Classification of embedded system

We can classify embedded systems into different categories w.r.t. size and real time requirement as given below,

Embedded systems

Embedded systems

  • Small scale embedded system
  • Medium scale embedded systems
  • Sophisticated embedded system
  • Real time embedded system
  • Stand alone embedded system
  • Mobile embedded systems
  • Networked Embedded Systems

Small scale embedded system

           Normally small scale embedded system is designed by using an 8 bit microcontroller that may even be activated by a battery. For developing embedded software for such system, an editor, assembler or cross assembler are used for specific microcontroller or processor used in the system.

Small scale embedded system

Small scale embedded system

Medium scale embedded systems

The medium scale embedded systems are designed using single or multiple 16 bit or 32 bit microcontroller or digital signal processors (DSP’s) or reduced instruction set computer (RISC’s). These types of embedded systems have both hardware and software complexities. The development tools like real time operating system (RTOS), source code engineering tools, simulator, debugger and integrated development tools are required for such complex software design system. These software tools also provide the solution for the hardware complexities, so assembler is used very rarely.

Medium scale embedded systems

Medium scale embedded systems

Sophisticated embedded system

Sophisticated embedded systems consist of large quantity of  hardware and software complexities hence they may  required scalable processors or configurable processors and programmable logic arrays (PLA’s).They are used for cutting-edge applications that need hardware and software Co-design and  components which have to assemble  in the final system.

Sophisticated embedded system

Sophisticated embedded system

Real time embedded system

Real time embedded system are designed to perform some specific work in specific time. Real time embedded systems are classified into two types such as soft and hard real time systems.

Real time embedded system

Real time embedded system

Stand alone embedded system

These type embedded systems are works in standalone made in which input i.e. electrical signals from sensors or keyword or push button are taken, then processed and produced the desired output to drive another system such as LED or LCD display for displaying some meaningful information to user. Such stand alone embedded systems are used in mp3 players, digital cameras, video game consoles, microwave ovens and temperature measurement systems.

Stand alone embedded system

Stand alone embedded system

Mobile embedded system

Mobile embedded systems are used in portable embedded devices like mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, iphones, smart phones and personal digital assistants etc. the systems has some limitation such as memory constrains, small in size and lack of good user interface such as keyboard and display.

Mobile embedded system

Mobile embedded system

Networked embedded systems

These types of embedded systems consists of various components such as sensors, controllers, actuators etc. interconnected through a network using TCP/IP or UDP. The networked embedded system built on ASIP’s or general purpose processors.

Networked embedded systems

Networked embedded systems

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