Have you heard about Embedded System and wondered what exactly it means? Then you have come to the right place in this website. I will tell you what are Embedded Systems and in what form they come. So let's start...
What is Embedded System?
Embedded system Definition
An embedded system is a microprocessor-microcontroller, hardware, and software-based system that is designed to function within a larger mechanical or electrical system.
Embedded systems come in a wide variety of sizes and complexities, and are therefore a bit difficult to define. Let us try to get a basic understanding of what exactly an embedded system is and how to classify them. An embedded system is a custom build computer designed for a specific purpose, to serve a specific purpose.
Let's understand from Example, calculator is a special purpose (special purpose) computer, compared to laptop. Suppose there are two types of computers, one is special purpose and the other is general purpose computer.
So to understand what special purpose computers are let's first look at the other end of the spectrum, which is general purpose computers, general purpose computers are those that are used every day.
Like our Desktop, Laptop. Even our smartphones and tablets are general-purpose computers, meaning they have more than one specific purpose.
For example, even though the main purpose of smartphones is communication via email, text, voice and video, they are designed for other purposes, such as listening to songs, listening to audio books, watching videos, reading e-books. Browsing on the Internet.
Now that we have seen what general purpose computers are. Let's go back to the special purpose. Special purpose computers are really special. The popular example is a calculator. Whose only task is to calculate. Now the question is, what is the need of a calculator?
When we have computers, what does it mean to be a special purpose computer? While we do have general purpose, once every year millions of calculators around the world are getting old, because people don't always need a general purpose computer.
General purpose computers are sometimes an overkill. If you're running a small grocery store, it's better to use a calculator than a MacBook Pro.
General purpose computers are expensive. If you are serious about photography, it is better to use a DSLR than a smartphone so that you can get better quality pictures.
Embedded system Types
Embedded systems come in different types. Embedded systems can be broadly classified into three categories
Subsystem, Stand Alone System, Network, System.
Subsystem
Let's first look at the class of embedded systems called embedded subsystems. Embedded system means to be placed inside something bigger.
This type of embedded system is usually part of a larger system. In fact, this is where the term embedded was originally coined; a popular example is to include a digital dashboard in your car. Here, the car is the larger system and the display is embedded inside the car.
Other examples include the display circuits of your microwave oven, washing machine, and dishwasher, even as part of a computer such as the keyboard and mouse are independently based on embedded systems.
These embedded systems are useless. But they help a larger system to do its job.
Stand Alone system
Let us take a look at another class of embedded systems called standalone embedded systems. What are these standalone embedded systems? It is a device that can perform its function independently as the name suggests. Examples include USB drives, which are used to store data.
Network Embedded System
Finally, we have the class of embedded systems called Network Embedded Systems. A well-known example of this type of system is home automation. There are many sensors placed throughout your home. And the principle of the collective is to perform at home. This is the latest trend in this field.
More products are developed in this class of embedded systems, which combine electronics, programming, and networking. There is a special subclass of this class where this network is spread all over the world. This type of system is popularly known as Internet of Things or IOT in short.
Conclusion
So friends, you know what is Embedded System, Embedded system types?. If you like the information, then share it with others as well. Don't forget to share in your social media also.
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