Embedded devices are integrated into a larger system and are expert computer systems. The intention of designing such devices is to enable them to perform an exclusively dedicated function or sometimes a set of functions. Unlike regular computers, such as laptops or desktops, these embedded systems are designed only to perform specific tasks rather than to process large amounts of data. Due to restricted resources, such as limited processing power and memory within these embedded systems, they are limited to performing specific tasks.
What are the Different Types of Embedded Devices?
There are many types of embedded systems or devices. Hardware type, application area, complexity, and function are the parameters used to classify embedded systems, encompassing application area, performance and sophistication, functionality, and hardware type.
I) Application:
Some application areas where embedded devices find extensive use are as follows,
Telecommunications:
They find use in building bus station equipment, modems, and routers.
Industrial Automation:
Process controllers, robotic arms, and PLCs are some use cases of embedded systems.
Consumer Electronics:
With embedded systems in specific consumer electronics such as gaming consoles, cameras, and smart TVs, the market can provide more innovative solutions.
Medical and Healthcare Devices:
Some crucial medical devices that use embedded systems include insulin pumps, portable diagnostic equipment, and pacemakers.
Automotive:
Automotive equipment also requires embedded devices across infotainment units, airbag systems, and engine control units (ECUs).
II) Performance and Sophistication:
There are three types of categories under functional capabilities.
Small-Scale Embedded Devices:
These exhibit the simplest functionality that can perform a dedicated and single function. As a result, these devices do not require an operating system; instead, they use only 8-bit or 16-bit microcontrollers. Due to its basic structure and compact size, it is affordable and applicable across various day-to-day electronic devices, such as basic toys and simple temperature controllers.
Medium-Scale Embedded Systems:
These devices can perform moderately complex tasks and use a single to dual microcontroller. The functionalities include simple networking and limited multitasking, using 16-bit or 32-bit processors. GPS devices, printers, and washing machines are some examples.
Large-Scale Embedded Devices:
They perform complex functionalities, requiring strong network connectivity, multiple software layers, and powerful hardware. They find applications across multifunctional, high-performing, and critical areas, such as medical devices, industrial automation, automotive, and aerospace. It employs RTOS or Linux operating systems, with a 32-bit or 64-bit processor for high processing power and to perform highly complex functionalities.
III) Embedded Devices Based-on Functionality:
On the basis of functionality, there are four types of embedded devices: mobile, standalone, networked, and real-time.
Mobile:
They are common across portable or mobile devices, which showcase compact designs and exhibit efficiency in prioritizing, especially in power utilization. They enable wireless connectivity, enabling these systems to function even when moving from one place to another. However, there is a restriction specific to distance due to the battery power limitation. Some examples include tablets, fitness trackers, and smartphones.
Standalone Embedded System:
It operates independently, without the need for a larger system, such as a computer. The entire device works like a self-contained unit while taking the input, processing data, and producing output. Washing machines, microwave ovens, and digital watches are some examples.
Network Systems:
Network devices are embedded systems that enable communication and collaboration across devices using a network. These integrations allow various equipment, from IoT devices and automotive systems to industrial automation and smart homes, to function specifically. Some examples include smart speakers, wireless sensor networks, and smart thermostats.
Real-time devices:
These devices can perform specific, critical tasks while adhering to stricter timelines. The real-time aspects include two types: hard real-time and soft real-time. For example, airbags in a car are an application of hard real-time; video streaming is an example of soft real-time. For hard real-time, deadlines are crucial. Otherwise, the system will fail. Though deadlines are not so critical in soft real-time, they are essential. Industrial control systems and anti-lock braking systems are examples of soft real-time.
IV) Hardware Type:
Microcontroller:
Devices with microcontrollers are compact due to the presence of a single chip. They are intended to perform a simple control task, are affordable and energy efficient, and can perform low-complexity operations. Home automation controllers are an example.
Microprocessor Devices:
These devices feature a powerful CPU due to the microprocessor, which can handle more computationally demanding tasks than a microcontroller. Embedding Linux systems into a smart TV is one of the best examples. While running typical operating systems, such devices can support complex functionalities, extending their capabilities across applications using robust connectivity, multitasking, and complex functionalities.
FPGA Embedded Devices: The core computing platform of these devices is a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). FPGAs offer a higher advantage over microprocessors or microcontrollers, enabling reconfiguration at the hardware level. They help perform custom operations in parallel, making them an ideal solution for specialized, time-critical, and high-speed applications. A real-time image processing system is one example.