A system which is fixed in programmable or capability that is designed to serve a specific function is known as embedded systems. It is the combination of both the computer software and hardware. Embedded systems have some myriad possible hosts such as cameras, Industrial machines, household appliances, PDA, airplanes, medical equipment, vending machines, automobiles, toys and obviously the cellular phones. Programmable units of embedded systems are provided with some programming interfaces. Now-a-days embedded systems have grown very rapidly and are evolving. Hence embedded systems programming has become one of the interesting and specialized occupation.
Defining embedded systems exactly is not easy. Everyone has their own definition to it based on the sector or component or function they are working on. In simple words, any systems with computing operations are called embedded systems. Here general purpose computers that are provided with a keyboard, monitor, etc. don’t come under this category.
Windows XP Embedded and Embedded Java has become one of the most desired and used language platforms or operating systems in the embedded market. Products with very low expensive components with limited storage microprocessors are also preferred by some low-end consumers. Here a single program is combined with both the operating system and the application. Here programs are not stored or loaded in the RAM i.e., random access memory which indicates programs on a personal system. Instead, programs are permanently stored in the system’s memory.
Performing, working or organizing of a set of tasks that are constrained by a plan, rules or program is called a System. In simple words, an arrangement or combination of different components and units constrained by a plan or a program that works together is called system. Embedded system functions in such a way that a system’s software is embedded into a system’s hardware. This makes a system compatible and dedicated to the application and its purpose. It means a particular part of the application is completely dedicated to a large system. To control electromechanical equipment, it provides some fixed set of instructions that are pre-programmed to even a larger system but not a general computer with display, mouse, keyboard, etc.
To control, assist or monitor the operations of the machinery, equipment, plant, etc. there are devices which are termed as embedded systems. If any system is an integral part of the other, then we can call it as “Embedded.” Embedded system engineer must make sure that the part being embedded must be compatible with the existing software or hardware so that there must not be any issues programmatically. This behavior of interactions among the elements is not visible to the clients or users in many cases. This is called isolation. This is how a typical embedded system looks like
Interactions and compatibility of computational processes with the physical world that involves programs and computations that are restricted by some execution constraints, physical constraints, and reaction constraints is an embedded system which is termed as an engineering artifact. Throughput, jitter, specify deadlines, and behavioral requirements comes under Reaction constraints. Under all kinds of constraints, obtaining the desired functionality is the main motto of the embedded systems design.
