What are Embedded Systems?

An embedded system is a computer system designed to perform one or a few dedicated functions often with real-time computing constraints. It is embedded as part of a complete device often including hardware and mechanical parts. It control many devices we use daily like washing machines, microwave ovens, televisions, smartphones and cars. Unlike a general-purpose computer like a laptop or desktop, it performs pre-defined tasks and its programming is fixed.

Uses
They are used to control a variety of devices. Some common examples are:
- Consumer Electronics: Televisions, DVD players, set-top boxes, gaming consoles use systems to control functions like power management, audio/video processing and user interface.
- Home Appliances: Washing machines, microwave ovens, refrigerators contain systems for functions like temperature control, timers and safety mechanisms.
- Industrial Machinery: Robotics, 3D printers, factory automation use embedded systems for motion control, automation and distributed control systems.
- Medical Equipment: Patient monitoring devices, medical imaging, insulin pumps rely on embedded microcontrollers for time-critical tasks.
- Transportation Systems: Engine control units, anti-lock braking systems, airbag controllers are important systems in automobiles. Embedded boards coordinate train control, trackside signaling and station automation in rail transport.

Evolution of Embedded Hardware
Early Embedded Systems in the 1980s used 8-bit microcontrollers with limited memory and programming capabilities. As requirements grew for more processing power and memory, 16-bit and 32-bit microcontrollers came into use by the 1990s. Multi-core processors further boosted performance for applications like infotainment systems. Modern smartphones contain high-performance 64-bit multicore System-on-Chip (SoC) packages with integrated memory, storage and communication interfaces. Advanced embedded hardware contains specialized co-processors for artificial intelligence, computer vision and machine learning workloads.

Programming Languages and Tools
Assembly language is commonly used for low-level programming of embedded microcontrollers for speed and efficiency. C and C++ are popular high-level languages for embedded systems due to control over memory usage and ability to interface with hardware. Java is finding increased usage along with real-time Java virtual machines. Domain specific languages like Ada and SCADE simplify programming of safety-critical tasks. Integrated development environments (IDE) and debuggers facilitate programming, building and testing of embedded firmware. Design tools for modeling, synthesis and verification help with hardware-software co-development.

Security Concerns
As more systems get connected to the internet through technologies like IoT, they become vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Compromised devices have been used to launch DDoS attacks or steal sensitive data. Lack of regular security updates and patching also poses risks in long-lifespan embedded products. Techniques like embedded device hardening, secure boot, encrypted communication and attestation help strengthen security. Standards like ARM TrustZone provide hardware-enforced isolation to separate secure execution environments for payment processing or trusted applications. Future-proofing embedded systems with defense-in-depth capabilities will be crucial for stemming security incidents involving mission-critical infrastructure.

Embedded systems now influence almost every aspect of our daily lives. From the clothes we wear to the transportation we use and the buildings we inhabit - embedded devices are quietly and reliably performing real-time control functions in the background. As embedded hardware capabilities continually improve through innovation, the role of these specialized computer systems will become more pervasive across industries. Ensuring their security and privacy-preserving operation will be vital as their attack surface increases with network connectivity. Overall, embedded systems exemplify the integration of hardware, software and interconnectivity that will characterize cyber-physical systems powering future smart environments.

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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)

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