Embedded on the
internet
Not so long
ago, embedded system development was a straightforward process,
with the hardware components dictating much of the key features
of the final product. Embedded systems were very often just that
- hidden away somewhere within a larger system, never to be seen
by the casual observer. However, as consumers and users of embedded
systems, we have become much more demanding, both in what we expect
these systems to do and in the way we interact with them. We expect
them to be easy to use, easy to communicate with and for multiple
systems to communicate across large distances without our help.
So, the embedded world met the internet.
In this new
embedded world, we would expect vending machines to be connected
to the internet so that maintenance could be scheduled when it is
needed rather than as a simple routine. The machine would be able
to notify head office that it is running low on particular products;
in turn head office can more closely understand its exact product
demand each day or even throughout the day. Then, during periods
of low demand, prices can be reduced remotely to stimulate sales
by promoting these 'special offers' via on-board LCD displays. Thus
vending machines are no longer simple mechanical machines which
wait for us to insert our money.
As well as
users demanding this extra functionality, Moore's law has helped
bring high performance 32-bit processors down into mainstream applications,
further fuelling the migration to more complex embedded systems
at lower and lower costs.
Increased functionality
and system complexity has been enabled by an increase in software
complexity and integration; modern systems rely heavily on software
to achieve most of their functionality and product differentiation.
The increased importance of software has generated a huge shift
in the relative importance between hardware and software - today
up to 85% of total development costs can be attributed to software
in particular applications. For example, the automotive industry
has seen the development costs for software increase from 15% in
1995 to around 50% in 2000.
The majority
of risk associated with product development is concentrated into
the integration phase when hardware and software come together at
a system level. Because of the increasing complexity in both areas,
it is this phase which causes most product development programs
to slip, impacting product costs and time to market.
For the developer
of embedded systems this has required a much deeper understanding
of software, operating systems and their integration with the hardware
in the final system. New designs must start with a full appreciation
of the software requirements for the final system before making
detailed choices on hardware; software is the driving force in today's
embedded systems. The ultimate success of the end product hinges
on the most suitable choices being made at the outset for hardware,
software and development tools. Vendors of hardware products, especially
microprocessors must be able to fully support customers in their
software requirements and be able to offer technical support in
these areas throughout the project design. This support should include
an in-depth technical understanding of the software requirements
of embedded systems, the software architecture of the hardware products
and a comprehensive knowledge of the tool chains required to enable
swift product development and integration.
It is for this
reason that Unique Memec has built upon its extensive knowledge
of the ARM architecture to form a dedicated group to support customers
in realising complex embedded systems. The ESG (Embedded Systems
Group) is the latest announcement in Unique Memec's expanding Design
Services focus: the ESG offers unsurpassed technical support throughout
Europe for customers wanting to implement ARM based systems either
with standard products or custom ASIC products. The aim is to aid
customers in achieving their system requirements and maintaining
time to market.
Unique
Memec
j100@industrialnetworking.co.uk
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