What is an Embedded System?
Embedded systems perform a specific task, using real-time operating systems and custom hardware built around microcontrollers and sensors.
What is an Embedded System?
Embedded systems are designed to perform a specific task, such as controlling the temperature in a building or keeping track of inventory in a warehouse. They often use real-time operating systems and rely on custom hardware, which can include microcontrollers and sensors.
The two main components of an embedded system are software and hardware. The software provides the logic to run the system, while the hardware allows the software to interact with its environment.
Although an embedded system may sound like an innovative product of the future, they have been part of our lives for many years. In 2009 it was estimated that 98% of all microprocessors manufactured were built into embedded systems.
How Does an Embedded System Operate?
In some cases an embedded system is synonymous with a computer, but not always. In consumer technology it is worth recognising that most of the objects we interact with daily may have computer-like functions, yet no user interface — something a computer is required to have.
An embedded system is managed by microcontrollers or digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), GPU technology and gate arrays.
While computers require user interaction to function, embedded systems receive their operating instructions from firmware, held in read-only or flash memory chips. That lets the system launch quickly and reset completely when needed. Flash memory has a limited number of writes, which makes it unsuitable for data and code that will change often, but an excellent option for returning a malfunctioning system to its original state.
A flash memory chip holds its data as long as it is attached to a power source. Sometimes, though, issues occur and the system needs a reset — the video streaming app on a television that freezes, and has to be wiped clean before you can try again. This is precisely why troubleshooting so often means unplugging a device for thirty seconds and plugging it back in: you are wiping the flash memory so the device starts from the beginning.
High-Quality Embedded Systems for Your Devices
The research and development team at Real Time Group combines unparalleled experience with comprehensive capabilities to develop software for embedded systems and the real-time OS industry. We provide turn-key solutions, end-to-end system development, integration and quality assurance to face and overcome new challenges. Contact us today to get started.
