This chapter explains the important Characteristics of Embedded Systems. As we know, embedded systems are very important components in modern technology and serve as the backbone of several electronic or automation systems used across various industries. Today, embedded systems are extensively being used in consumer electronics, IoT, robotics, automation, automobiles, healthcare, and more. The most important characteristic of an embedded system is its task-specific design. Let’s proceed further and learn about other important characteristics of embedded systems.
Characteristics of Embedded Systems
The following are some important characteristics of embedded systems that make them indispensable in various applications –
- Task-specific design
- Integrated hardware, software, and firmware architecture
- Embedding in large systems
- Microprocessor-based or microcontroller-based design
- Use of ASICs and FPGAs System on a Chip
- Efficient design
- Real-time operation
- Compact size
- Cost-effectiveness
- Minimal user interface
Let’s have a detailed discussion on each of these characteristics of embedded systems.
Task-Specific Desing
It is the key characteristic of embedded systems. Most embedded systems are designed to perform a specific task. This feature differentiates the embedded systems from general-purpose computers which are designed to perform a variety of operations. This task-specific design of embedded systems allows them to offer higher efficiency, optimized performance, and enhanced reliability in applications for which they are designed.
Let us consider an example to understand this characteristic of embedded systems. Consider a washing machine containing an embedded system that is specially designed for controlling operations like managing water levels, spin cycles, detergent amounts, etc. However, this embedded system is not considered to perform tasks other than these defined functions.
Integrated Hardware, Software, and Firmware Architecture
Another important characteristic of embedded systems is that they have all three essential components namely, hardware, software, and firmware integrated together in the form of a single unit. These components are designed and optimized to work together seamlessly.
The integration of these components provides a compact design and improved performance, providing a stable and predictable operation of the system.
Embedding in Large Systems
Most embedded systems are designed to be a part of a larger system. Hence, embedded systems allow to production of modular designs of complex systems, which can be easily repaired or scaled depending on the application’s complexity. For example, in modern vehicles, an infotainment system is an embedded system that provides all the important infotainment functionalities and can be managed as a single unit.
Microprocessor-Based or Microcontroller-Based Design
Embedded systems can be designed to have both microprocessor-based architecture and microcontroller-based architecture. Microprocessor-based embedded systems are generally employed in general-purpose tasks that require extensive computing power like embedded systems used for handling multimedia operations in smartphones.
On the other hand, microcontroller-based embedded systems are designed to perform specific tasks by utilizing minimal resources. These embedded systems combine memory and IO peripherals into a single unit. Hence, these embedded systems are relatively compact in size, energy-efficient, and economical.
Use of ASICs and FPGAs SoCs
Embedded systems use ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) systems on a chip (SoC). Where, embedded systems using ASICs SoC make the use of chips that are optimized for a specific application, while FPGAs embedded systems comprise hardware components that can be reconfigured to perform different tasks.
Both ASIC and FPGA allow to development of embedded systems that can offer high performance, have compact design, and consume less power.
Efficient Design
As we know, an embedded system is designed uniquely to perform only one specific function. This characteristic of embedded systems makes their design exceptionally efficient, without the need for any additional upgradation.
Also, the compact design and specific functionality make the embedded systems efficient in terms of energy usage, memory, and processing resources.
Real-Time Operation
Embedded systems are powered by real-time operating systems (RTOS), enabling them to process inputs and perform functions within a specified time constraint. This real-time operation of embedded systems makes them critical components in applications like medical equipment, industrial automation, robotic controls, etc.
The real-time operation of embedded systems can be categorized as hard real-time and soft real-time.
Compact Size
Since most embedded systems are used as a part of a larger system. Hence, they are designed to have a small size and lightweight, so that they can be easily integrated into a limited space. The compact size of embedded systems is a very important characteristic, making them suitable for use in portable devices like smartphones, laptops, wearables, drones, etc.
Cost Effectiveness
It is another important characteristic of embedded systems. Embedded systems are primarily designed to provide a cost-effective solution to a real-world problem. This characteristic is achieved by using materials effectively, optimizing the processing capabilities, and reusing software components. The low cost of embedded systems makes them a vital component across various industries, from consumer electronics to robotics and industrial automation.
Minimal User Interaction
This characteristic of embedded systems differentiates them from general-purpose computers. As we already discussed multiple times, embedded systems are designed to be used as a part of large systems, hence they directly have fewer or no user interactions. This characteristic further reduces the complexity and cost of embedded systems and enhances their reliability by minimizing points of failure.