Getting Started

Embedded Systems

"Today and Tomorrow"

In the competitive market of wireless of today, the only approach for the company to attain customer satisfaction is to offer simple, reliable and cost-effective systems which act as substitute to larger systems. Hence embedded systems are the first choice of the customers.
Now coming on to the technical definition of embedded systems, the embedded system is a combination of computer hardware, software and perhaps additional mechanical or other specific parts designed to perform a specific function within a given time frame. To cite a few examples, embedded software allows washing machine to choose the speed according to the type of cloth, gives thinking power to the machines, acts like a music conductor in the car engine and pushes rocket launchers in space.
Micro-processors and micro-controllers are the essence of embedded systems. As we are aware of the basic functionality of the micro-processor.
They do not contain RAM, ROM , I/O on the chip itself,so a designer will have to mount all those components externally in order to make it functions, which will make it bulky and also costly.Therefore they are called general-purpose micro-processors. But in the case of micro-controllers all the components i.e. RAM, ROM, Timer, Serial com chip are located on the chip itself. The way in which the micro-controller reduces the circuitry ,hence it is embedded in many applications( devices).
In the literature discussing micro-processor, we often see the term embedded system. An embedded product uses a micro-processor or a micro-controller to do one task only. A printer is an example of embedded system.
Embedded technology is an emerging area that is poised to become a high revenue earner within the global market place. The development of intelligent products and intelligent marketing made possible by the embedded systems will at least offer the possibility of a world where machines exist for the convenience of people and not the reverse. Given the kind of technology and machines we have now, this kind of dream is no longer impossible. The rise of embedded systems in recent times has marked a new phase in the industrialization.
- Compiled by Myself
References

• Embedded for U ( magazine)
• The 8051 micro controller- Mazdi & Mazdi