R&D service for embedded computer system requirements. cost down.

An embedded system is a computer system designed for specific control functions, often with real situation constraints. It is embedded as part of a complete device often including hardware and mechanical parts. By contrast, a general-purpose computer, such as a personal computer (PC), is designed to be flexible and to meet a wide range of end-user needs. Embedded systems control many devices in common use today.
Embedded systems contain processing cores that are typically either microcontrollers like ARM or digital signal processors (DSP).The key characteristic, however, is being dedicated to handle a particular task. Since the embedded system is dedicated to specific tasks, design engineers can optimize it to reduce the size and cost of the product and increase the reliability and performance. Some embedded systems are mass-produced, benefiting from economies of scale.

One common design style uses a small system module, perhaps the size of a business card, holding high density BGA chips such as an ARM-based System-on-a-chip processor and peripherals, external flash memory for storage, and DRAM for runtime memory. The module vendor will usually provide boot software and make sure there is a selection of operating systems, usually including Linux and some real time choices. These modules can be manufactured in high volume, by organizations familiar with their specialized testing issues, and combined with much lower volume custom mainboards with application-specific external peripherals.

More powerful ARM system is today coming as arm cortex a8 computer running at 1GHz, 1.2GHz, 1.5GHz and higher.
It runs linux with 3D graphic and HDMI output. with port of RS232, usb, 485, can, wifi, gsm, gprs, 3g, gps etc, with easy define and add/minus port features, simple design and fast prototype sample is upon request.

It is specifically designed for a particular function. Industrial machines, automobiles, medical equipment, cameras, household appliances, airplanes, vending machines and toys (as well as the more obvious cellular phone and PDA) are among the myriad possible hosts of an embedded system. Embedded systems that are programmable are provided with programming interfaces.

The market is steadily growing for embedded systems which are IT systems that realize a set of specific features for the end user in a given environment. Some examples are control systems in cars, airplanes or houses, information and communication devices such as digital TV and mobile phones, and autonomous systems such as service or edutainment robots. Due to steady improvements of production processes, each of those applications is now realized as a system-on-chip. Furthermore, on the hardware side, low-cost broadband communication media are the technological components essential in the realization of distributed systems. In order to ease the use of the variety of communication systems, middleware solutions for embedded systems are emerging. The verification of system correctness during the entire design cycle and the guarantee of non-functional requirements such as real-time support or dependability requirements play a major role for such distributed solutions and hence, are the focus of us.

Embedded System: Smarts For Devices and Systems

What is an embedded system?

Embedded systems are stand alone computing devices or centers usually dedicated to performing limited computing functions reliably, securely and with minimum upkeep costs.   

 

Where can I find embedded systems?

You find embedded systems or embedded computer systems all around us.  Some are low cost and mass produced such as DVD player and learning remote controls. 

 

Some are high cost used in highly specialized equipment or instrument: medical instrument-ultrasound machine, aerospace-communication satellite, factory automation-industrial boilers. 

 

Yet others are used in everyday devices which we want to work reliably such as traffic lights, fare collection system, airport security scanner, retail register, black box for airplanes and other transportation.

 

Additionally, mission critical systems like the air traffic control radars, safety systems for trains, mine hazardous gas monitoring, and vital medical monitoring equipment.

 

What are top 7 reasons one would choose an embedded system over a PC?

1. Energy Efficiency (draw minimum power for the purpose)
2. Custom voltage/power requirements (VDC: 12, 14, 24, 72..)
3. Security (hacker proof)
4. Reliability (work without failure for years)
5. Environment (broad temperature range, sealed from chemicals, radiation)
6. Efficient Interaction with user (fewer buttons, touch)
7. Integrate with design

 

What are some common customization offerings for embedded systems?

·         Hermetically sealed for biological or clean room applications

·         Tough and rough: can be dropped from 5 feet, can withstand pressure

·         Withstand -40 C to 85 C

·         Efficient power supply capable of running on AC, or 12, 14, 24, 72, 120 VDC

·         Custom user interface: touch screen,

 

What are some features expected in future embedded systems?

• Energy harvesting or energy scavenging as replacement for power system.
• Smaller footprint to allow coupling to the device itself. 
• Fault detection/self correcting algorithms along with backup processors are expected to become common in future.

 

Do all embedded systems use custom hardware?

Yes.  Many are based on standard processors som (system on module) and custom motherboard/baseboard: Samsung processors SOM.  They support standard DDR or solid state memory.  They typically use standard Ethernet or wireless controllers

 

Embedded System Examples
 GPS Navi&Tracking
 Gyro&Compass
 ARM&DSP Dual System
 Sensor Monitor System
 Robot Medical System

Embedded systems design breaks with traditional system design as it must jointly take into account extra-functional conflicting requirements such as performance, low energy consumption, autonomy, dependability and a short time-to-market. It raises important research challenges including modelling the interaction between a system and its physical environment, component-based construction from heterogeneous components, resource-aware compilation, adaptive QoS management, automatic code generation and deployment. This special issue, organized by the ArtistDesign European Network of Excellence, focuses on design approaches guaranteeing essential system properties and allowing to determine trade-offs between conflicting design requirements. It seeks original contributions to theory, methods and tools advancing the state-of-the-art on rigorous embedded system design.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Domain-specific languages and programming models
• Model-based design
• Frameworks for component-based design
• Performance and timing analysis
• Power and thermal optimization and management
• Compiler technology for resource awareness
• Tools, techniques, and algorithms for architectural exploration
• Rigorous implementation techniques for MPSoC and NoCs
• OS and middleware support for embedded applications
• Applications and/or industrial experiences

We have an experienced team of Design Engineers. Our programs range from individual tasks to “clean sheet” designs which require hardware and software development, qualification testing, and system integration support.

We offers a full range of design services for embedded system design that include system architecture and design, electronic circuit design & analysis, real-time software design, GUI and tool development, printed circuit board design, mechanical packaging design, and documentation.

Our core competencies include microprocessor/microcontroller embedded system design, specifically for rugged applications.  Upfront efforts are made to design for EMI and Environmental effects.  We have developed systems, Embedded System Design for Rugged Environments, utilizing microprocessors and microcontrollers from Freescale, Infineon, Intel, Texas Instruments, Microchip, as well as others.  
Our control system and software development engineers are experienced at algorithm development along with real-time embedded code development. Our software development capabilities include high and low level languages as well as autocode from models as required.

Our embedded system design experience includes:

• Various Analog & Digital Sensors
• Core Processors
• Sensor and Sensorless closed loop Control
• Brushed and Brushless, AC and DC, Motor Controllers
• Power Supplies
• Multiplexed Communication Links
• Battery and Energy Management
• Integrated or Distributed Process Control
• Diagnostics/Prognostics
• System Analysis