Microprocessors and microcontrollers were a giant leap for the electronics industry. The uses of these small but powerful chips has quickly percolated through machine controls, media and music systems, healthcare devices, automobiles, complex computers, remote sensing, navigation systems and communication devices and systems.
The field is dotted with more than just electronics – it includes ‘hardware’, ‘power engineering’, ‘software programming’ that can be both smart as well as responsive, designing’ to ensure products are light, small and cost effective.
Technological advancements in both software and hardware have further propelled embedded systems to a different level. Engineers are pushing the chip towards nano-electronics and more integrated versions with lower thermal footprints, durability and shorter time responsiveness.
With growth zooming across verticals, here’s a glimpse into the future of the industry:
- More manufacturers are looking at experimenting with multicore chips. With users demanding more from personal devices, it is only obvious to have parallel cores in one chip that can help achieve a high level of multi-tasking.
- Embedded system designs need to accommodate for power consumption, cost, weight and versatility as the technology cuts across more aspects of human life. Design is therefore taking center-stage in this technology.
- Several manufacturers are also exploring customized chips for certain applications. This is helping creating niche markets for certain applications.
- Decoding possibilities for seamless replication of technologies in embedded solutions across various applications is another industry imperative. Many forums and platforms are being created to discuss these aspects that can help the industry grow as a whole amidst cut-throat competition.
- Most applications are also now using open software that gives them more flexibility as well as helps integrate with more devices. Data sharing and culling real time information also becomes easier when there are common platforms for communication.
- Operating systems were not used commonly earlier in embedded systems. But with smartphones and other wireless devices becoming almost like personal computers, manufacturers are looking at upgrading to popular OS.
- With applications such as point-of-sale purchase, electronic chip credit cards, Bluetooth devices and other wireless media being used in transactions, security has become a mainstay of these systems. Strengthening the ability of the systems to communicate with remote terminals, look at identifying rightful owners and authentication and authorization are emerging as popular areas to look at.
- These systems are making inroads in the public space with growing applications in traffic management, inbuilt sensors in automobiles; navigational aids etc. that can help enhance the safety and efficiencies of public infrastructure. Cars with various installed systems like brake control, cruise control etc. are already big hits with consumers on the road.
- Entertainment has always been the main beneficiary of this technology.Modern solutions are now looking at providing superior user experiences through real-time social networking data, tracking trends and ploughing back user options customized for each consumer.
Embedded solutions are literally embedded in human lives and are taking large strides in becoming a potent means of taking convenience and automation to higher peaks in the future.
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