Embedded systems – An overview

What is an embedded system

An embedded system is a combination of hardware and software designed to perform a specific function. Embedded systems range from simple devices such as calculators to extremely complex ones, such as flight control systems for rockets.

In an embedded system, there are relatively few hardware resources available. However, in a general-purpose computer, there is an abundance of hardware resources, such as RAM, CPU speed, etc. Most embedded system software is written in languages such as embedded C/C++ along with assembly language for software sections where performance is a priority.

Interestingly, many embedded systems work with little or no human intervention. These systems are smart enough to recover from common errors.

Impact of embedded systems in our daily life

Embedded devices are present all around us in different forms. For instance, take the example of a passenger car. We can see many embedded modules (often called ECUs) present under the hood of modern vehicles. Typical ECUs present in a car are electronic braking systems, engine control units, car security systems, infotainment systems, electronic power steering, climate control systems, seat position control systems, airbag control, and so on.

Mobile phones are also examples of embedded systems. Mobile phones also contain a large number of peripherals such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, light sensor, fingerprint reader, speaker, microphone, GPS, camera, etc., interfaced with the microprocessor.

The devices which we use daily such as microwave ovens, TVs, radios, ACs, set-top boxes, routers, WiFi modems, refrigerators, washing machines, etc., all contain one or more embedded modules to perform various functions.

How does an embedded system work

The working of an embedded device varies greatly depending upon the function that the device is intended to perform. Typically, a few sensors, switches, indicators, and actuators are interfaced with a microcontroller to form a complete embedded device.

The software—whether bare-metal or an RTOS-based stack—contained within the embedded device coordinates and manages various peripherals and prioritizes the system’s various tasks.