In the past few years, the embedded computing industry has exploded. With the arrival of smart phones, tablets, and laptops, businesses and average consumers have access to new computing platforms. There are many different types of computers that can be embedded into various products or used in place of more expensive equipment. Some computers are designed for specific applications; others can be used for general computing tasks. And some computers have been specifically designed to be controlled by an app – a smart phone application that can make use of special features that a computer would typically feature.
The rapid evolution of embedded computing shows that a computer is not a passive device. It is an active participant in our lives, participating in our work, communicating with us and even influencing our behavior. Because of its unique qualities and capabilities like as real-time processing, low power consumption, minimal maintenance, and high availability, embedded
Systems will play a major role in the Internet of Things (IoT). The major companies in embedded system hardware and software development are striving to incorporate these changes into their products. The Internet of Things imagines a world in which sensors, gadgets, and even people and locations share data in real time. The consequences of the Internet of Things have the potential to transform the way each of us interacts with the world.
Real-time Operating Systems (RTOS), which is related to embedded systems, is an operating system that manages hardware resources, hosts applications, and processes data in real time. The real-time task processing time, interrupt latency, and longer-term dependability of both hardware and applications are defined by RTOS, which is especially important for low-power and memory-constrained devices and networks.
Embedded systems are devices that have been custom-made for specific tasks, applications and uses. They offer much more versatility in applications and functions than traditional products, and can be reconfigured quickly to perform different functions. Advanced transportation systems, such as vehicles, aircraft, and passenger ferries, include dozens of embedded processors that control drive train functioning, supervise safety features, maintain a suitable temperature, and entertain the passengers they convey.
Let’s learn the basic components of embedded systems with IoT to learn in-depth about it.
What Exactly Is an Embedded System?
An embedded system is a specific sort of application or job that is addressed by a specific hardware device using microcontrollers/microprocessors. Engineers created sophisticated programming algorithms to tackle the problem. It is made up of input peripherals such as sensors, processing unit as microcontrollers or microprocessors and output devices like display, buzzer, printer etc. Devices that lack any sort of digital processing are not considered embedded systems.
The hardware (electronic circuit) system is the visible portion of an embedded system, whereas the software is not visible but plays a vital role in system integration which ensures the task execution with high precision. In most cases, an embedded device system operates as a single application. These gadgets, on the other hand, can/ cannot be connect to the internet and communicate with other network devices. A led light is just an electronic hardware but when it contains microcontroller that changes the intensity of light with switch or with the remote that is an example of embedded system. It is useful to understand the operating environments of embedded devices. Embedded devices, such as those found in vehicles, are frequently subjected to considerably harsher circumstances, such as rain, snow, wind, dust, and heat.
Embedded system hardware components include silicon, printed circuit boards, firmware, target devices, and so on. Development platforms, real-time operating systems (RTOS), testing, and other software components are examples of software parts. For example, most of you are familiar with the ATMEL embedded board.
Basic Embedded system consists of:
Sensors: Sensors are the most sensitive devices since they detect even the tiniest changes in their surroundings, and there are many different types of sensors. The choice is based on the application. Sensors are steadily being integrated into our everyday lives in ways we never thought possible. There is no. of sensors that can be used as per application. Popular sensors used in hardware are temperature sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, gyroscope sensorsPhototransistors sensors, MEMS. They have their specific need.
Memory mapped I/O system: Memory mapped I/O system (MOMO) is an innovative dataflow implementation favored by large systems administrators. It allows users to easily find and reuse information that is frequently accessed by another Application. Information is cached in memory and retrieved when needed, removing the need to fetch or copy large quantities of data from disk or to interactively manage large amounts of user data. Popular type is RFID, GSM, and GPS.
Input Device: An input device can be anything from a switch or keypad to a remote control. A hardware circuit is any set of instructions defining how something will work when connected to a certain input device. It’s sometimes necessary to examine the physical characteristics of the device being used to determine if it’s appropriate for your application. This is why it’s important to understand the purpose and role of each input device when designing a circuit.
Microcontroller/ microprocessors: The microcontrollers are the heart and soul of embedded system & IoT. Microprocessors and microcontrollers are two types of embedded processors. Microprocessors require separate integrated circuits for memory and peripherals, but microcontrollers have on-chip peripherals, resulting in lower power consumption, size, and cost. The most common applications include camera or video monitoring, lock-picking, and brewing coffee. A microcontroller can also be used to control toys and play games. The Arduino and Raspberry Pi are a fantastic way to learn about embedded systems, electronics and programming. The application decides whether to use microcontroller or microprocessor both have their own pros and cons.
Controllers: Such as Actuator, Relays, Switches are used for task execution. An actuating device can consist of a power source such as a batteries or an AC generator, or it can consist of a mechanism that turns a screw or an in-slide lever. All manufacturing equipment must be controlled so that it operates properly, consistently, correctly over a set number of cycles.
Display units: The display unit displays the device’s real-time output and is utilized for data analysis. IT displays a message when a defined condition meets the criteria. Popular choice is 7 segment displays, the small seven segment display can be customized to any length, and many shapes. As the technology is advanced more display options are evolving as OLED is one of example.
