Elements of an Embedded System

Embedding dedicated computing into your design will increase performance and add customization. Here are several of the elements involved in an Embedded System 

Developing an innovative solution lets you outpace your competition and results in a profitable  impact to your business's bottom line. Success with product development comes from investing in the right solutions, including the types of technologies and where they are implemented. Embedded Systems, and the basic elements of processor, firmware, and hardware, provide the perfect platform for innovation in product design by integrating available technologies in novel ways. 

What is an Embedded System? 

A computing system, built of a processor, memory, and input/output devices, with a dedicated function inside of a larger device or system.  Embedded systems are useful design elements because they offer fully customizable, real time performance with a wide range of integration possibilities. Embedded systems are found in equipment and devices we encounter everyday, including: 

• Medical Diagnostics
• Robotic Systems
• Motion Control Systems
• Measurement Instruments
• Unmanned Vehicle Systems
• IoT Smart Connected Devices, and more

Primary Elements of an Embedded System

Embedded systems can offer a lower cost, lower power alternative to employing a CPU within a larger system. The distributed computing allows for optimization of resources for system tasks. The primary design decisions surrounding the needs of the embedded system therefore involve the primary elements within the system, and ensuring they are selected for the desired performance.  

• Processor: The "brains" of an embedded system dictate how calculations and other tasks are performed.  Will the product design require flexibility in function and calculation or will it be a repeated task? Will it need single or multiple outputs? Will it require in-field program updates? Is cost a primary driver? Each consideration will point a designer to a particular solution.   
• Firmware: Selecting the language that your embedded system will "speak", or use to interface with designers and users will have an impact in your component selection. Being versatile in programming languages and capable in interfacing with and across other devices will only improve performance and project outcomes. 
• Hardware: How an embedded system is connected to the device it works within will dictate additional design elements. PCB Design and processor integration is just one aspect. Considering the user interface and connection to additional equipment (like motors and actuators) ensures that you select hardware that compliments and enhances your design.

Additional Elements of an Embedded System

Selection of Processor, Firmware, and Hardware provide the platform for innovation and competitive advantage. but they aren't the only consideration when creating a functional embedded system. Additional Elements involved in creating an integrated solution include:

• Packaging & Mechanical Elements: Designing for mechanical considerations will ensure that your finished system works well in the environment and under the conditions in which the larger system will operate. Better to begin with those parameters than to attempt to re-design after issues are discovered. 
• Electronics: Advanced modern systems are design to communicate with, for, and through devices that interact with the world around them. Always considering the interactions your embedded system will have with sensors, signals, drives, converters, and communication networks, and optimize design to account for these. 
• Project & Systems Management: Embedded systems are not designed in a vacuum. In most instances they are part of a larger system with many integrated features, devices, testing requirements, performance targets, deadlines, and cost pressures. Having the skills to coordinate these needs with the overall performance of the system is a requirement for a successful product and project.  

 

 

Integrating Elements of an Embedded System

Developing an innovative embedded system will set you apart from your competition, both in product performance and in results for your business. Success with maximizing product development returns comes from experience and expertise in embedded systems, both in understanding existing technology and in investing in the right solutions to meet the actual goals of a project. Successful (and profitable) Integration of the many elements of an embedded system is crucial, so make sure you have access to the knowledge and capabilities to make that happen. If you're unsure as to whether you or you team have those skills available, your best option is to partner with a team that has this expertise and ensure your outcomes meet the potential of your project.  

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Ready to Start your next Embedded System Design? 

Whether you’re looking to enhance your current team or outsource a solution to meet rising demands on your time, working with Boston Engineering embedded systems experts is the right choice. Don't leave complex designs that rely on layers of integration to slow down your team, extend deadlines, or even worse: cause a project failure. Know you're going to get the results you want by working with an industry leader in development and deployment of high performance embedded systems. 

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