Embedded systems engineering is important because the world is becoming more and more digital, automated and connected.
Embedded systems engineering is a technology often overlooked in this technological evolution. Whether in medical technology, the automotive industry, in aerospace or in the telecommunications, media and entertainment technology, embedded systems play a central role in the latest technological developments.
Embedded systems engineering is about designing and manufacturing systems that “feel” with sensors, “think” through intelligent programming, and “act” on signals and actuators perform a wide variety of tasks.
In short, the definition of embedded system is a computer system dedicated to performing a specific task or set of tasks as part of a larger system. There are several key features of embedded systems, such as they contain a microprocessor or microcontroller.
A microprocessor or microcontroller are what give electronic systems processing power and fulfill the “computing device” requirement of embedded systems.
Another important aspect of embedded systems is that they are part of a larger system and designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks. In order for the system to be considered “embedded” it must be part of a larger system that serves a specific dedicated purpose and is designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks.
The larger systems embedded systems are a part of may include additional hardware, mechanical parts and even other embedded systems. Since they are designed to perform a specific set of tasks (for example routing network traffic or controlling a thermostat) embedded systems can be optimized for specific purposes.
This allows embedded systems engineers to improve performance and reliability while driving down power consumption and manufacturing costs.
Embedded systems also often operate in real time. For embedded systems to be useful, they must often be able to process inputs and gather data in real time (i.e., fractions of a second) to produce an output.
Functions that involve operating in real time include a camera responding to a user pressing a button or a computerized braking system responding based on road conditions.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Embedded Systems Engineering Certificate Training, a 4-day course that covers all aspects of developing reliable real-time embedded system including hardware and software.
Embedded systems engineering certificate training covers embedded systems engineering and development from microprocessor-based control systems, to system-on-chip (SoC) design, and device software development.
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