Embedded Systems Course And Certification

What is Embedded System

An Embedded System is a microcontroller or microprocessor-based system which is designed to perform a specific task. For example, a fire alarm is an example of an Embedded System, it will sense and detect only smoke and then trigger the alarm system.

An Embedded System can be developed as a microcontroller-based, reliable, software-driven real-time control system, that is designed and developed to carry out a particular task.

An Embedded System can also be classified as a computer hardware system that has software embedded in it. An Embedded System could be a system that is independent or it can be a system that is part of a larger system. 

A System can be defined as an arrangement in which all its unit assemble to work together while following a set of rules. 

A System can also be defined as a way of organizing, working or doing one or lots of tasks while going by a fixed plan. For example, a watch is a system for displaying time. Its components go by a predetermined set of rules to show the current time. If one of the parts of the time system fails, the watch would stop working. So with this, we can say that in a system, all the subcomponents depend on each other to function.

Components Of Embedded Systems

Embedded Systems are a combination of two components, they are: 

1. Embedded Hardware Components:

A. Power Supply: This is an essential part of any embedded system circuit,  The power supply circuit can be designed with little knowledge of electronics, and would need a bridge rectifier circuit, capacitor as a filter and a voltage regulator that provides constant output supply. 

B. Processor: A microprocessor is a computer processor that incorporates the functions of a computer's central processing unit (CPU) on a single or few integrated circuits (IC). The microprocessor is a multipurpose, clock-driven, register-based, digital-integrated circuit that accepts binary data as input, processes it according to instructions stored in its memory, and provides results as output.

C. Memory: In an embedded system. ROM (Read-only memory) is used for storing program or code while RAM (Random Access Memory) is used for storing data. The ROM used is normally the EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM). Some data which is a constant value is also sometimes stored in ROM instead of RAM. There are flash memories that are high-speed memory.

D. Counters: Timer is used to provide a delay and counter which is used to count incoming pulses, These counters can work as a counter or can provide accurate time delays. Microcontrollers have these timers on-chip.

E. Communications Ports: Embedded systems hardware has different types of communication ports to communicate with other embedded devices. It could be through Ethernet, UART, CAN, SPI, I2C, USB, etc.

F. Inputs and Outputs: To interact with an embedded system input is needed, either from a user or a sensor.

G. Applications Circuits: Embedded systems need some specific circuits specially designed for that application.

2. Embedded Software Components:

A. Assembler

B. Emulator

C. Debugger

D. Compiler

Features Of Embedded Systems

There are lots of features of an Embedded System and some of them are:

1. Single-functioned: An Embedded System basically carries out only a specialized job and it does the same thing over and over. For example, A pager would always work as a pager.

2. Tightly constrained: All systems for computing have limitations on their design metrics, but those that are on an embedded system can be specifically tight. Design metrics are simply a measure of an implementation's features such as its size, cost, performance, and power. It must be of a size that is able to fit on a small single chip and must be able to perform fast enough to process data gotten from real-time events and it would consume minimum power to extend battery life. 

3. Reactive and Real-time: Embedded Systems should be able to continually react to the changes in the system's environment and it must be able to calculate certain results in real-time without any delay. Take for example a car cruise controller, it continuously gathers, monitors and reacts to the speed and the brake sensors, it must be able to compute acceleration or de-accelerations continuously within a limited time; a delayed computation can bring about failure to control of the car. 

4. Microprocessors based: Embedded Systems must be microprocessors or microcontroller-based. 

5. Memory: Embedded Systems must have a memory since its software usually embeds in the system’s ROM. It does not need any secondary or additional memories on the computer. 

6. Connected: An Embedded System must have connected peripherals to be able to connect input and output devices.

Benefits And Advantages Of Embedded Systems

There are lots of benefits and advantages of an Embedded Systems and some of them are:

1. Embedded Systems are easily customizable. 

2. Embedded Systems can work to its maximum capacity while consuming lesser power.

3. Embedded Systems are cheaper to implement.

4. Embedded Systems ensure that your hardware performance is optimized and enhanced.

Why Study Embedded Systems?

1. The role of embedded systems is continually expanding, including branching into the fields of IoT, etc.

2. Career Opportunity And Advancement.

3. Increase Your Earning Potential.

4. Become Embedded Systems Professional.