Embedded System Design:
An Engineer's Guide
It is difficult to argue against the fact that we are increasingly moving towards a future where our environments will exhibit ambient intelligence (AmI). The devices, appliances, and vehicles we interact with will be aware of and adaptive to our presence. This is not hard to imagine when we already have simple examples like lights that use sensors to turn lights on and off when someone enters or leaves a room.
Additionally, we have many devices and appliances that can decide their operation by gathering and processing external data. These ‘smart’ products exhibit the technological foundation from which AmI development will be realized. And the brains that enable the development of smart products are embedded systems.
Embedded systems, which are electronic circuit boards installed within larger systems, can range from simple to quite complex. However, they all incorporate at least one microprocessor or microcontroller, which allows for the mathematical and logical processing needed to make smart decisions. Optimizing embedded system design requires understanding the attributes, performance classifications, and functionality types and following guidelines intended to maximize performance, reliability, and efficiency.
Embedded system design: the brain of smart electronics
Your choice of microprocessor or microcontroller is critical to ensure your embedded system design is optimized for manufacturing, performance, and reliable operation. However, researching components can cost you valuable development time and may not yield the best part for your project. The most efficient option is to employ a personalized component resource.
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Irrespective of the application, embedded systems have common features, such as a dedicated processor – often a single-chip microcontroller – installed in a larger system and specific functionality. Other attributes, as listed below, are also typical for these electronic circuit boards.
As the list above indicates, embedded systems are composed of computers programmed to perform a specific task(s) that enables or enhances the capabilities of a larger system. The limit to how these boards may be used is far from defined and continually deployed in new applications. This versatility makes designing and implementing embedded systems attractive but does pose a challenge for classifying them, which is usually based on performance complexity or operational environment. Both of these are discussed below.
Embedded System Performance Classifications
High reliability, stability, and real-time operation are important attributes that your embedded system should possess. Therefore, performance type is one of the popular ways of categorizing embedded systems. Examples of each of the three classes used are shown below.
| Embedded System Performance Classes | ||
| Embedded System | Characteristics | Example |
| Small Scale | These embedded systems employ an 8 or 16-bit processor and are often used in small portable devices powered by batteries. Typical applications include cellular phones and digital cameras. |  |
| Medium Scale | 16 or even 32-bit processors are used in these embedded systems, as they are larger and more complicated than small scale devices. Software is typically created in C, C++, or Java. Applications include routers and ATMs. |  |
| Sophisticated | These devices often contain multiple 32 or 64 bit processors. They have advanced programming and operations. Examples include medical imaging equipment and hybrid vehicles. |  |
As the table illustrates, embedded systems are major components of systems we use daily.
Embedded System Functionality Types
In addition to grouping by performance level, embedded systems are also classified according to functionality. This is shown below, along with industry applications.
EMBEDDED SYSTEM INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS
| Function Type | Common Industry Applications |
| Standalone | Home Appliances, Commercial Products, Robotics |
| Networked | Financial, Government, Automotive, Computing, Industrial |
| Mobile | Commercial Products |
| Real-time | Transportation, Financial |
The above list is not exhaustive; however, it accurately shows where embedded systems with the functionality above are commonly utilized. Knowing common applications is very helpful and should be used as a guide for your design. However, it is also important to understand when to use embedded systems and not to use them.
Embedded Systems: Advantages and Disadvantages
As we have discussed, embedded systems are used in various industries and for many applications. Many reasons or advantages have led to this broad deployment of embedded systems. These are listed below, along with situations where there may be better options than these devices.
It is essential to understand and be able to justify the use of an embedded system before incorporating it into your design.
Optimizing Your Embedded System Design
Embedded systems are electronic circuit boards; therefore, good design practices should be followed. The following paradigm shows the process.
As shown above, the embedded system design process can be complex and time-consuming. Typically, multiple engineers and teams are involved. For example, PCB design, Firmware designer, and mechanical designer. Therefore, avoiding supply chain disruptions and creating thorough, accurate design and BOM files is essential. This is best done using a component and data source that offers up-to-date and manufacturer-vetted component data.
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