Embedded systems can change how your business operates and stay competitive in the market. A product can perform more functions and cover more end-user needs with the right embedded software and hardware.
This article will teach how companies and industries apply embedded systems to improve their products.
What is an embedded system?
What are embedded systems, and why are they so popular among tech companies? An embedded system is a computing unit integrated into a bigger system to manage the device and facilitate user interaction. These systems usually perform one or a few specific functions.
The core elements of embedded systems include software, hardware, and a real-time operating system (RTOS). The hardware part generally runs on a central processing unit (CPU) linked to different computing components. Application software consists of specific programming that allows the device to operate. Engineers integrate RTOS to enable quick device reactions to specific events. That’s why embedded development services from Lemberg Solutions’s team cover all types of embedded system development to meet specific business needs.
Types of Embedded Devices
Engineers usually divide embedded devices into four types: real-time, stand-alone, networked, and mobile. Read below to learn more about their differences.
Real-Time
This type of embedded device includes software that produces outputs swiftly within a designated timeframe. That is why it is frequently applied within industries where timing is crucial, such as healthcare and transportation. Real-time software generates immediate results and can be categorized into soft and hard. Soft real-time systems do not need to adhere strictly to a specific timeframe. Hard real-time systems must meet the deadlines rigidly without any delay.
Stand-alone
This embedded software can function independently without needing a host (computer or processor). It processes input data, whether digital or analog and provides an output that can be displayed through a device’s dashboard. Stand-alone embedded systems can generate outputs without any assistance from a host computer. Examples of such systems include calculators, thermostats, and MP3 players.
Networked
Networked embedded devices depend on communication with web servers using wireless or wired networks. They are usually part of an IoT system and can be widely used for industrial control systems and smart home gadgets.
Mobile
Mobile embedded systems encompass compact, handheld devices that also include the features of stand-alone systems, such as tablets, smartphones, and wearable fitness trackers.
Twenty Real-World Examples of Embedded Systems
Discover different examples of embedded systems and how they benefit end users and companies in the healthcare, automotive, consumer electronics, transportation, energy, and smart home industries.
1. Medical devices
Embedded engineers create electronic devices for remote patient care to alleviate the burden on healthcare providers. Such systems can be used as tablets that measure patient vital signs and schedule doctor appointments.
2. Automotive systems
One of the best examples of embedded systems in automotive includes integration into charging systems for electric vehicle charging. They ensure stable connection and effective work in different temperature conditions. Such embedded systems enable stable charging and monitor the vehicle’s battery levels.
3. Automated guided vehicles
Automated guided vehicles (AGV) can continuously function within manufacturing sites and increase a company’s productivity. Embedded with advanced sensors, AGVs operate on pre-defined routes and accurately perform tasks, which reduces errors.
4. Noise-monitoring sensors
Embedded software enables noise monitoring powered by outdoor and indoor sensors. These can be low-power devices that constantly track noise levels and notify about any violations in real-time.
5. Security systems
Security sensors and cameras monitor the needed areas in real-time and notify the users about any suspicious activities. They ensure quick response to security issues and prevent significant property damage.
6. Wearable health monitors
Another application of embedded systems includes healthcare monitors providing real-time health measurements and allowing the identification of early disease symptoms for timely intervention. They also enable chronic disease measurement.
7. Digital thermostats
Thermostats powered with Wi-Fi connectivity and sensors enable constant temperature tracking at private property and industrial facilities. The IoT network of thermostats connected to a mobile or web app allows temperature and energy use to be adjusted at any time.
8. Electronic locks
Electronic locks with embedded software enable access control so that only authorized users can enter specific areas. Such locks also detect any attempts to use them and notify whether an intruder tries to access the property.
9. Traffic monitoring systems
Among other examples of embedded systems, a traffic monitoring solution helps drivers receive information on traffic conditions immediately. This allows them to avoid any delays. Fleet companies successfully apply such embedded systems to plan shipments and prevent accidents.
10. Robot vacuum cleaners
Embedded software ensures that such cleaners operate autonomously. End users can schedule the cleaning and configure the routes where robots can operate.
11. Wireless sensor networks
Real-time applications of embedded systems can be powered by sensor networks collecting specific data in real-time and notifying about any issues. Wireless sensor networks improve equipment functioning since they detect early signs of malfunctions.
12. Asset tracking systems
The asset tracking system facilitates cargo monitoring within the warehouse or during transportation. It shares information about storage conditions that ensure improved shipment management.
13. Hearing aids
With embedded microphones and other sensors, hearing aids process the sounds and adjust to individual user needs. They have different operation modes, which allows for better sound quality.
14. Wearable activity trackers
Embedded activity trackers monitor end user’s vital signs and sleep patterns to ensure valuable data insights. Based on the received data, professional athletes and average users can adjust their physical development plans.
15. Gas and water meters
Powered by embedded software, gas and water meters provide accurate consumption data, which helps form billing automatically. Moreover, such systems identify any leaks and allow users to address the problem quickly.
16. Fire alarm systems
These embedded systems detect heat and smoke at the early stages to start the work of alarms immediately. Also, they can send notifications to specific personnel, which mitigates the risk of heavy fire.
17. Energy systems
Embedded systems enable accurate energy consumption and distribution monitoring for businesses, consumers, and governmental institutions. They help optimize and calculate energy usage to allocate resources and reduce costs.
18. Smart refrigerators
Refrigerators powered with embedded software and cameras allow users to see which products are available via mobile apps. The fridges have built-in sensors to measure humidity and temperature, which helps avoid product waste.
19. Video game consoles
Game consoles with embedded software allow for more stable performance and smooth experience. They can be powered with voice commands and motion sensors, which simplify their use.
20. Satellite communication systems
Such systems ensure access to remote areas and sustain reliable communication in emergencies. They provide stable connections during natural disasters and help receive or transfer critical information.
Embedded systems can help automate specific tasks, monitor different data, notify about issues, and improve company operations. By developing an embedded system with custom functionality, organizations reduce costs, mitigate risks, and improve end-user experience with their products and services.
