You might be familiar with the growing talk around the internet of things (IoT) and how it can bring the futuristic world closer to us. IoT devices communicate with each other through a shared network and are programmed to act on the input with little to no human intervention. In simple terms, IoT technology enables an interconnected ecosystem of smart devices. The power to do these things stem from quality embedded software development. Embedded systems are responsible to gather information and command the hardware to act in an intended way. In this blog, we will explore the association of IoT and Embedded Systems in enabling Industry 4.0
What are IoT Embedded Systems?
Embedded software is the backbone of any electronic device. They include a microprocessor or a controller that is coded with a set of instructions to perform and manage certain activities of the device. Embedded programming is omnipresent in all electronic devices irrespective of their size. You will find it inside a simple calculator and even on something astronomical as a space shuttle.
Interdependence of the Internet of Things and embedded systems
Before we see the link between embedded systems and IoT technology, here is how they vary from each other.
IoT devices connect with each other through the internet and become an ecosystem of their own. However, an embedded system rarely connects to the internet. It was initially built to process information as and when they receive it. Therefore, the need to establish a link with other devices in the ecosystem was next to none.
So, embedded software has been programmed to function locally. If it wants to transmit all the data or communicate with an interconnected system, that’s where internet applications come into the picture.
Key aspects of IoT embedded devices
Generally, embedded devices have microprocessors, controllers, sensors, and other devices. But, the device needs something more important to function. An electronic company cannot just avail PCB design services but also require the firmware to complete the embedded software device. They can also be bootloaders, embedded OS, UI, and so on.
Evolution of IoT embedded systems
The internet has made it possible for embedded systems to transform into IoT embedded technology. In the same way, embedded software enables IoT devices to perform beyond their scope. Therefore, both these technologies go hand-in-hand and utilize both their capabilities in improving the functionality of the devices.
Basically, IoT is a system of connected things with integrated technology that allows them to communicate, sense, and interact with their own components as well as the external ecosystem.
Practical applications of Embedded system and IoT technology
Embedded software can be considered a part of the Internet of Things since all IoT devices have embedded programming. However, it is not to be assumed that all such programs are IoT.
For instance, an LED TV certainly has a team of embedded systems engineers behind the microchips integrated into the TV to perform specific activities. When this LED TV becomes a SMART TV, then it is IoT as the television set is no longer isolated. It interacts with sound systems, lighting, and so on through a shared network.
One of the basic applications of IoT and embedded software is the smartwatch. It has all the sensors and microprocessors that perform a certain activity. In addition, they connect, interact, and function with other devices as well.
Rapid development of Embedded Software and IoT
The association of IoT and embedded has become prevalent across industries. It has enabled the healthcare sector to perform crucial surgeries. Now, consumers get to track their shipments in real-time. Therefore, IoT embedded systems are becoming advanced with every passing day.
So, work with the best industrial design company to realize the full potential of IoT embedded software. Sunstream is here to take your business and innovate it further.