task to complete are fast and reliable which makes their performance better
• Embedded systems are more compact than conventional computers, which makes them more portable and requires less room. Embedded systems use less electricity than bigger systems because of their compact nature.
• The advantage of the embedded system hardware is that it seldom needs modifications, such as extra memory or storage, making it perfect for any device, regardless of size.