We are living in the age of new-age technologies where evolution is one of the critical aspects. Embedded systems are one of the essential aspects of today’s technology and are used in everyday life unknowingly, such as home appliances, aerospace, the agricultural sector, etc. The growing impact of technology in almost every sector showed the rising importance of designing embedded systems. In this blog, we will understand the embedded system, its essential characteristics, and concepts related to embedded system design. We will also analyze how SoM can aid in better-embedded system design.
Understanding Embedded System
An Embedded System is an integrated system developed as a combination of computer hardware and software for a specific purpose. It primarily comprises of three major components:-
Hardware: It is a physical component connected to an embedded system. It comprises a microcontroller-based integrated circuit, LCD, etc.
Application Software: It enables the user to run a variety of applications on the embedded system by changing the code installed in an embedded system.
RTOS (Real Time Operating System): It acts as an interface between hardware and application software and facilitates how the processor runs based on scheduling to control latencies’ effect.
Some examples of embedded systems are washing machines, medical equipment, cameras, televisions, etc.
Essential Characteristics of an Embedded System
Perform Specific Task: An embedded system performs some specific tasks or functions
Cost-Effective: Price is comparably low
Time-Efficient: Performs tasks within a certain time
Less Power Consumption: Does not require much power to operate
Minimal User Interface: These systems need less user interface and can be used easily
Less Human Intervention: Requires less human intervention
Manufacturable: The majority of embedded systems are compact and based on the size and low complexity of the hardware
Advantages of Embedded System
- Facilitate high performance and efficiency
- Optimize the Operational cost of the system
- Power efficient
- The same hardware can be used in a variety of applications
Concepts Related to Designing Embedded Systems
Microprocessor Unit
It is a part of the central processing unit (CPU), and the Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is present within the microprocessor and performs all the mathematical operations. The data is saved in registers for a moment, and the control unit harmonizes the working of the rest parts, i.e., a ROM memory where instructions are stored. Furthermore, microprocessors are not used individually but instead integrated with other systems for a specified task.
Microcontroller Unit
It is a computer with comparatively less functionality and has a simple design with low speed. It is an individual chip where RAM, ROM, processors, and other components are mounted to help programmers. Furthermore, they are not created to manage an extensive software infrastructure.
Development Kit
It is a hardware component used in programming and testing other hardware components, like FPGA, microcontroller, and microprocessor. The primary purpose of the development kit is to enable engineers to learn as they later need to work with microprocessors and microcontrollers.
Field Programmable Gate Arrays
FPGAs are a solution to testing and designing embedded systems, as it is a tedious and time-consuming process that requires a lot of cost. FPGAs are hardware parts interlinked with each other in a configurable manner, enabling one to choose the parts needed to link them without printing them on hardware.
SoC
It stands for system on a chip and comprises a set of components that were initially separate but integrated later into a single chip. It is a broader term due to which the single chip can be infused with any technology. For instance, a CPU can form FPGAs or ESP32, a microcontroller SoC.
SoMs for Better Embedded Systems Design
SoM is based on a board and can include multiple components.
System-on-Modules (SoMs) continue to be highly beneficial for advanced embedded systems, and they play a crucial role in shaping the future of embedded technology.
Advanced Processing Power: SoMs often incorporate powerful, up-to-date processors, GPUs, and accelerators. This is especially crucial for advanced embedded systems that require high-performance computing capabilities, such as real-time image processing, machine learning, or artificial intelligence applications.
Customization and Specialization: SoMs allow for customization by offering options to select the processor, memory, and other components that best suit the specific requirements of an advanced embedded system. This flexibility enables engineers to tailor the hardware to their application’s exact needs.
Advanced Graphics and Multimedia: SoMs designed for advanced embedded systems may include dedicated GPUs and multimedia processing units. These are essential for applications like medical imaging, digital signage, and gaming devices.
Also Read: Embedded System | 9 Main Concepts About Embedded Engineering
Is there Any Role of Software Testing in Embedded Systems?
Yes, software testing plays a crucial role in embedded systems, just as in any software development process. Embedded systems are frequently used in safety-critical applications, such as automotive, medical devices, aerospace, and industrial control. Ensuring that the software operates reliably and safely is essential, adhering to stringent safety standards and regulations. Many embedded systems have real-time requirements, meaning they must respond to inputs within strict time constraints. Testing in embedded systems includes verifying that the software meets these real-time performance requirements, like response times and latency.
Choose Tessolve for End-to-End Embedded System Design
Designing advanced embedded systems is crucial as they play a pivotal role in our daily lives. Every sector requires embedded systems to enhance technological visibility. Tessolve is renowned for providing the best possible embedded system services. Apart from this, we are a leading semiconductor and embedded solution company. We encompass an embedded systems business unit with expertise in designing end-to-end embedded products in automotive, avionics, and industrial market segments. You can achieve better and desired outcomes at an economical rate by outsourcing the embedded systems design to Tessolve.