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OVERVIEW OF EMBEDDED SYSTEM & ITS APPLICATION

Conference Paper · June 2022

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A PAPER PRESENTED AT THE 3RD INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY ACADEMIC
STAFF UNION OF POLYTECHNICS IREE CHAPTER. THEME: TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INNOVATION:
TRAJECTORY FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE FACE OF CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL
CHALLENGES 16TH – 20TH MAY, 2022

OVERVIEW OF EMBEDDED SYSTEM & ITS APPLICATION

1*
Oloyede O. A, 2Akinwole A. 1Yekini N.A, & 1Akinade A. O.
1
Computer Engineering Department Yaba College of Technology
2
Computer Technology Department, Yaba College of Technology

ABSTRACT: In this research paper the concept of embedded systems, its applications as well as the economic
importance in the modern technology was reviewed. Embedded systems are not only one of the most important
fields for current computer-based applications; they are also one of the most difficult fields of software
engineering: embedded systems must meet real-time requirements, are safety critical, and are distributed
across multiple processors. Embedded systems are used in a variety of applications, ranging from automobiles
and mobile phones to washing machines and printers. It's difficult to imagine our lives without them these days.
The increasing complexity and real-time requirements necessitate the use of new modeling techniques as well
as formal methods. The world of embedded systems is a fantasy land filled with limitless possibilities. Imagine
being able to control all of the systems around you with a single gesture, and having everything respond to you
as if by magic. Embedded systems may be able to accomplish this.

Keywords: application of embedded system, embedded systems, software engineering, computer-based

applications.
1.0. INTRODUCTION
In the advent of technology, from personal digital assistants and smart phones to vehicles and rocket
propellers, embedded systems are at the core of it all. Embedded systems are essentially a combination of hardware
and software that is designed to fulfill a specific purpose. Its functions are provided by software, while its performance
is provided by hardware. These tasks are carried out with the assistance of a new type of operating system known as
a Real Time operating system (RTOS). An embedded system's core components include embedded hardware,
embedded RTOs, device drivers, communication stacks, and embedded applications. The goal is to deliver affordable,
highly integrated devices that fulfill demanding safety, security, dependability, and availability criteria while keeping
costs down.
As microprocessors get smaller and more affordable, an increasing number of devices become 'smart,' as a result of
microprocessor implanted in them. Automated teller machines (ATMs), multifunction wristwatches, PDAs, PLCs,
medical appliances, and many more applications are examples of embedded systems. Embedded software necessitates
the use of software tools such as a cross compiler, cross assembler, linker, and locator, in addition to the host and
target systems. This technology's application areas range from household appliances to communication devices. As
the globe undergoes unprecedented research in hardware technology (nano-technology, quantum physics, etc.),
packing greater power into a single chip will soon become a reality. As a result, embedded systems might be described
as a dreamer's paradise with endless possibilities. An embedded computer or embedded system is a computer system
that comprises the combination of a computer processor, computer memory, and input/output peripheral devices that

1
A PAPER PRESENTED AT THE 3RD INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY ACADEMIC
STAFF UNION OF POLYTECHNICS IREE CHAPTER. THEME: TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INNOVATION:
TRAJECTORY FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE FACE OF CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL
CHALLENGES 16TH – 20TH MAY, 2022

can be dedicated to function within another or larger system such as mechanical or electrical systems, or operate
independently. It is embedded as part of a complete device, often including electrical or electronic hardware and
mechanical parts. Due to the fact that an embedded system typically controls the physical operations of the machine
that it is embedded within, it often has real-time computing constraints and performs mostly predetermined tasks with
a specific requirement. Since embedded computers are primarily designed to handle a certain task, optimization
engineers can reduce the product cost and size as well as increase its performance and reliability. (Adebari, 2021).
Embedded system is needed for one reason or the other. The first reason for the need for embedded systems is that
general-purpose computers, such as personal computers, have become too exorbitant for the vast majority of products
that integrate some form of embedded system technology. Another reason for the need for embedded systems is that
general-purpose solutions may fail to meet a variety of functional or performance requirements, such as power
consumption, size constraints, reliability, or real-time performance, among others. The digital revolution has been
fueled by the massive increase in processing power in small packages. The digital revolution has had an impact on all
sectors of the economy, and the industry has seen tremendous advancements in all aspects of engineering disciplines.
(Ikponmwosa, 2011).

2. PURPOSE & CHARACTERISTICS OF EMBEDDED SYSTEM

2.1. CHARACTERISTICS OF EMBEDDED SYSTEM

According to Blumenscheid (2021), the main characteristics of embedded systems include:
• Small Form Factor (SFF): These are printed circuit board (PCB) designs packed with robust processing power
in smaller, rugged enclosures, which maximize space efficiency.
• Power Efficient Components: These are central processing units (CPUs) with reduced thermal design power,
which reduces cooling and eliminates the need for fans and moving parts.
• Single-Functioned: The embedded systems are designed to perform a specific operation during their lifetime.
• Lower Cost: Embedded systems are often less expensive than full-featured computers and have fewer
component complications since they lack expansion slots for peripherals.
According to Smith (2022), some of the features of an embedded system include:
• Embedded system requires real-time performance
• It should have high availability and reliability.
• It should be developed around a real-time operating system.
• ROM boot is often utilized due to its diskless operations.
• Designed for one specific task
• Embedded system must be connected with peripherals to connect input and output devices.
• Offers high reliability and stability
• Minimal user interface required
• Embedded system memory is limited, reduced cost, as well as low power consumption.
• It does not need any secondary memory in a computer.

