An embedded system is a computer system designed to perform a specific set of dedicated functions, often with limited resources and with real-time computing constraints. It is typically embedded as part of a complete device including bespoke hardware, sensors, displays, I/O and mechanical parts. Embedded systems are often associated with portable devices but many fixed installations use embedded systems. In contrast, a general-purpose computer, such as a personal computer, can perform many different tasks depending on the application software that has been loaded onto it..
Embedded systems have become very important today as they are present in almost every aspect of modern life; telecommunication systems, computer networks, consumer electronics, household appliances, heating control systems, traffic lights, engine control systems, industrial automation controllers, medical devices etc, all make use of embedded systems to provide flexibility, efficiency and complex features.
Design Challenges
Designers of embedded systems face a special set of challenges; the nature of many embedded systems often means that both hardware and software are designed from scratch. The development of bespoke hardware may take months to complete so the development of the software must often start long before the hardware is available for the purpose of testing. Even when the hardware is available it may be necessary to debug both hardware and software simultaneously – a task that can be frustrating and costly.
The nature of most embedded systems requires that they must be reliable and robust, for instance, household appliances using embedded computers must be as reliable as other household appliances; as easy to use and as available; they may be connected with other devices, requiring adherence to standards of some kind.
The cost in this space is largely dominated by hardware and the savings for hardware are also extremely strict. The pressure to produce low-cost consumer devices often results in trade-offs in terms of processor performance and memory size versus flexibility and robustness. The developers of the particular systems will define the exact trade-offs, resulting in a fractured market. Each developer will have system software of some kind, typically home-brewed or adapted from one of the many embedded operating systems. This may make it more difficult to develop common suites of development tools and libraries of software components
Embedded Systems and the Electronics KTN
The Electronics Knowledge Transfer Network has identified Embedded Systems as one of several major knowledge transfer themes. As such, our activities will be focused on transferring knowledge over a wide range of topics in this area. Go to our Embedded Systems SIG (Special Interest Group) for more detail.
Within the major theme of Embedded Systems the following picture shows the particular sub-themes that we aim to tackle, along with some of the markets they apply to:
Design Methods and Tools
- System Level Visual Modelling
- Model-Driven Design
- Testing and Verification
- Tool-chain integration
- Automatic Code Generation
- Component based embedded software design
Safety and Reliability in Embedded Systems
- Methods
- Tools
- Processes
- Standards
For the development of cost effective, reliable and robust systems for use in safety-critical or mission-critical systems
Embedded System Computing Environments
Security Privacy and Dependability
- Methods for protecting the security and privacy of financial, personal, commercial and military information in embedded systems
- Encryption, Authentication and authenticity of data, time-stamping and certification
- Continuity of service and protection against deliberate denial of service attacks
Pervasive Computing
- Human-Computer Interaction and Human-Centric Design of Embedded Systems
- Seamless Connectivity, interoperability
- Intelligent environments
- Self-organisation of systems
Best Practices in Embedded Systems
- Software copyright and Protection
- Quality Control
- Test and verification
- Coding Standards and code maintenance