An Embedded System is typically a real-time computing system with a dedicated function, working as part of other systems or operated independently, entailing hardware, firmware, application software, and/or mechanical parts. As the embedded systems are dedicated to specific tasks, design engineers use this to improve reliability, and optimize size and cost while improving the performance. Some embedded systems are mass-produced, benefiting from economies of scale, such as Raspberry Pi, Cell Phones, etc. Today’s Embedded systems are used for thousands of applications from digital watches and MP3 players, to large stationary installations like traffic light controllers, programmable logic controllers, and large complex systems like hybrid vehicles, medical imaging, and avionics. Since the birth of Raspberry Pi in 2011 and Arduino a bit earlier, mostly used by hobbyists, Embedded Systems have grown multi-fold.
Embedded System
From professionals to students, hobbyists to DIY users alike contributed to the growth of embedded systems and low-cost SBC like Raspberry and other hundreds of competing platforms, widely used in embedded applications. VisualSoft’s embedded team has designed, developed, and manufactured several Embedded Platforms for ITS Applications, IoT, and Military applications. AFDCD (Artillery Firing Data Computing Device), a ballistic Embedded Computer was designed, developed, and manufactured in 2008 and sold over 6000 units, just to name one of the products. Modbus is a popular protocol for industrial control systems (ICS). It provides easy, raw access to the control system without requiring any authentication.
Applications Embedded systems are commonly found in IoT, Consumer Electronics, ICS, Automotive, Medical, Telco, Commercial and Military applications worldwide. To name few applications of Embedded Systems used in everyday use include Mobile phones, GPS, MP3, Household Appliances, Vehicle/OBD computers, Signal Lights Control, and many others.
