In this blog post, we’ll explore the role and importance of embedded systems as they are utilized in various fields, including smartphones, automobiles, and medical devices.
Categories and Applications of Embedded Systems
With the recent surge in popularity of smartphones, the field of computer hardware is once again in the spotlight. When people think of computer hardware, they often imagine tangible devices like monitors or keyboards; however, strictly speaking, these are classified as computer peripherals rather than hardware. When we talk about computer hardware design, we generally refer to research related to the Central Processing Unit (CPU), and among these, many research institutions have recently been focusing their efforts on embedded systems. Smartphones utilize these very embedded systems and have embedded processors built into them.
What is an embedded system?
An embedded system originally refers to a CPU and peripheral interfaces used not in general-purpose computers, but in electronic devices such as mobile phones and TVs, or in mechanical systems like automobiles. Embedded systems generally require small size and low power consumption, and they often perform relatively simple tasks. Therefore, embedded processors are designed with a specialized structure intended for a single purpose rather than being multi-purpose. However, as the integration density of semiconductor devices has greatly improved in accordance with Moore’s Law, and research into parallel processing improvements through pipeline technology has progressed, embedded processors have gradually become capable of performing a wider range of tasks.
Smartphones and Embedded Systems
Today, smartphones are the most prominent field where embedded systems are actively utilized. Because smartphones are portable, if the computer system consumes too much power, battery issues arise, causing significant problems. Therefore, smartphones must use small, low-power CPUs. Just a few years ago, the computational capabilities of processors in mobile phones were not very good, making it difficult to handle complex and lengthy calculations. However, thanks to advancements in embedded systems, today’s portable devices have evolved to the point where they can perform powerful computations. Modern smartphones are fully capable of handling tasks that require high computational power and fast processing speeds, such as gaming or graphics-related work. Through continued active research, smartphones will eventually be able to handle even larger and more complex tasks.
Embedded Systems in the Automotive Industry
Another major application area is the automotive industry. Just a dozen or so years ago, the only electronic device found in a car was the radio, and even that consisted of simple circuits. However, today’s cars contain about 50 CPUs. These CPUs operate with different objectives—such as engine control, cabin temperature regulation, and vehicle stability control—and play a significant role in enhancing the car’s performance. Thanks to embedded systems, today’s cars can perform functions that were unimaginable in the past, such as automatic parking and autonomous driving.
Expansion of Embedded Systems: Healthcare and Industry
In addition, embedded systems are gradually expanding into fields such as medical devices and industrial robots. In medical devices, devices that measure a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature in real time, process that data quickly, and transmit the information to doctors operate as embedded systems. For example, pacemakers and automatic syringes all operate via embedded processors; without such systems, these devices would not be able to function accurately and promptly.
In industrial settings, embedded systems are applied to industrial robots and automated equipment. These systems perform precise process control and real-time error detection, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency. As such, embedded systems are gradually establishing themselves as a core technology for smart factories and will play an essential role in the future industrial landscape.
Embedded Systems of the Future
The scope of embedded systems is expected to continue expanding in the future. For example, various devices incorporating smart home appliances, wearable devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) technology are emerging alongside the advancement of embedded systems. Smart home appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, autonomously collect data and provide users with optimized convenience through efficient energy management. Furthermore, wearable devices are advancing in various areas, such as monitoring users’ health in real time and providing personalized health management by analyzing exercise patterns and sleep patterns.
As such, embedded systems are not merely limited to enhancing the performance of existing electronic devices; they are transforming our daily lives alongside the emergence of new technologies. Through extensive future research, embedded systems will be applied not only to a wider range of electronic devices but also to objects that previously lacked electronic components, becoming more powerful and smarter.
