Understanding Embedded Systems

An embedded system refers to a computer system, either programmable or fixed, that is designed to execute a specific task within a broader electrical or mechanical system. Programmable embedded systems have programming interfaces which embedded systems programmers can use for writing, editing or even debugging the codes that are used to run the embedded systems. Possible hosts of embedded systems include traffic lights, airplanes, medical equipment, factory controllers, vending machines, household appliances, automobiles, test applications, navigation systems, cameras and industrial machines, just to mention a few.

In general, an embedded system is an integration of both the hardware and the software so as to perform a specific task, a small margin of interrelated tasks or a few tasks in the most efficient way. It can be a system designed to undertake its operations, partially or completely, with minimal or no human intervention. Embedded systems interact with the physical elements of our environment, for instance sensing temperatures, driving and controlling a motor. They rarely feature generic interface and even if they have a keypad or an LCD display, they do not often have the capacity to support many different types of inputs and outputs.

Some properties which distinguish embedded systems from other multipurpose computers include their small sizes, low power consumption since the firmware used in embedded systems is programmed to perform often repetitive or automated tasks and is not always altered time and again in most cases, can run with limited hardware resources even though they may not be able to operate as standalone or general purpose computers. The programs used in running embedded systems, also known as firmware, are often stored in a read only memory, meaning that no changes can be made to it apart from what was provided by the manufacturer. Currently, there exist options for updating the firmware of some selected systems, for instance, the firmware used in some smartphones may be updated whenever an update is available.

Modern embedded systems are based on micro-controllers which contain integrated processor core, programmable input and output peripherals and memory even though some still feature the standard microprocessor which uses peripheral interface circuits and external chips for memory in more complex systems. Some embedded systems do always have real time performance obligations that must be met for safety or usability reasons, while others do have little or no performance requirement making the hardware to be simplified which leads to the reduction of costs. Irrespective of the processor used, be it a microprocessor or a micro-controller, the system may be used to perform tasks ranging from certain types of computations, customized for certain applications which need attention or even be used to perform general purpose tasks.

An example of dedicated processor often used in embedded system is the digital signal processor which performs various digital signals, as its only function is based on the way that its architecture has been optimized. The digital signal processor can filter, compress and measure in analog signals as they occur in real time. Dedicated digital signal processors, like the ones used in mobile phones for instance, due to the power consumption constraint, often feature good power efficiency. When you are in need to find the best embedded systems training institutes in Hyderabad, you need to be quite careful before choosing any one of them.

If you are in need to find a certified course in embedded system in Bangalore, the author of this article recommends ISM UNIV.

The author of this article recommends ISM UNIV