What are embedded applications?
The characteristics of embedded systems and applications
Gadgets and devices nowadays are getting smaller and compact. Thanks to embedded applications because they are the technology that made this happen.
Embedded applications are the most important component of compact devices that exist in the market today. These embedded applications are an integration of customized software and hardware that are embedded on a larger system to perform specific tasks.
Here are some characteristics of embedded applications that make it different from a general-purpose device like a personal computer:
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Dedicated to perform a particular task. Embedded systems contain microprocessor that has been programmed to perform a specific task. An example of an embedded computer is an iPod. It is particularly designed to play mp3 music only and can’t be use to do other functions like send an email, edit documents, and the like.
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Simple structure. The structure of an embedded system is simple as it does not contain any disk drive, operating system, monitor, RAM, etc. The embedded processor chip, controlled by firmware, manages the overall functionality of the device to which it is embedded. The firmware runs using limited hardware resources like limited memory capacity.
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Embedded systems are expected to run for many years without errors. Since they are embedded in a device, they can’t be replaced right way in case of failure so it is expected that the hardware and firmware of these embedded applications have been tested rigorously to make sure that it will last for many years or as long as the life of the device to which it is embedded. Embedded systems uses solid-state parts like flash memory as this are more reliable as compared to components with moving parts like buttons and switches.
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Embedded systems have the capability to recover by themselves if an error occurs. Some devices with embedded systems like aircraft navigation must be running all the time for safety reasons, and so embedded applications used in these devices must be able to restart by themselves without shutting down the device, if problem occurs.
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Embedded systems have varied user interface. Some embedded applications can work without a user interface such as a keyboard while others have a much complicated user interface with the use of touch screen graphical user interface. Some embedded systems even use serial or network connection as the remote user interface of the embedded system.
The use of embedded applications is not limited to creating small and compact devices as it has a wide range of uses and applications. It spans different fields like telecommunications, computer and networking, medical field, household appliances electronics, military, and more.
Some may think that embedded systems only play a small part in making a device work since it is only embedded in a larger system but it is the most important component that controls the many devices that we use and encounter in our day to day life.
About the Author:
Aggie Aviso is a freelance consumer and business writer, writing comprehensive reviews, articles and how-to’s.
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Speaking of embedded applications, remember in the late 90s back when Napster was still a hoot — early web designers embeds a mini player that plays a song while you open and browse their sites? Some may even have falling snowflakes, or fancy cursor designs. Now that web designing trends are into clean easy to read designs no one uses it anymore. Though is some flash sites I still bump into occasional sites that plays background music.
I wish I can understand this post but I know one person who would, my husband. He’s been talking about embedded applications for the longest time and I am in the medical field. But this post gave a me idea about his work and I will definitely send him this post. Thanks so much!
The techy boss told us that he will be putting up embedded computer system for ease and convenience in our work responsibility. We are yet to try the said new set up early next year. I just hope that it will really lighten up our work and things will be easy to navigate on different programs by then.
I didn’t know that computers can be classified further as either a general-purpose and an embedded computer. My knowledge then is very broad as I pertain generally to everything that is “programmed” as computers. You’ve tackled the characteristics of embedded applications very well.
I am one of those individuals who enjoy the benefits of gadgets like iPhone, digital camera, iPad and the like. Now I know that I should be thankful for embedded applications, as they are the technology that make this wonderful gadgets happen.
Now I understand how small gadgets and devices work, after reading this post. I have always wondered how something smaller than my palm can do so much for consumers. Thanks to you, I now have an idea about embedded applications.
I’ve always wondered how gadget these days are made of. Thanks to this post for I have learned that embedded applications are major component of compact devices that we are enjoying today.
Technology world is really a vast and exciting field that introduce the finest and most modern innovations of this generation including embedded computer that we use in our everyday living. Thanks for this very informative article that enlightened me about the classification of popular gadgets today.
I have been blogging for almost 10 years now yet I still have to learn a lot of technicalities that lie beneath the fun blogging world. One of these technical terms and applications include embedded applications. Thanks for this comprehensive information on embedded applications. I learned a new thing on this New year!
Technology is definitely in the fast gear! or I’m just way to late in updating my knowledge when it comes to the current trends or whatever. Anyways, I’ve been hearing about this embedded computer and yes, I am very much intrigued!
I’ve been using my iPod for almost two years and it’s only now that I learned that it is classified as an embedded computer ! Thanks for this article! It surely is informative and helpful!
I am not really a technical person, It was only my husband who gave me an idea what an embedded computer is. Thanks for this article for some additional information.
I am awed at the features of the new gadgets. But I can’t imagine how those are made. Thanks to this post, at least I learned that embedded applications is one of the very important component of the high tech gadgets that we are enjoying or soon to enjoy.