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Follow on Google News | Embedded System: Versatile, Low Power, EfficientContemporary electronic equipment is increasingly becoming more "intelligent". As the market moves away from manually operated and controlled equipment, electronics has grown to be more autonomous and can deal with a myriad of tasks.
By: LX Innovations Contemporary electronic equipment is increasingly becoming more "intelligent" Embedded systems are computers programmed to support a predefined set of tasks often with minimal or no human intervention and form part of a complete device, including hardware and mechanical parts. In fact, embedded systems can be integrated or “embedded” Embedded Systems’ Versatility The versatility of the embedded system lends itself to be used in all kinds of equipment. Embedded systems can be found in an enormous range of equipment - ranging from simple products (such as digital watches or TV remote control) to expensive products (such as cars) to huge complex equipments used in manufacturing units. Characteristics of Embedded Systems • Simple yet Robust Designed to handle a few tasks, embedded systems can constitute steps with complex logic • Real Time/Reactive Operation Embedded systems can be programmed to support both complex real-time as well as simple periodic or ad-hoc operation • Low Power, Limited Cooling Embedded systems can be run even on batteries, offering low-power operation with minimal or no cooling • Small Size/Low Weight Embedded systems are designed to deliver maximum performance for minimum size and weight • Safe and Reliable Systems are designed to perform predefined tasks for long periods of time without failing or requiring service • User Interfaces Range from simple input switches to full QWERTY or touch keypads and from LED based status indicators to versatile display systems • Low Cost Costs much lower than general-purpose computers Embedded Systems – Designed to Perform Embedded systems are based on the concept of the microprocessor or microcontroller. Microcontrollers make integrated systems possible by combining several features together into what is practically a complete computer-on- The embedded system often includes the following: • Sensors measure a physical quantity and converts it to a signal to be input to the embedded system • FPGA/ASIC – FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) is selected based on the processing requirement, speed, size and performance parameters. • CPU (Microprocessor / DSP) – The most important part of the system which processes the inputs and arrives at results based on predefined logic. • Memory – Read Only Memory (ROM) stores the logic while Random Access Memory (RAM) stores operational data. • Converters (A-D and D-A) – converts Analog signals to Digital signals and vice versa • Actuators – a mechanical device for moving or controlling a device • Additional components such as Human Interface part, diagnostic port for debugging and error correction, and auxiliary power and cooling applications • Communication path with the interacting environment By compressing so many components into a single chip, Embedded systems not only lessens the component count and the associated wiring, but also dramatically reduces the complexity. Since embedded systems are dedicated to specific tasks, design engineers can optimise the system by reducing the overall size and cost of the product and increasing the reliability and performance. Advantages of Embedded Systems • Design and Efficiency Embedded systems are designed to be less complicated with limited functionality and enhances efficiency. • Small and Optimised Embedded systems use few external components, enabling size miniaturisation and optimal resource utilisation. • Maintenance Maintainability of embedded systems is enhanced by virtue of its smaller size and limited components. Can also be supported remotely. • Economical The streamlined design, software embedding and smaller size allow embedded systems to be implemented and operated economically. Conclusion There are endless uses for embedded systems in consumer products as well as industrial applications. With the advent of microcontrollers and microprocessors having excellent processing capabilities along with reduced costs, the application of embedded systems is finding its way to a vast variety of equipment. The use of embedded systems in electronic equipment can also solve many problems including size, complexity, maintenance and mainly cost. Contact LX Innovations to find out how a custom designed embedded system can reduce your Cost and increase your Efficiency. About LX Innovations LX Innovations (www.lx-innovations.com.au) The team at LX have been nationally and internationally recognised and procured many accolades for their innovative designs, business strategy and research. Clients benefit by having an application that has a Lower TCO, is smaller in size and combines reliability and good performance. LX Innovations’ # # # LX Innovations is an electronics design house, specialising in the wireless and low power electronics designs. LX offers clients a range of professional solutions designed to take a new product idea from concept through to production. End
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