Embedded Electronics, as the name suggests, refers to electronic hardware and software that is embedded or attached to the equipment being controlled.
The component may be a robotic arm in an assembly line or a life support device in an ICU. Today, Embedded Electronics can be found in all areas of life. The washing machine and the refrigerator at home are also controlled by embedded electronics.The advantages of embedded systems are their small size, low cost and power consumption and their rugged construction. The program and the logic of machine operation can be easily modified. The cost of embedded systems are lower as they are mass produced which reduces cost.
Embedded systems can be built using both microprocessors and micro controllers. Embedded systems can be used as standalone units or as part of a larger network controlling a bigger system.
Programming Embedded Systems
Embedded systems can be programming using assembly level languages. The assembly level languages are compiled into machine level using compilers. The program is stored in the nonvolatile memory of the system. Microprocessors and microcomputers will have their own programming languages specified by the manufacturers. A good understanding of the C programming language will be useful in programming embedded systems.