2
A PAPER PRESENTED AT THE 3RD INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY ACADEMIC
STAFF UNION OF POLYTECHNICS IREE CHAPTER. THEME: TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INNOVATION:
TRAJECTORY FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE FACE OF CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL
CHALLENGES 16TH – 20TH MAY, 2022

2.2. PURPOSE OF EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

Embedded systems are sometimes utilized as controllers in order to control a specific function within a device.
They are typically designed to do this duty only once, although more advanced embedded systems may control whole
operating systems. Some more complicated embedded systems can also execute many duties, although they are still
very simple jobs that do not need a lot of computing capacity. Due to the fact that embedded systems are not normally
programmable, once they have been configured to fulfill a given purpose, they run dependably and do not need any
form of interference. However, the software on certain embedded devices may be changed, allowing planned
functionality to be enhanced.
An embedded system is a very dependable electronic component that does not require much maintenance
and is relatively simple to add to a device since it is built and configured to serve a single purpose. While they are a
key component of a system, they are extremely rare to fail and do not need reprogramming, making them an important
component of many devices that must run independently or without assistance, such as home appliances.

3. COMPONENTS & TYPES OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM

3.1. Components
According to Thakur (2015), the components of an embedded system are:
• Embedded hardware: The embedded hardware comprises of a microcontroller with various peripheral
integrated circuits (IC’s). A fixed-size volatile memory such as DRAM or SRAM and non-volatile memory such
as Flash or EPROM, connected to the microcontroller, are integral parts of the device. Depending on the target
applications of the device, the peripherals can include communication devices such as serial controllers, Ethernet
controllers, or wireless communication controllers, and other application-specific IC’s. Many of these devices
also have keypads and graphical LCD screens as user interfaces.
• Embedded Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS): All embedded devices that perform complex functions
have an embedded operating system inside. This operating system is real-time in nature, i.e., the embedded system
operating system is capable of responding deterministically to time-critical external events.
• Device drivers: the lowest level of software that acts as glue between the operating system and the peripheral
devices is called the device driver. The device driver software controls peripheral device connected to the
microcontroller.
• Communication stacks: If the embedded device is capable of communicating with the external world, it has a
communication software stack running on top of the operating system. In order to connect to the internet,
embedded devices need a TCP/IP stack.
• Embedded applications: Embedded application software performs the predefined function of the embedded
device. This software can support such applications as the Internet, e-mail, and MP3 decoders. Many embedded
applications these days support sophisticated graphical user interface screens.

3
A PAPER PRESENTED AT THE 3RD INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY ACADEMIC
STAFF UNION OF POLYTECHNICS IREE CHAPTER. THEME: TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INNOVATION:
TRAJECTORY FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE FACE OF CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL
CHALLENGES 16TH – 20TH MAY, 2022

3.2. Types of Embedded Systems

According to Daniel (2021), the performance and functionality requirements of embedded systems, as well
as the performance of microcontrollers, are used to classify them. These categories and subcategories can be further
subdivided. Embedded systems are classified: depending on their performance and functional requirements;
depending on the performance of microcontrollers; based on deterministic behavior.
i. Performance and Functional Requirement Based Embedded Systems: - The Embedded System can
be classified into four types based on the performance and functional requirement. These are: -
 Real Time Embedded Systems: - A real-time embedded system provides a required output within a specific
time frame. These systems adhere to job completion deadlines. Real-time embedded systems are divided into
two types: soft real-time embedded systems and hard real-time embedded systems. Examples of real-time
embedded systems are automotive airbag control systems and flight control systems.
 Standalone Embedded Systems: - Standalone embedded systems are self-contained systems that do not rely
on external system than function entirely on their own. It accepts analog or digital input, processes it, and
outputs the result. It can either control or drive the devices to which it is linked. MP3 players, digital cameras,
video gaming consoles, microwave ovens, and temperature measuring equipment are examples of stand-
alone embedded systems.
 Network, or Networked, Embedded Systems: - These embedded systems are linked to a network in order to
access resources from a single location. This network linkage might be Local area network (LAN), Wide
area network (WAN), or the internet i.e., a cable or wireless connection can be used to achieve the link to a
particular network. It is also the most rapidly developing field of embedded system applications. For example,
an embedded web server is a sort of system in which all embedded devices are linked to a web server and
can be viewed and managed using a web browser. Networked embedded systems include home security
systems, ATM machines, and card swipe devices.
 Mobile Embedded Systems: - Mobile embedded systems are small and basic, requiring little power and
memory and are simple to use and requires minimal resources. They are found in portable embedded devices
such as mobile phones, digital cameras, MP3 players, and personal digital assistants, among others. The
primary limitation of these devices is the lack of additional resources and memory.

