An embedded system is any computer system hidden inside a product other than a desktop, laptop, mainframe or similar computer system.
Embedded systems interact with the real physical world, controlling some specific hardware. They receive signals from sensors and send signals to actuators that somehow manipulate the environment. The systems are controlled by embedded software. The software is responsible for ensuring reliability, usability etc. of the product. The software is central to product differentiation and user-friendly functionality. It is the basis for optimal customer satisfaction and user experience, and it increases the usability of the product.
Benefits with Embedded Software:
- Intuitive user interaction via e.g. touch screens
- Minimization of energy consumption
- Supervisory control in order to maximize availability
- Data acquisition for e.g. documentation purposes
We cover the following domains within embedded software development:
- Industrial Automation
- Motion Control
- Control and Data Acquisition
- Industrial Bus Communication
- Wireless Data Services
Industrial Automation
By automating industrial processes accurate control of various parameters can be obtained.
Automation in e.g. welding processes could add benefits like accurate control of speed and temperature.
Motion Control
Motion is most often controlled by motors. By controlling speed and torque, specific operation characteristics can be complied with enabling applications like those shown above to be controlled.
Control and Data Acquisition
Combining control and data acquisition enables closed loop control performance. By acquiring and processing signals from various sensors, control commands are synthesized and issued to change some operational conditions. However, in many processes the sensor signals are not used as feedback signals in which case the control principle is open loop.
As an example, flow of liquids can be controlled accurately by measuring and using flow data to adjust some set points of the pump.
Industrial Bus Communication
Industrial communication busses are used to connect a number of controlling and controlled devices in a
network. One obvious advantage is fewer cables and reduced installation costs.
Wireless Data Services
Wireless data services use wireless technologies to transmit and receive data.
Typically, data acquisition of some kind is part of the responsibility of embedded software running on the computer in an independent device. Data is transmitted from the embedded system, and control commands are issued from e.g. a personal computer after having processed received data, and transmitted in the other direction.