Embedded computers

Embedded computers are everywhere in everyday devices, in homes, offices, cars, factories, hospitals and key chains. Physically embedded systems exist in almost all modern devices from home coffee makers to telephones, digital clocks and mp3 players, to traffic lights, factory controllers and control systems for nuclear power plants.

1. What are these? 
2. How do they work? 
3. what are some applications for embedded computers?

EFC-204/205 Ultra Compact Embedded Computers

An embedded computer can be broadly defined as a any computer that uses computer hardware and software to perform a specific function, as opposed to the general processing modern desktop computers and servers undertake. The dedicated nature of these embedded systems allow them to take advantage of lightweight software/firmware bases and onboard ASICS’s to minimize power usage and hardware requirements.

The defining characteristics of embedded computers can be broken down into 4 aspects:

1. Small Form-factor: generally single high-density PCB designs maximizing space efficiency
2. Lower power components: Power-efficient processors with lower TDP for passive/minimal cooling to eliminate fans and moving components.
3. Minimal upgradeability/expansions: Few if any slotted components that limit upgradeability and expansion outside of its initial design and capabilities.
4. Low hardware cost: forgoing expansion slots for soldered components and SoC’s reduces overall costs and component complexities. Optimized for low-cost mass manufacturing of these embedded boards.

Embedded systems must be optimized towards low power consumption, code complexity, form factor/size, weight and cost. Many even lack dedicated onboard user interfaces ( mouse, keyboard and screens), mainly controlled though remote management interfaces, secure shells and even direct firmware flashes.

A typical embedded computer largely consists of the following elements:

1. CPU’s and Microcontroller(s) (MCU): Packaged within a single chip containing logic gates of transistors and arithmetic processing units (ALU’s)— they are the brain of the embedded system.The processors and controllers are in charge of carrying out the main system operations and computations taking data from all levels of cache (L1, L2, L3) and system memory (RAM).
2. CPU Cache (L1, L2, L3): Taking up a sizeable portion of the die due to its optimization towards extreme speed, it used single-level cell architectures (SLC) for its superiority in speed. This means each cell contains 1 bit of data, due to this and the high-transistor count of this high-speed memory. On CPU’s this cache is limited to very small quantities with L1 cache being the fastest but limited to ~100 KB,  L2 ~1024KB and L3 ~2-16MB. The speed and proximity of this cache to the CPU is vital to the performance of the processor.
3. System Memory (RAM): An order of magnitude slower than cache, but still many times faster and more resilient than non-volatile storage like hard drives and Solid-state NAND drives, system memory is used to store running application for fast access and transfer to the processor cache. This memory does not suffer from cell degradation and limited write/erase cycles as it is written to thousands of times a minute as applications move data around and perform complex operations.
4. Non-Volatile Storage: Hard-drives, SSDs, NAND, and other non-volatile storage technologies are the slowest but most capacious storage in the system. Here large system and data files are stored for regular use by the system.
5. CMOS-RAM: The component tasked with storing vital system configurations and real-time information. Powered by small button-cell batteries which allow systems to be powered-down without losing its time-keeping and system wake capabilities.
6. I/O ports: Anything from ethernet RJ45 ports to 3.5mm audio jack connections fall under this category. They allow the system to accept and process external inputs usually through standardized interfaces such as USB and HDMI.

Application examples

There are tons of examples on what embedded computers can be used, from small  single-purpose devices like calculators to complex systems like automotive cruise-control. They’re now everywhere and unavoidable in our daily life. Here’s a simple list things that utilize embedded computing systems.

1. Calculators
2. Digital Cameras
3. Automotive Embedded Systems (ABS Breaks, Car Alarm, Engine Sensors system)
4. Vending Machines
5. Elevators
6. Copiers
7. Printers
8. GPS
9. Network Devices (Switches, Modems, Routers, Access Points)
10. Video games Consoles
11. Home Appliances (AC, Microwaves, Fridge)
12. E-Readers (e.a. Amazon Kindles)
13. etc

Some embedded systems are designed to operate under more extreme conditions, such is the case for industrial-grade systems, requiring wide operating temperatures, electrical-field isolation, vibration resistance and more.  Enterprise-grade systems require computational power, reliability and redundancy for mission-critical services.

Lanner’s embedded box PCs are designed for enterprise-wide deployment in application-specific environments, offering stability, longevity, scalability, high-availability and the perfect balance between size, cost, performance and power consumption. Some examples of several PC models and their industrial applications are:

Machine Vision: Includes all industrial and non-industrial applications where a combination of powerful hardware and trained software provides operational guidance to devices in the execution of their functions based on the capture and analysis of images sensory data. Lanner’s LEC-2284 is an ideal solution for this type of application due to its numerous and capable I/O (USB, DVI, VGS, and HDMI) and expansion options (HDD). It leverages a powerful processor and on-die accelerators for high graphical performance.

Factory Automation: Uses real-time/near-time computing technologies for controlling and monitoring industrial processes, devices and machines. As a general rule any repetitive functions are ideal for automation, making systems work through well-defined processes with the goal of reducing human interaction to an absolute minimum. Lanner’s LEC-2430 is a cost-effective, energy-conscious and powerful embedded appliance. Its fanless, robust and compact design simplify deployments and maintenance at locations with limited and confined spaces— ideal for set and forget compute solutions.

Digital Signage: is the use of digital content broadcast through screens such as LED panels, high-res displays and projectors. Lanner’s LEC-7388S is a 4K-ready digital signage IPC, powered by the Intel Haswell processors and the Intel HD Graphic 4600 GPU. It’s hardware specifications include native support for 4K content delivery, supporting hardware-based 4K decoders via both the DisplayPort and the external HDMI output port.

 As can be seen throughout our lives, we depend on embedded systems for almost everything. Their always-on state and 24/7 operation  are made possible thanks to reliable embedded low-cost designs. Most of the time hidden away from the human eye behind panels and shiny exteriors, yet they power all modern technologies and interconnected systems. The intelligent usage and advancements of embedded, smart devices (Read: Internet of things) will continue to improve our capabilities and efficiency without an end in sight.

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