Embedded systems use the communication ports to transmit data between the processor and peripheral devices - often, other embedded systems - using a communication protocol. Generally, they comprise a processor, power supply, and memory and communication ports. They are low-cost, low-power-consuming, small computers that are embedded in other mechanical or electrical systems. This means they'll often include a more complex OS and GUI designed for an appropriate UI.Įmbedded systems always function as part of a complete device - that's what's meant by the term embedded. Medical equipment, such as industrial machines, also must be very user-friendly so that human health isn't jeopardized by preventable machine mistakes. These may contain embedded systems like sensors and control mechanisms.

Industrial machines often have embedded automation systems that perform specific monitoring and control functions. They can contain embedded systems, like sensors, and can be embedded systems themselves. These consist of many embedded systems, including GUI software and hardware, operating systems (OSes), cameras, microphones, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) I/O ( input/output) modules. Some embedded systems in consumer vehicles include cruise control, backup sensors, suspension control, navigation systems and airbag systems. Some of these systems perform basic utility functions and others provide entertainment or user-facing functions. Modern cars commonly consist of many computers (sometimes as many as 100), or embedded systems, designed to perform different tasks within the vehicle. Examples of embedded systemsĮmbedded systems are used in a wide range of technologies across an array of industries. The expected growth is partially due to the continued investment in artificial intelligence (AI), mobile computing and the need for chips designed for high-level processing. Chip manufacturers for embedded systems include many well-known technology companies, such as Apple, IBM, Intel and Texas Instruments. MarketsandMarkets, a business-to-business ( B2B) research firm, predicted that the embedded market will be worth $116.2 billion by 2025. Some systems use remote user interfaces as well. User interfaces can include buttons, LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and touchscreen sensing. While embedded systems are computing systems, they can range from having no user interface ( UI) - for example, on devices designed to perform a single task - to complex graphical user interfaces ( GUIs), such as in mobile devices. Industrial machines, consumer electronics, agricultural and processing industry devices, automobiles, medical equipment, cameras, digital watches, household appliances, airplanes, vending machines and toys, as well as mobile devices, are possible locations for an embedded system. The systems can be programmable or have a fixed functionality. Embedded systems may also function within a larger system. An embedded system is a combination of computer hardware and software designed for a specific function.

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