EMBEDDED SYSTEMS IN COMMUNICATIONS.

UNDERSTAND THE GENERIC EMBEDDED SYSTEM ,ITS TYPES AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS ..

WHAT IS AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM?

An embedded  system is a combination of computing hardware & softwares, & perhaps additional mechanical & other parts ,designed to perform a specific function .Now you might be wandering that the PC in your home serves the same purpose..lemme trace out the differences for you!!

The PC too comprises computing hardware & software ,mechanical components like disk drive ..however it is designed to perform a specific function!!

If computer is considered as a subset then embedded sys. is the superset,hope this clears away all ur doubts!IF not, lemme be more specific..

Usually, an embedded sys. is used within some larger systems like modern trucks in which one embedded sys. controls the antilock breaks,another monitors the vehicle's emissions etc..

A general purpose computer consists of a numerous of embedded systems like a keyboard,mouse,hard drive,floppy drive,modem & many more..

What is a GENERIC embedded sys.?

Unlike software designed for general purpose computers,embedded software can't be used to run on embedded sys. without significant modifications.This is because of the incredible variety of underlined hardware. Each embedded sys. is tailored to a specific application,inorder to keep systems cost low, as a result unnecessary circuitary is eliminated.

By def. all embedded systems contain a processor & a software but what other features do they have in common?

Certainly,inorder to have a software,there must be a place to store an executable code & temporary storage for runtime data manipulation. This takes the form of ROM & RAM respectively..any embedded sys. will have the combination of both.

Consider a microwave oven ,the inputs are the buttons on the front panel and a temp.probe, and the outputs are the human readable displays & microwave  radiations.It is always the case that output of an embedded sys. is a function of its inputs & several factors like elapsed time,current temp.etc. the inputs usually take the form of sensors & probes,comm.signals,or control knobs & buttons.The outputs are typically displays,comm.signals or changes to the physical world.

TYPES OF EMBEDDED SYSTEMS.

The embedded systems  are of three types 

1)STANDALONE:-These are difficult to move from one place to other .Ex.-Web servers, VCD players.

2)MOBILE:-These are free to move from one location to another.Ex.- mobile handsets.

3)REAL-TIME:-These have timing constraints i.e calculation & decisions have a deadline for completion ..the deadlines may be 'soft' or' hard' .Harder the deadline ,severe the consequnces.Ex.-nuclear reactors,car air-bags.At the other end of the continuum are embedded systems with soft deadlines . Ex.- airline ticket reservation systems.

IN THE TO BE PULISHED BLOGS I 'LL TRY TO TRACE OUT THE ADVANTAGES ,APLICATIONS,CIRCUITARIES&DESIGN OF EMBEDDED SYSTEMS.

As, I  am a beginner ..I too need your help in this field,so please keep suggesting,posting your opinions & views.I 'll surely come up with some good stuffs in my forthcoming blogs.

THANKS &REGARDS .

SOWMYA.

UNITED INDIA.