An embedded system is the fusion of hardware components and software designed to form specific and dedicated functions either as an independent system or as a component of a more extensive procedure. Embedded systems are based on the core principle of providing computations in real-time physical environments. Furthermore, the embedded systems may have fixed functionality or be programmable, depending on the system they are part of. These systems have a range of applications and are used in industrial machines, manufacturing, electronic, and healthcare equipment, among others (Lutkevich, 2019). 

Embedded systems are generally computing devices and may vary from having no user interface to having complex multiple graphical user interfaces. The utility of embedded systems depends on the task. The complexity ranges from a standalone microprocessor to a complex combination of microcontrollers connected intrinsically to a network. An embedded system comprises microprocessors, graphical processing units, digital to analog converters, volatile memory, communication interfaces, actuators, power supplies, and system codes (Lutkevich, 2019). 

Furthermore, embedded systems are categorised based on performance, requirements, and desired functionality. They are classified into three main categories as follows:

• Real-time embedded systems are critical systems that must provide instant results, and output generation speed is crucial in these systems. In addition, the real-time embedded systems are used in distinguished sectors such as aircraft controls, flight control computers, projectile detection systems, missile defence systems, self-driving vehicles, semi-autonomous vehicles and so forth. 
• Standalone embedded systems: These systems can provide outputs independently and do not require host computers to give results. It is pertinent to mention that the independent functionality of the embedded systems is unique only to standalone systems, as most embedded systems form an integral part of larger systems. They are used in many devices, such as digital cameras, refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, digital watches, calculators, and temperature measurement systems.
• Network embedded systems: These types of embedded systems depend on wireless networks for establishing communication with web servers to generate results. Examples of network embedded systems are security systems, ATMs, and point of sale systems. In all the applications above, embedded systems are connected to wireless networks such as LANs, PANs and WANs. 

Working process of Embedded systems:

Embedded systems are essential to larger electronic, mechanical and computer systems. A typical embedded system consists of a processor, power supply, volatile memory and communication gateways. The communication ports form the critical component of the embedded system and are used by other members to transfer data from the processor. In addition, the processor intercepts the signal with the help of particular software stored in the system’s memory. Furthermore, embedded systems are used in conventional real-time operating environments and utilise the Real-time operational protocol for establishing communication with physical components. The time active protocol aims to define algorithms through which the system works and sets the rules for program execution.  

Characteristics of the embedded systems:

• They are generally composed of software, hardware components and firmware
• In addition, embedded systems are used in larger systems to perform highly dedicated tasks as they are not usually designed to function independently.
• They are compatible with both types of integrated circuits that are the microprocessor and microcontrollers.
• They do not require a user to generate outputs and are used for sensing signals and real-time computing (Prabhala, 2019). 

 Typical structure of an embedded system:

• Sensors: The sensors are used to convert physical signals such as temperature, heat, light signals, and sound signals into electrical signals so that they can be identified, analysed and read by the system. The measured and converted signals are stored in the memory unit of the system.
• Analog to digital converters: The purpose of analog to digital converters is to convert the analog signal dispatched by the sensor into a refined digital signal (Prabhala, 2019).
• Actuator: The actuator compares the output given by the analog to a digital converter and the actual production stored by the system to provide an approved output. 

Applications of Embedded systems: 

Embedded systems form the backbone of industries reliant on complex mechanical, electrical and computer systems to perform daily operations. Some of the prominent examples are as follows:

1. Automobiles: Cars utilise innumerable embedded systems to perform different functions such as essential utility functions, entertainment functions, cruise controls, automated suspension systems, navigation systems, supplementary restraint systems and many more other processes.
2. Mobile phones: Mobile embedded systems ranging from graphic user interfaces, operating systems, cameras, gyroscopes and microphones are used in mobile phones (Daniel, 2022).
3. Industrial machines: Manufacturing units worldwide are using embedded systems to automate the manufacturing process and hence increase the overall efficiency of the supply chain. For instance, cyber-physical systems use embedded systems for monitoring and controlling manufacturing processes (Daniel, 2022). 

The actual potential of embedded systems is still not realised, and with the advancement of technology, they are becoming more complex and capable of performing complex tasks beyond human comprehension. In addition, due to the growing use of cyber-physical systems, the embedded systems are expected to increase, driven by the industry 4.0 solutions. For instance, intelligent drones, 3D printers, smart wearables, mobile phones, and video surveillance systems are expected to be the business drivers for embedded systems (Stankovic, 1996).  

References

1. Daniel, B. (2022). What Are Embedded Systems? Trentonsystems.com. Retrieved 2 April 2022, from https://www.trentonsystems.com/blog/what-are-embedded-systems.
2. Lutkevich, B. (2019). What is an Embedded System? IoT Agenda. Retrieved 2 April 2022, from https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/definition/embedded-system.
3. Prabhala, S. (2019). What is an Embedded System? Definition and FAQs | HEAVY.AI. Heavy.ai. Retrieved 2 April 2022, from https://www.heavy.ai/technical-glossary/embedded-systems.
4. Stankovic, J. (1996). Real-time and embedded systems. ACM Computing Surveys, 28(1), 205-208. https://doi.org/10.1145/234313.234400

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