ii. Microcontroller Performance Based Embedded System: - According to Siyon (2021), embedded
systems are classified in three types based on the performance of its microcontroller or based on the
complexity of the system. These are: -
 Small-Scale Embedded Systems: - These embedded systems are built around a single 8 or 16-bit
microprocessor, which can be powered by a battery. The major programming tools for producing embedded
software for small-size embedded systems include an editor, assembler, cross assembler, and integrated
development environment (IDE). The processor makes use of relatively few/limited memory and processing
resources. Generally, these systems do not function as separate systems; rather, they function as any

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A PAPER PRESENTED AT THE 3RD INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY ACADEMIC
STAFF UNION OF POLYTECHNICS IREE CHAPTER. THEME: TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INNOVATION:
TRAJECTORY FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE FACE OF CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL
CHALLENGES 16TH – 20TH MAY, 2022

component of a computer system, but they do not compute and are not dedicated to a specific activity. Small-
scale embedded systems have extremely little hardware and software complexity. It may or may not have an
operating system that allows it to work. A small-scale embedded system is exemplified by an electronic toy.
 Medium-Scale Embedded Systems: - These are embedded systems having a medium performance 16-bit
or 32-bit CPU or controller, ASICs or DSPs. They are complicated in terms of both hardware and software.
C, C++, JAVA, Visual C++, RTOS, debugger, source code engineering tool, simulator, and IDE are the most
common programming languages used to create these systems.
 Large-Scale Embedded Systems: - These embedded systems possess very sophisticated hardware and
software that is based around 32-bit or 64-bit processors/controllers, RISC processors, SoC, scalable and
customizable processors, and may also utilize application-specific instruction set processors (ASIPs),
intrusion prevention IPs, and programmable logic arrays (PLAs). They are utilized in cutting-edge
applications that requires hardware and software co-design, as well as component assembly into the final
system. They also include a powerful real-time operating system for work scheduling, prioritizing, and
management.
iii. Based On Deterministic Behavior: - This categorization of embedded systems is based on an
embedded system's deterministic behavior. Embedded systems are divided into two types based on
their execution behavior: hard real-time systems and soft real-time systems.
 Hard Real-time system: In these types of embedded systems, a real-time operating system must closely
conform to a task's timing requirements. A hard real-time system must satisfy all deadlines without fail.
Missing the deadline would result in catastrophic collapse of the system or user. Vehicle airbag control
systems and antilock braking systems are common examples of hard real-time systems. When a vehicle
is involved in an accident, the airbag control system should activate instantly to protect the passengers.
Any delay in the deployment of airbags will result in the death of passengers in the car. As a result, "a
late answer is always a bad answer" in a hard real-time system.
 Soft Real-time system: In these types of embedded systems deadline is not strictly followed. Missing
deadlines for tasks are acceptable for soft real-time systems, but the frequency of missing deadlines
should be within the compliance limit.
4. AREAS OF APPLICATION OF EMBEDDED SYSTEM
Embedded computers vary depending on their applications. Apart from televisions and automobiles, embedded
computers are found in virtually every digitally interfaced appliance, including watches, dishwashers, microwave
cookers, washing machines, cameras, telephones, and large stationary installations like factory controllers and traffic
lights. Embedded computers are actually present in all aspects of everyday life, such as entertainment, education,
science, and communication. Not only are that, but different types of embedded computers available in consumer,
military, commercial, and industrial applications. Embedded computers are used in transportation, medical
applications, fire safety and security, and life-critical systems because hacking can be avoided in these systems,

5
A PAPER PRESENTED AT THE 3RD INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY ACADEMIC
STAFF UNION OF POLYTECHNICS IREE CHAPTER. THEME: TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INNOVATION:
TRAJECTORY FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE FACE OF CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL
CHALLENGES 16TH – 20TH MAY, 2022

making them more reliable. The smart building sector has adopted the notion of the digital twin, combining real
operations with virtual engineering models via intelligent sensors (Slansky, 2019).
There are several applications for embedded systems in the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine
(M2M) devices. Embedded systems, which are extremely versatile and adaptive, may now be found in all smart
devices. It's impossible to think of a single aspect of modern life that isn't influenced by embedded technology such
as Central Heating Systems, GPS Systems, Trackers for fitness, Medical Equipment, Automotive Systems, Transit
and Fare Collection, ATMs, Factory Robots, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, Interactive Kiosks Charig (2021);
Blumenscheid (2021).

5. CONCLUSION
Embedded systems have become widespread in the global economy of technology since its inception. The benefits
of embedded systems are being recognized by a growing number of individuals, businesses, as well as various
facilities, and their utilization actually exists in a variety of applications, ranging from automobiles and mobile phones
to washing machines and printers. It is difficult to imagine our lives without embedded systems these days. The world
of embedded systems is a fantastical realm of limitless possibilities. Imagine having the ability to control all of the
systems around you with a single or more gestures. This may be possible with embedded systems. This has revealed
the areas of applications as well as the impact of embedded systems on various varieties of technological development,
with a focus on their efficiency in real-time applications and future utilization.

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TRAJECTORY FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE FACE OF CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL
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