Embedded Systems Technology Trends
An embedded system is typically some combination of hardware and software, either fixed in function or programmable. An embedded system could be designed to support a specific function or functions within a larger system. Examples include industrial control systems and machines, automobiles, military systems such as avionics and weapons systems, medical equipment, consumer products, smartphones, and building automation.
For simple, high-volume embedded devices for the consumer market, the embedded system cost could be 99 percent hardware and 1 percent software. But for highly specialized, low-volume embedded systems used for aircraft, automobiles, or highly reliable industrial controls, the software could represent 95 percent of the embedded system cost when testing and compliance to standards on complex applications are included. A further complication is that there is no clear boundary between embedded systems and computers.
Embedded Systems in the Industries
Automotive
Automotive applications currently represent the largest use of embedded systems and will likely remain the biggest portion in the coming years. In automotive, embedded systems are utilized for infotainment, safety, driver awareness, maintenance, and overall system control of the vehicle. Expanding requirements for vehicles with advanced navigation, driver assist, and vehicle-to-street communications capabilities will only increase the demand for embedded systems. Moreover, intelligent systems control is expanding with the emergence of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and electric vehicles (EV).
Intelligent Embedded Systems for Automotive
When the topic of AI in the automotive industry is discussed, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is autonomous vehicles. Without question, developing driverless cars is a very active area of research and the technology will become a viable component of transportation in the future and possibly the near future. However, today’s reality is that cognitive learning algorithms are being used mainly to increase efficiency, safety, and add value to processes revolving around traditional, manually driven vehicles.
Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the fastest developing applications for embedded systems. For example, handheld and portable therapeutic equipment and devices and devices for monitoring vital signs make broad use of embedded systems. And with small embedded systems that monitor heart rate or identify a blockage in an artery, embedded technology has also moved into intricate surgical procedures.
Consumer Electronics
Consumer electronics has been a major market for embedded systems for decades, but this market is taking on new significance with the advent of IoT. A new design criterion is needed for smart connected products and embedded intelligence has become a major component. Entrepreneurial engineers will likely incorporate new types of sensors and software into the products they design.
Building Automation
Automation systems for smart buildings and HVAC utilize embedded software and hardware and the sector and should develop rapidly in the coming years. As we move into the era of smart buildings and smart cities, embedded intelligence will be an integral component of these smart systems. Building automation has been based primarily on monitoring and maintaining environmental conditions, lighting, and access control. As the systems become smarter, smart building functionality will likely extend into predictive and prescriptive systems that determine the optimal conditions.
More Articles like this visit www.eduengteam.com