What is the Relation Between IoT and Embedded Systems?

The lines between sectors are thinning due to advances in technology. This is especially true with IoT and embedded systems. Here, the two terms sometimes combine to represent the same thing. Despite a few similarities, an embedded system and IoT are two different concepts. However, IoT devices often interact with embedded systems. Microcontrollers and microprocessors serve along with software in special IoT systems.

As a result, they allow networked devices to communicate. IoT device designers must know the power needs and size of the embedded system. Know more about such facts regarding these two terms in the below blog.

Definition of Embedded Systems and Internet of Things

What are Embedded Systems?

Computer systems have special programming to carry out particular tasks known as embedded systems. Moreover, they are present in the majority of home products, cars, and phones. These systems can be small and have few resources. But, they are strong enough to command the device.

Consumer goods, industrial systems, medical equipment, and automobiles all use them in some way. They will prove to be durable, economical, and energy-efficient. Hence, they offer several benefits over conventional computers.

Embedded systems are standalone devices that can perform a single task. An embedded system also connects to the internet. It can communicate with other embedded systems that are part of an IoT system. Thus, an IoT and embedded system can ease several tasks.

What is IoT?

IoT, which stands for “Internet of Things,” explains the interconnectedness of the gadgets we use daily. These days, “smart” devices can link to the internet and other devices to make daily tasks easier. How we connect with our surroundings has changed with the IoT. From smart houses to networked cars, the opportunities for connected gadgets to increase efficiency, manageability, and accessibility seem endless.

Application of IoT in Embedded Systems

Embedded systems have a range of applications in the IoT sector. These systems control and monitor devices, collect data, and link with users. It can be controlling the lights and climate in homes or tracking one’s fitness. Hence, IoT applications are constantly becoming more integrated into our lives. This trend will rise with the demand for better, faster, and more reliable data-driven solutions.

Additionally, Embedded systems are at the core of many IoT applications. An IoT and embedded system provides the necessary hardware and software components. They assist in meeting the ever-increasing demands of today’s connected world.

Thus, the IoT is a way to integrate sensors, actuators, and processors into physical objects. It also involves the design and development of hardware boards, software systems, online APIs, and protocols.

All of these work together to form an interconnected environment of embedded systems. However, there should be encryption of data transmitted between the devices and the IoT cloud service. Also, ensure that all devices have safe firmware (or firmware OS). This is one of the most crucial aspects of deploying them securely.

Advantages of IoT and Embedded System

The first step in creating an IoT solution is to safely integrate the crucial embedded components. This integration results in a bigger system. Thus, it is easier to set up a safe network for these gadgets.

Embedded systems are a crucial part of the IoT ecosystem and offer several advantages:

• They are easy to upgrade and update. Thus the combination of embedded and IoT can save time in manually searching and upgrading.
• Embedded systems are dependable, economical, and energy-efficient.
• They also offer a high level of security and are prone to fraud.
• Additionally, there is a feature that enables you to regularly access the most recent features and capabilities.

 Internet of Things and Embedded Systems Challenges

The IoT is rapidly changing how people view technology. There is an interconnected network of sensors, embedded devices, and systems. This system makes up the IoT and allows professionals to use data. Hence they get new insight and control. However, deploying IoT solutions can be difficult due to various issues with embedded systems.

• Sufficient knowledge is a must to create and upkeep embedded systems.
• You need to design and develop them with extreme competence.
• They may be challenging to debug.
• Design of embedded systems has high power dissipation.
• They may also be susceptible to cyberattacks, so security is a key factor.
• Embedded systems are unable to process significant amounts of input data. This results in a significant problem.

One can also prefer an embedded system or a professional IoT certification course to elevate IoT and embedded knowledge. Let’s explore some real-time examples.

What are the Examples of IoT and Embedded System?

IoT-embedded systems serve in many applications, including security, health, and wellness. Additionally, they are popular in home automation.

1. A Living Room with a Smart AC Unit

It is a popular IoT device because of the word Smart, and the AC unit is a thing. The thing here connects to the internet via WiFi.

Now, you may have your phone connected to the internet via 5G. Thus, you can turn on the air conditioner in your home remotely via phone. Your phone and the AC are embedded systems here.

2. Vending Machines

When things need refilling, an IoT-embedded system in the form of a vending machine sends alerts to staff.  The devices get input from a coin slot which can read the type of coin inserted. Additionally, there are other forms of input like a touch screen and credit card reader.

3. Ticket Scanners

Event venues may install an embedded IoT ticket scanner system that reads visitor tickets. It also verifies the details against a local or remote database. Then, it activates a turnstile to admit the visitor.

You can further configure this IoT and embedded system combination to send attendance data to an analytics platform. Thus, it can evaluate the data and give event organizers in-depth insight.

Conclusion

Embedded systems are crucial to link and integrate devices. Together, they offer user-friendly applications and interfaces. In the IoT, embedded systems have many benefits. These benefits make them effective commercial and personal tools. However, when it comes to implementing IoT solutions, embedded systems face many obstacles. These challenges range from cost and scalability to power economy and security. The powers of IoT and embedded system will grow further as technology develops.

Also read:The Role of AI in the Fintech Industry