What Is Embedded System Design (ESD)?
Embedded system design (ESD) is the process of creating a computer system that performs a particular function inside a larger system or device. When integrated as a part of a larger electrical or mechanical system, a microprocessor-based computer system is identified as an embedded system. An integrated circuit is at the core of an embedded system, which is responsible for all computing tasks. Hardware and software with a specific function are also included.
Embedded systems can vary from simple to complicated implementations, depending on the task’s requirements. They may use a single microcontroller or several, each with its own set of peripherals and network connections. They are not allowed to have any UI or complex GUI. Most embedded system code is written in assembly or C, a low-level programming language, and then stored in ROM or flash memory chips.
Multiple factors should be considered, and problems solved while designing an embedded system. They are picking on the best hardware and software components, optimizing the system for speed, power, and size, performing thorough testing and debugging, and making sure the system is compatible and secure.
Embedded system designers must be well-versed in electronics, computer architecture, operating systems, algorithms, and programming languages. In addition, they have to be familiar with the embedded system development tools and standards, such as compilers, debuggers, simulators, emulators, and protocols.
Embedded Systems Design Cycle
You might feel overwhelmed if you dive into embedded system design without planning. Nonetheless, a systematic approach divides the design cycle into manageable stages, allowing for proper planning, execution, and collaboration.
Step 1: Analysis of Requirements
When creating an embedded system, the first and most important step is to collect and evaluate the product’s requirements and formulate specifications. You should make a detailed list of requests and discuss any questions with your team and clients.
Pay attention that the quantity of input/output ports and the clarity of the logic diagram are not the only factors. A system designed to function inside is significantly distinct from one designed for use in harsh conditions. The ideal embedded system requirements may be identified by investigating the system’s purpose and its actual setting of operation.
Step 2: Schematic
The hardware designer can create the schematic after the requirements are turned into specifications. At this point in the design process, the team decides on the right microcontroller and other circuit components.
A microcontroller is the central part of an embedded system. Before making any final decisions, it is important to take into account issues like processor speed, memory, peripherals, power consumption, and cost.
Step 3: PCB
The next step after finishing the schematic is to design the PCB for the embedded system. Functionality, manufacturability, and reliability are all factors that must be carefully considered throughout the PCB design process.
Incorporating a high-speed microcontroller and/or mixed-signal circuitry into a PCB design raises the project’s complexity. High-speed designs may cause electromagnetic interference (EMI), and mixed-signal designs need to take action for proper ground separation and against noise coupling.
Step 4: Prototype
After the PCB layout has passed the DRC test and is free of errors, you may go on to complete the prototypes. The availability of low-volume prototyping services from various vendors makes this a non-issue.
Step 5: Firmware Development
Designing an embedded system involves more than just hardware. To make it function, firmware designers have to program the hardware to life. Existing driver libraries and example codes provided by the manufacturer may help speed up the process. However, designing firmware takes a lot of effort, and one wrongly placed line of code might result in hours of additional debugging tasks.
Read more: Firmware vs Embedded Software: What’s the Difference?
Step 6: Testing & Acceptance
Embedded system designs are required to pass stringent testing before they are approved for production or deployment. In addition to passing the functionality test cases, the circuit must be analyzed for its reliability, especially when working near its limitations.
Embedded System Performance Classifications
Your embedded system should have excellent real-time performance, high dependability, and stability. This is why classifying embedded systems according to their performance details is widely used. Below are some examples of the three different types that can be used.
Small Scale
Small, portable gadgets that run on batteries often utilize embedded systems with 8- or 16-bit processors. Applications such as mobile phones and digital cameras are typical.
Medium Scale
Embedded systems use 16- or even 32-bit processors due to their bigger size and higher complexity level than lightweight devices. C, C++, and Java are the three most common languages used to develop software. Routers and automated teller machines are two examples of those medium-scale applications.
Sophisticated
Hybrid vehicles and medical imaging equipment are examples of multiple 32-bit or 64-bit processors. Both their programming and their operations are cutting-edge.
Read more: What Is An Embedded System: Definition, Types, Use, and Future
Challenges In Embedded System Design
Limited Resources
Storage space, CPU power, power consumption, dimensions, and weight all limit these systems’ functionality. To ensure that the finished system functions well despite such limitations, designers must seek out methods to maximize performance.
Integration
It might be difficult to integrate all the various software and hardware components into the system. This is something that skilled developers will have considered in advance. However, problems may still happen.
The most effective option is to team up with experts with extensive experience integrating systems with varied capabilities. They’ll be able to quickly figure out how everything should be combined in your embedded development service.
Reliability
The medical field, aerospace technology, and automobile manufacturing all make use of embedded systems. Because of the potentially disastrous consequences of errors, safe and accurate performance is of the highest importance in these industries.
As a result, embedded system designers may need to make efforts to guarantee that the final product will continue to function as expected in the event of a fault. To achieve this goal, the system must be constantly monitored and maintained to reduce any possible risks.
Security
Embedded system design already has several obstacles, and security is now one of them. Indeed, it’s one of the most key aspects of any IT project. Because of the widespread growth in hacking attempts in recent years, engineers must now take extreme caution while working on any system.
To avoid data interception, it is important to evaluate the security of a system, conduct penetration tests, restrict access, and employ secure communication protocols. Don’t forget to perform regular audits, educate users on safe practices, and frequently apply the most up-to-date security patches and upgrades.
Obstacles to security in embedded system design
Regulatory Compliance
Finally, many embedded systems are required to adhere to current industry standards since failure to do so may result in significant financial penalties. Therefore, the embedded system designers you hire should be industry professionals who consistently provide solutions that meet all applicable regulations. Also, ensure the completed platform has been thoroughly tested, checked against applicable regulations, and certified as appropriate.
