subject: Embedded Systems Training Institute Hyderabad [print this page] Definition: Definition:
Embedded system is defined as the combination of hardware and software designed to control a specific function.
In embedded Systems, software is embedded in to computer hardware to perform tasks or specific task of an application/ product or a part of a larger system.
It is an independent system or a part of larger system. The software is embedded either in a ROM/ Flash memory.
Examples of Products involving Embedded Systems: Mobile phones, washing machines, Toys & games, Printers & scanners, factory automation, Burglar Alarms.
Characteristics of Embedded Systems:
They execute only a specific task.
They have dedicated functions, algorithms, GUI's and other interfaces.
They define the way the system works, reacts to events & interrupts.
The functions are executed by following a plan to control latencies and to meet the deadlines effectively.
Advantages:
Embedded systems nc functions can be run on very limited hardware.
The central processing core in embedded systems involves fewer complications, which helps in easier maintenance.
Hardware resources required to run the program instructions is very limited.
They require very little memory and work with little/ non existent keyboard or screen.
Embedded devices have a very higher quality & reliability.
Disadvantages:
Limited system memory and processor speed.
Higher design & Manufacturing costs.
It is designed to perform only a specific task, multiple tasks cannot be executed.
They are not scalable and in most cases come with limited components.
They cannot be used in a dynamic & constantly changing environment.
Emerging Trends in Embedded Systems Applications:
Embedded systems have now become the integral part of our daily life. For instance, we cannot imagine life without mobile phones for personal communication. Its presence is virtually unavoidable in almost all facets of human endeavor. Today, embedded processors are present everywhere; one cannot imagine any device without embedded processor. Ex: Televisions, washing machines, Remote controls, Routers, Mobile phones etc. Advanced 32 bit and 16 bit controllers which enable higher performance have now replaced the 8 bit controller and are now used widely in routers, cell phones, media players etc resulting in higher efficiency.
While we search on patterns in each of these application spaces, we can clearly identify the trend as to where the future of embedded systems is heading.
