We all live in a world surrounded by electronic devices and systems without which our life would come to a halt. From our personal smartphones and automobiles to complex factory machinery; we are living in an advanced world with so many electronically-enabled things around us. Numerous electronic components work together to control and provide functionality making life easy for all which is not possible in the absence of embedded software. What do you know what is embedded software? It is a program that runs on customized special-purpose hardware to perform a single well-defined task repeatedly.
What is Embedded Software?
Embedded software is a system created and built into any device other than a traditional computer. It acts like the brain of the device, without which it is just a piece of useless equipment. It is written specifically for the particular hardware that it runs on but has processing and memory constraints due to the device’s limited computing capabilities. Some of the main examples of embedded software include factory robots, GPS trackers, calculators, smartwatches, etc.
In simpler words, the answer to what is embedded software is that it is simple and easy to deploy, taking up just a few kilobytes of memory. The software aims to manage a specific hardware device for optimizing particular requirements and maximize its usefulness to the user.
The Embedded Software
Embedded systems software is compared with the operating systems in computers. Similar to the way, operating systems manage the software applications in computers, embedded systems software control several devices and ensure smooth functioning. Based on the device or system that the embedded software is run on; the software components differ as per the complexity of the system.
The key types of embedded software systems include:
Real-Time: These systems are designed and deployed for carrying specific tasks.Aircraft control system, sound system of a computer, etc. are some examples.
Stand-alone: These are self-sufficient systems that don’t depend on a host system to perform tasks. Examples include microwave ovens, washing machines, etc.
Networked: These systems are connected to a wired or wireless network for performing the assigned tasks. Key examples include ATMs, card swipe machines, etc.
Mobile: These systems are relatively smaller in size and easy to use. Despite having limited memory, it is used due to its portability and handiness. Key examples include digital cameras, mobile phones, etc.
What is Embedded Software: Key Advantages
Hope now you know what is embedded software. Read further to check out the key benefits of embedded systems, including customizability, economical reliability, scalability, and versatility.
Customizability: Embedded systems are inherently designed to be tailored and more specific, making it an easy and more economical affordable option. This brings more design flexibility and ensures that the system meets specific needs based on the project requirements.
Low Power Consumption: Embedded systems have less power consumption which makes them energy efficient. Since embedded systems have very little hardware and software required for operation, thus they are more efficient. This is particularly useful when power efficiency is important.
Mass Production: Embedded systems are designed to be used for mass production. Once the system is developed and optimized, its lower hardware requirements make the manufacturing process more efficient and cost-effective. The scalability feature is beneficial for industries requiring large quantities of embedded systems.
Reliable: Embedded systems are highly reliable as they can perform specific tasks with a focus on stability and consistency. Since embedded systems have the least needed interconnections for full functionality of their task, they provide reliable performance over extended periods with few failures or errors as compared to a more complicated computer.
Compact Size: Since embedded systems are relatively small in size as compared to traditional computers; so they can be easily integrated into devices with limited space. It makes them suitable for a variety of applications like mobile devices, wearables, or IoT devices.
The Future of Embedded Software
Let’s check out some quick embedded software trends that will rule the future:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) is a significant development in embedded software. Security video systems now not only record a person approaching your property but also determine whether the person poses a threat. This type of early warning system improves security measures.
- The surge of 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and edge computing will take the industry forward.
- Another notable trend is Python which is rapidly gaining popularity among Embedded Systems Engineers.
Choose Kodehash’s Embedded Software Development Services
Kodehash’s embedded software development services consist of everything from simple single-board devices to managing complex, distributed, real-time systems. We have years of experience in embedded software development services and help deploy devices and systems in minimal time and with utmost effectiveness.
Our embedded software capabilities include everything from custom applications to middleware to APIs to communications/network connectivity options. The team of professionals has years of experience in software development for embedded devices.
Why Choose Us?
- Vast Talent Pool- We have industry experts to satisfy all your tech-related needs.
- Quick Onboarding- Our team of experts is ready for action soon after the project discussion.
- Custom Software Development- We assist companies in developing intelligent digital applications that help improve end-user experiences while increasing operational efficiency.
- Deploy Futuristic Strategy- We design, develop, and deploy a future-ready digital strategy with us.
Contact us to discover more about what is embedded software and what kind of services we offer.