Embedded software is specialized code designed to run on a piece of hardware that isn’t a general-purpose computer. It’s written to perform a single, dedicated function or a small set of functions, often with real-time constraints.
This software is “embedded” within the device it controls. Unlike an app on your phone that you can install or delete, embedded software is a permanent part of the machine’s core operation.
Key Characteristics
- Purpose-Built: It does one specific job, like controlling a car’s brakes or managing a coffee machine’s brewing cycle.
- Hardware-Dependent: The software is tightly coupled to the specific hardware (the microcontroller and peripherals) it runs on.
- Resource-Constrained: It must operate efficiently with limited memory (RAM), processing power (CPU), and storage.
Examples of Embedded Software
Embedded software is in most electronic devices that are in use.
Consumer Electronics:
- The operating system in your smart TV.
- The firmware in a digital watch or fitness tracker.
- The control logic in a microwave, washing machine, or digital camera.
Automotive:
- Engine Control Unit (ECU): Manages fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents the wheels from locking up during braking.
- Infotainment System: Controls the GPS, radio, and user interface on the dashboard screen.
Medical Devices:
- The code running on a pacemaker that regulates a person’s heartbeat.
- The software in an insulin pump that delivers precise doses of medication.
Aerospace and Defense:
- The flight control systems (fly-by-wire) in modern aircraft.
- The guidance software in a drone or satellite.
The following sections gives the reader a comprehensive understanding of Embedded Systems and the software that runs on them:
Dr. Selvaraj Vadivelu 