The inception of embedded systems dates back to the 1960s, originating with the Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC), which was created by Charles Stark Draper at the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory. The AGC delivered the necessary computational resources and electronic interfaces to facilitate the spacecraft’s guidance, navigation, and control functions. Over the past five decades, the adoption of embedded systems has surged dramatically, particularly following the advent of microcontrollers. Embedded systems are ubiquitous, often found in places you might not anticipate.
What is your estimate of the number of devices that utilize embedded systems technology? Clearly, items like cell phones, computers, and smart watches are prime examples. Have you accounted for the Wi-Fi router that is facilitating internet service? Few people recognize that embedded systems are present in a vast array of technologies, including computer equipment, personal electronic devices, household appliances, medical devices, and various forms of transportation, such as airplanes, trains, and cars.
We often overlook the electronic devices that facilitate our everyday activities. As an illustration, think about an ATM machine and vending machine. Due to the monitor’s presence, most individuals tend to view it as a significant computer that includes a compartment for cash storage. As an embedded system, the ATM and vending machine incorporates a small microcontroller designed to oversee and control transaction activities. Embedded systems involve a complex integration that goes beyond just electronic elements. They encompass a combination of digital and analog elements, specialized sensors, mechanical components, actuators, software, and more. If you are not an engineer or someone engaged in embedded electronics, pinpointing an embedded system may seem like a formidable task. With a clear grasp of what defines an embedded system and its characteristics, you will find it easy to identify them.
An embedded system refers to a computer system specifically engineered to execute a limited range of functions within a broader mechanical or electrical framework. Nevertheless, it does not bear any resemblance to a computer. Based on the intended application, it may be classified as either programmable or non-programmable. In real-life scenarios, embedded systems are integrated into broader and more complex systems. This factor plays a significant role in why the technology does not receive much attention. A typical individual lacking extensive knowledge in electronics may perceive a washing machine as a mechanical instrument. It is the microcontroller embedded in the washing machine’s circuitry that governs the various operational speeds and modes.
Overview of key attributes of an embedded system:
Unlike computers and smartphones, average users are unable to make modifications to the software.
Actual existence Application domains of embedded systems
Embedded systems are integral to many aspects of our everyday life, greatly affecting how we interact with technology. Now that you are familiar with embedded technology, can you really conceive of living without it? It is reasonable to assert that embedded technology has significantly changed our lives, simplifying many aspects of our daily routines. Take a moment to observe your surroundings; it is likely that numerous elements within your site are driven by embedded systems. With the merging of pervasive computing and the Internet of Things, the impact of embedded systems on our world will increasingly accelerate.