Embedded systems

The perception of what may or may not constitute an 'embedded system' varies widely. To introduce a single interpretation, we apply the following definition for embedded systems:

The combination of hardware and software components that are embedded into a product or application to allow it to interact intelligently with its environment.

A detailed discussion on the background and history of embedded systems can be found in
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embedded_systems

Embedded electronics and software together represent the most sizable and costly part of systems design, accounting for more than 50% of total costs and requiring an exponential growth in investment, while addressing widely varying innovation drivers. To illustrate this, consider the following:

  •   FUNCTION   Adaptable systems, functional capabilities
• USE Optimized usability, human factors
• DATA Strong growth of information content
• COSTS Design/engineering/manufacturing/material cost
• PERFORMANCE Performance/real-time information processing
• POWER Low power utilization
• ENVIRONMENT Low environmental load
• DIMENSIONS Smaller/light-weight products
• RELIABILITY No downtime, safe to use
• SECURITY Intrusion/misuse/sabotage protection
• STATE-OF-THE-ART Incorporation of latest technologies
• INTEGRATION Easy/fast composition of systems or applications
• INTEROPERABILITY System-of-system cooperation/interoperability

Apart from this ever growing share of embedded system technology in products or services, several other important trends can be seen:

  1. Convergence of consumer electronics, mobile equipment and pervasive devices with networking, leading to ambient intelligence
  2. An increasing impact of infrastructure systems, linking more and more previously-separate systems, also professional systems, together
  3. The increasing role of information (at various levels of aggregation) needed to improve system operation and system services.

These trends require a better understanding of the integration of sub-systems or legacy systems into larger systems, and new methods for dealing with increasing system complexity. Furthermore, enduser demands such as performance, reliability and adaptability of systems to new circumstances, are also increasing.