Embedded systems is one of the most important, yet overlooked subjects in the electronics world.

When
you think technology, mobile phones, tablets and laptops come to mind, but the devices that actually help us
in our daily lives are not talked too much about. Theyre often confused with larger or more general purpose
computers, and its sometimes difficult to discern between one and the other. However, once you understand
what embedded systems are used for, and for that matter defined as, its pretty easy to see what is used
where. Heres all you need to know about embedded systems, its history, types, characteristics and more!

Definition

An embedded system is a computer system, made from a combination of hardware and software, that is used
to perform a specific task. It may or not be programmable, depending on the application. Examples of
embedded systems include washing machines, printers, automobiles, cameras, industrial machines and more.
In case youre wondering, yes, mobile phones and tablet are also considered embedded systems. Embedded
systems are named as such because theyre part of a larger device, providing a special function. They use
both microcontrollers and microprocessors, as well as specially designed processors such as digital signal
processors (DSP).

Theres a lot of confusion between the actual definitions though, since mobile phones and tablets can be
called embedded systems, yet are also termed as full fledged computer systems. On the other hand, traffic
signals, washing machines and digital watches can be considered embedded systems, but definitely not
complete computer systems. Depending on the complexity, systems may transcend definitions, but the
clearest idea about embedded systems is gotten from electronic devices and appliances used everyday,
which perform specific functions and arent just simple mechanical devices.

History

Embedded systems trace their history back to the 1960s. The Apollo Guidance System, built by Charles
Draper at MIT, is considered one of the first modern embedded systems. Used in the Apollo Command
Module and Lunar Module, it was used for navigation, guidance and control of the respective crafts. Using a
numeric display and keypad, the Apollo Guidance System was somewhat of a risk, since it was the first of
its kind. Over the years, however, it was repeatedly used and refined in a lot of NASAs space missions.
Then came the Autonetics D-17 Guidance Computer for the Minuteman Missile, an ICBM (Intercontinental
Ballistic Missile) used by the United States Air Force.
Ostensibly, these highly specific systems were part of non-commercial projects and were thus extremely
expensive. It wasnt until the late 70s that Intels 4004 microprocessor broke the path for cheaper and more
accessible embedded systems. Once microcontrollers were introduced in the 80s, it took over the market
since it was significantly cheaper than general purpose computers. Thus, modern accessible embedded
systems were born, and as time progressed, they got more complex and smarter, making life much easier.
Cut to today, and you have washing machines that adjust themselves according to loads, refrigerators that
dynamically change cooling (and let you tweet!) and much more. Today, almost everything depends on
embedded systems.

Characteristics

So weve seen the history of embedded systems and know a little bit about where theyre used, but theres
always been a little confusion among most regarding their characteristics. What makes an embedded
system? What are its characteristics? What do we see in a typical embedded system? Heres some of their
characteristics:

Embedded systems are task specific. This is part of the definition, in fact. They may be part of a
refrigerator that lets you tweet, but no matter how smart it may seem, its still a refrigerator.
Similarly, you will find embedded systems for networking tasks, computing, sensing, so on and so
forth.
A lot of embedded systems are created with time constraints in mind. In some situations, crossing
time limits might not amount to much, but in some, it may actually be a disaster. For example, if the
embedded system in a cars braking system doesnt strictly adhere to time, it may result in an
accident. However, if a time limit is passed on something less severe, it may just result in reduced
performance.
 Although modern complex embedded systems may come with a user interface, in general, they
possess either no UI or just a minimal UI.
Embedded systems are usually feedback oriented or reactive. They function either by interacting
with external stimuli, or depend on another system to give them an input.
They are built with efficiency and frugality in mind. Since embedded systems, by definition, are part
of larger computer systems, they should be able to work without drawing too much power and
shouldnt be too expensive.
Embedded systems should be highly reliable and stable. Unlike usual computers, embedded systems
use different underlying software that cannot be modified by consumers. Since they will be used for
long periods of time and cannot be programmed easily, theyre expected to run without any
problems. In the case of some applications like undersea communication cables, navigation beacons
or automobile components, maintenance is extremely difficult, if not highly improbable, so
reliability is paramount.

Categories

Embedded systems are used in a variety of applications. Theyre so versatile that they can pretty much be
used for any application, so it might seem almost impossible to categorize them. However, based on
performance and functional parameters, embedded systems can be broadly classified into the following four
categories:

Standalone Embedded Systems As the name suggests, these are embedded systems that can work
by themselves. In other words, they are self sufficient, and dont require a host system or computer to
function. While they will require inputs and other devices for output, the processing and work is
done only by themselves. Examples include videogame consoles, music players and microwave
ovens.
Real-time Embedded Systems An embedded system that gives an output within a specified amount
of time is called a real-time embedded system. That is, in addition to a proper output, it adheres to
time constraints as well. They can be further classified into soft real-time embedded systems and
hard real-time embedded systems.
 Networked Embedded Systems Embedded systems that are connected to a network and depend on it
for their functioning are called networked embedded systems. They may or may not have smaller or
less complex subsystems running to create the network. Examples include home security systems
and heat sensor systems.

Mobile Embedded Systems Embedded systems meant for mobile communications are called mobile
embedded systems. They include mobile phones, tablet computers and the like, and are usually
categorized by functions like internet, calling, in addition to more complex functions seen in todays
smartphones.

Where are they used?

So weve mentioned that embedded systems are widely used all around the world. But how widely do we
actually mean? From end user electronics to industrial applications, embedded systems are actually
everywhere. Heres some applications:

Consumer electronics Mobile phones, videogame consoles, printers, Blu-Ray players, home
entertainment systems, televisions, digital cameras, music players
Household appliances Washing machines, microwave ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, air
conditioners
Medical equipment CT Scanners, Electrocardiogram (ECG), MRI Scanners, blood pressure
monitors, heartbeat monitors
Automobiles Electronic fuel injection systems, anti lock braking systems, in-vehicle entertainment
systems, air-conditioner controls
Industrial applications Assembly lines, multiple parameter monitoring systems, feedback systems,
data collection systems
Aerospace Navigation systems, guidance systems, GPS
Communications Routers, network hubs, satellite phones

The list goes on and on, so its pretty safe to say that embedded systems have changed mankind for the
better.

Conclusion

Just think about it, almost every advance made by humankind, every device or appliance that helps us in our
daily lives and even what creates those devices are embedded systems. Without embedded systems, where
would we be? Would it be possible for us to create wonders like driverless cars, fully automated factories,
adaptive home appliances and more? Probably not. So if youre thinking about studying about a subject that
quite literally is changing the future, look no further than embedded systems!