The Internet of Things:
Internet of Things is a general term that refers to the network of connected devices. These can be physical things (like devices and appliances), software applications (like internet-based companies or services) or purely digital objects (such as computers or mobile phones). Things can be connected in many different ways; for example, electricity can be controlled by a smart meter or heating is controlled by a connected door/windows thermostat. The networks connected to these objects can be called infrastructures because they serve as communication channels between devices or systems. The IoT connects everything physically: lights, cameras, appliances, etc. It provides real-time information to devices so they can respond instantly to events or situations. IoT uses satellites, drones, and cell phones to collect data about our environments and provide real-time analytics.
Application of IoT in Home security
Home security systems have come a long way in recent years. From installing motion detectors and integrating indoor sensors to monitoring temperature and humidity with built-in databases, connected devices are becoming increasingly common in our homes. While some home security systems rely on satellites for tracking, others rely on radio signals sent from devices to identify movement within a given area. Today, connected security devices are emerging as an essential part of modern home security systems. From lighting systems, to burglar alarms, and motion detectors, these devices help improve the overall security of your home. In addition to improving portability and effectiveness, connected security systems also offer end-to-end encryption and provide real-time notifications via Smartphone if abnormal activity is detected.
Electrical lights and power outlets:
Many lighting equipment, including light bulbs, light fixtures, and power strips capable of switching lights on and off, are available with internet-based monitoring and management. Each of these devices comes with an app that enables for remote control of individual lights as well as scheduling of light turn-on and turn-off timings throughout the day.From smart kitchen appliances to smart car dashboards, sensors are popping up in everything from outdoor lighting to home security systems. Connected devices enable smart solutions for utilities and manufacturers, empowering customers to monitor and manage their utility exposure virtually anywhere today. This change will have a major effect on our economy. In the coming years, smart energy solutions will save consumers money on their energy bills while reducing CO2 emissions from utility systems.
Smart Speakers:
The Internet of Things is a vast network of devices and systems connected to one another. Smart speakers are at the forefront of this movement, and offer a diverse selection of features to satisfy almost any need for wireless audio in your home or professional space. From providing stereo sound for meetings and parties to controlling smart home devices, these devices make it easy to share information across your home network. Almost all smart speakers rely on software applications installed on our computers or mobile devices to function. Your smart speaker should integrate with your smart device and work with services like Uber and Alexa. It should have a camera and microphone for voice control, and it should alert you to things like traffic or an incoming caller. These devices communicate with each other and with third party apps through the internet so that we can start and control these devices with a few taps on our Smartphone.
Smart Cities:
There is a new wave of internet of things (IoT) focused on energy, mobility and security. These technologies include drones, intelligent lighting and indoor mapping systems. While drones are used for commercial purposes, there are also legitimate uses for security and personal transportation. City-dwellers can become fully immersed in their surroundings through their smart phone or tablet cameras – opening up new perspectives on experiences, providing new perspectives on everyday life and making city living feel more present. The data gathered can be used to providing intelligent services and insights; for example, smart city services that can send alerts when dangerous situations occur or software that helps seniors move around their homes more easily. By combining into huge smart networks, they form a new ecosystem known as “smart city,” which exists only to support security and streamline procedures in large regions populated by millions of people.
Medical Industry:
Each day there are more than 1 billion IoT devices in use around the globe. Industries like health and education are embracing this technology, which provides a boost in efficiency, cost reduction, and improved quality of care. There’s exciting potential for IoT in healthcare: sensors in cars can tell doctors when you’re sick and receive treatment; connected sensors in homes can alert care givers when pets are unsafe. These devices will be able to connect with each other and with us. Everyone will have access to them and be able to interact with them in new ways. Medical devices will be able to report back to doctors on the best treatment options available. We will be able to monitor our environment closely through these devices and take measures accordingly. Medical records will be uploaded to these systems so doctors can make informed treatments decisions more easily.
Defense Sector:
The IoT is being used to improve and automate military functions from supply chain management to medicine delivery. The Department of Defense is investing heavily in cyber security to defend networks and systems against attacks, as well as develop technologies that will increase efficiency in the field by providing real-time visibility into network activity.
In the context of the military, the IoT includes weapon systems, vehicles, boats, ships, aircraft and potentially even communications equipment. The potential reach of the IoT could be tapped into for creating new force solutions and enhancing existing force protection measures.
The Internet of things (IoT) is connecting our world in amazing ways. From kitchens and refrigerators to hospitals and wildlife, the power of IoT is adding more meaning to every aspect of our lives.
Market share
The embedded computing market is still in its infancy but is expected to generate $22.8 billion USD by 2022, growing at a compound annual rate of 22.4% from 2016 to 2022. This means there’s a lot of room for improvement in terms of software quality and user experience, as well as varied competitive landscape, profitability, and adoption rates , Driven by big gains in chip technology and wireless connectivity. This has led to a range of products with diversified capabilities and a focus on value-added services and software. The value-added services sector encompasses everything from software, services, embedded software solutions and hardware to software solutions and service providers. These ranges of offerings are what has enabled embedded systems to be so successful at creating solutions that combine different functionalities such as smart cars, intelligent lighting systems, field electronic gates.
