In this article, we learn what is embedded system and the application of embedded system.
What is Embedded System?
An embedded system is a fixed or programmable combination of computer hardware and software designed for a specific function or function within a large system. Embedded systems can include industrial machines, agricultural and processing plants, automobiles, medical devices, cameras, devices, airplanes, vending machines, and mobile devices.
Application of Embedded System
Embedded system is used in almost every industry. Communications, manufacturing, military defense, and scientific research are just a few of the many sectors in which people rely on them to achieve their goals and work more efficiently by reducing manual processes.
A good example of a real-time embedded system application is a weapon defense system whose sole task is to protect naval destroyers by shooting down incoming missiles. The weapon defense system consists of three subsystems: a weapon launch system, a radar system, and a control system. The weapon launch system and radar system are controlled, but the control system functions as a command and decision system.
Radar systems monitor potential threats such as incoming missiles, measure their coordinates, and transfer them to the control system. The control system determines the threat level possessed by the target according to the information collected from the radar system. The command and decision-making system determines various target parameters such as flight path, points of influence, and speed. Based on these parameters, the control system activates a weapon firing system that fires until the target is completely destroyed. Communication between the radar and the command and decision-making system is real-time.
Real-Time Application of Embedded System
Embedded systems have applications ranging from consumer electronics to entertainment equipment, weapons to medical equipment, industrial equipment, academic equipment, and aerospace control systems. Embedded systems are also used in various industries such as office automation, banking, finance, consumer electronics, security, telecommunications, personal vehicles, and instrumentation. Below is a working example of the embedded system.
Embedded System In Highway Speeding Detection
It relies on a highway speed checker device that senses highway speeds and notifies traffic authorities if they notice a vehicle that violates defined highway speed limits.
Embedded System In Street Light Control
It works by detecting the vehicle movement on the highway and turning on street lights before approaching vehicles arrive. After the vehicle has passed, the streetlights will go out to save energy.
Embedded System In Vehicle Tracking
Vehicle tracking works by using GPS to determine the exact location of the vehicle. They are used to control theft and possible criminal activity. GPS modems send messages to specific mobiles that store data. Location information regarding longitude and latitude values is displayed using an LCD display. The microcontroller regularly checks the GPS modem.
Embedded System In-Home Automation System
This involves using a home automation system with Android applications and remote-based controls. Remote operation is performed by Android OS-based phones and tablets. The Android application acts as a transmitter, sending on and off commands to the receiver to which the load is connected.
These are just a few examples of embedded systems in the world today. Embedded systems act as a core control for interfacing peripheral devices and are therefore found in many applications using various electrical components.