In this Embedded Systems Tutorial, you will learn about different concepts of Embedded Systems, from the basics to the advanced. This tutorial is mainly designed for beginners and professionals who aspire to know about embedded systems and their usage in real-world applications.
In this introductory chapter, you will understand an embedded system’s basic meaning and needs. Then, in the next chapter, we will move to some advanced concepts. This chapter also provides some common examples of embedded systems that we see in our daily lives.
Introduction to Embedded System
An embedded system is an electronic device comprising hardware and software components. It is primarily designed and used as a part or sub-component of an extensive electronic system.
For example, a washing machine uses a microcontroller to provide automation control and operations for washing clothes. Hence, the microcontroller can be considered an embedded system in a washing machine.
Before proceeding further, let’s learn some basic terms related to embedded systems.
Embedded Systems Terminology
We have collected and defined some essential terms related to embedded systems. These terms will help you understand the concepts covered in this tutorial.
Microcontroller
A microcontroller is an electronic device generally produced as a compact integrated circuit. It combines components of an entire computing system, such as processor, memory, IO, and software, into a single unit. Arduino is a very popular example of a microcontroller.
Embedded Operating System
An operating system is a set of computer programs designed and used to define the functionality of hardware parts of the system. Thus, operating systems are fundamental components for making a computing machine functional. Embedded operating systems are specially designed for embedded systems. Examples of embedded operating systems include FreeRTOS, embedded Linux, etc. The most important thing to note about embedded operating systems is that these are optimized to utilize minimum resources.
Real-Time Systems
Real-time systems are designed to respond to their inputs in real-time. Most embedded systems are designed to have real-time functionality; hence, these systems can produce results within a certain time constraint.
IoT Integration
IoT (Internet of Things) integration is an application of embedded systems that provides connectivity and communication among smart devices, such as home or office automation systems.
Bootloader
The bootloader is the part of a computing or embedded system that loads the operating system and performs hardware initialization when the embedded system is switched on.
Kernel
The kernel is the part of an operating system responsible for establishing and managing interactions between hardware and software components of a computing machine, such as an embedded system.
Firmware
Firmware is machine-level software that is permanently programmed into a hardware component. BIOS is an example of firmware.
Debugging Interfaces
Tools and technologies developed and used for testing and troubleshooting embedded systems or other computing devices to ensure their desired functionality and performance are known as debugging interfaces. Examples of debugging interfaces include JTAG, SWD, etc.
Hardware-Software Co-Design
The integrated process of developing and designing both hardware and software components of an embedded system simultaneously is termed hardware-software co-design.
Main Components of Embedded Systems
A typical embedded system consists of the following three main components –
- Hardware – These are the physical and tangible components of the embedded system. Examples of hardware components of embedded systems include the microprocessor, memory unit, power supply IC, display unit, and I/O peripherals.
- Embedded System RTOS – RTOS stands for Real-Time Operating System. Embedded system RTOS are operating systems designed to make an embedded system functional. This component also provides an interface between the hardware and application software of embedded systems.
- Application Software – Embedded systems can have different types of application software to perform different tasks.
Why do We Need Embedded Systems?
Today, embedded systems are essential to modern electronic systems, especially those with modular architecture. Some of the key factors highlighting the needs of embedded systems are given here –
- Implement task-specific functionality to perform specific tasks in a large electronic system.
- To provide real-time operations in advanced systems like industrial automation or robotic systems.
- To enhance energy efficiency and resource utilization.
- To develop cost-effective designs of electronic systems.
- Enhancing the reliability and stability of systems used in critical applications such as medical, defence, and flight operations.
- To reduce the size of electronic devices by integrating hardware and software components into a single unit and smaller form factor.
- To optimize the performance of systems for specific application requirements.
- To enable IoT integration.
Evolution of Embedded Systems
The following table highlights some historical developments in the field of embedded system technology –
| Year | Developments |
| 1961 | An integrated circuit was developed by Charlse Stark Draper for the Apollo Guidance Computer to its size and weight. |
| 1965 | The first mass-produced embedded system, the D-17B, was developed by Autonetics to use the Minuteman I missile guidance system. |
| 1966 | NS-17 was developed to use in Minuteman II missile guidance system. |
| 1968 | The first embedded system was developed to use in vehicles. It was used in Volkswagen 1600 to control its electronic fuel injection system. |
| 1971 | Texas Instruments introduced the first microcontroller. |
| 1971 | The 4004-microprocessor developed by Intel became commercially available. |
| 1972 | Intel introduced the 8-bit microprocessor, named 8008. |
| 1974 | The TMS1000 series, a family of general-purpose microcontrollers, was commercialized by Texas Instruments. |
| 1974 | Intel released 8080-microprocessor, having 64 kb of memory. |
| 1978 | Intel introduced x86 series of microprocessors. |
| 1987 | The first embedded operating system, named the real-time VxWorks, was introduced by Wind River. |
| 1996 | Microsoft released the Windows Embedded CE. |
| Late 1990s | Linux was started to appear in embedded systems. |
| 1990s – 2000s | Rapid development in the field of embedded systems was noted. The 8-bit to 16-bit, 16-bit to 32-bit, and 32-bit to 64-bit transitions were happened. |
| 2010s | Significant enhancement in the security features of embedded systems was recorded. |
| Today | Embedded systems are being integrated with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). |
Benefits of Embedded Systems
Being a compact and powerful computing device, an embedded system offers various advantages across various fields. Some of the key benefits of embedded systems are listed as follows –
- Embedded systems require very little power, and they are suitable for battery-powered devices like smartphones, smartwatches, and more.
- Embedded systems are generally designed for performing specific tasks; hence, they are optimized for those tasks and considered to be more reliable in their operations.
- Embedded systems integrate all essential components of a computing system into a single unit, resulting in their compact size.
- RTOS powers embedded systems and hence provides real-time operations.
- Being designed for dedicated tasks, embedded systems can be customized per the needs of applications.
- Embedded systems use minimal hardware resources; hence, they are cost-effective.
- Embedded systems are designed with dedicated security features; hence, they are more rigid against threats.
Limitations of Embedded Systems
Embedded systems have several advantages but have certain limitations or disadvantages. Some of the significant limitations or disadvantages of embedded systems are given here –
- Embedded systems have limited processing power, mainly due to minimal resource availability.
- Embedded systems face processing power and performance issues when engaged in complex applications.
- Most embedded systems are designed with fixed functionality that cannot be modified or upgraded later. This limited flexibility is mainly associated with their hardware limitations.
- Embedded systems require specialized designing and programming skills.
- Due to limited interfaces, embedded systems are also difficult to debug.
- The cost involved in research, development, and prototyping of embedded systems is also high.
- Since embedded systems are designed for dedicated applications and use limited resources, they also become difficult to scale with increasing loads and functionalities.
Conclusion
This is all about the Introduction to Embedded Systems and Embedded System Tutorial. Let’s move to the next chapter in the tutorial and learn about embedded systems in more detail.