Currently Embedded computers are everywhere, in homes, offices, cars, factories, hospitals and electronics. Physically embedded systems can be from portable devices such as telephones, digital clocks and mp3 players, to traffic lights, factory controllers or the systems that control nuclear power plants. What are these? How do they work? And what are some applications for embedded computers?

An embedded computer can be defined as a computer that uses hardware and software components to perform a specific function, that is, an embedded system is not designed to perform various tasks, it is simply created for one, this is to concentrate only on it and efficient the work of the system embedded by its light software. Contrary to what happens with computers of purpose general (such as a personal computer or PC) that are designed to cover a wide range of needs, systems Embedded are designed to meet specific needs.

In an embedded computer, most of its components are included in the motherboard and most of the time the resulting device does not look like a traditional computer. The basic characteristics of the embedded systems are the following: Reliability, maintainability, availability, security.
They must be efficient in terms of energy, code size, weight and cost. Dedicated user interfaces (without mouse, keyboard and screen).

The main characteristics of an embedded computer are the low cost and power consumption. Since many embedded systems are conceived to be produced in thousands or millions of units, the cost per unit is an important aspect to take into account in the design stage. Usually, embedded systems employ very basic processors, relatively slow and small memories to minimize costs. The speed is not only given by the speed of the processor clock, but that the whole architecture is simplified to reduce costs. Usually an embedded computer uses peripherals controlled by synchronous serial interfaces, which are many times slower than the peripherals of a PC.

An example of a typical structure of an embedded computer would consist of the following elements:

• Microcontroller (MCU): A microcontroller is a single-chip microprocessor. It is in charge of carrying out the main calculation operations of the system. Execute the code to perform a certain task and direct the operation of the other elements that surround him.
• Memory (RAM): In it is stored the code of the programs that the system you can run as well as the data. Its main characteristic is that it must have a read and write access as quickly as possible so that the embedded computer’s microprocessor does not waste time on tasks that are not merely calculation.
• Cache: It is a Memory faster than the main one in which the data is stored and the code that has been accessed lately. Since the system performs micro tasks, often repetitive, the cache saves time since it does not it will be necessary to go to main memory if the data or the instruction is already in the cache
• Hard Drive: In it the information is not volatile and can also achieve very elevated size capacities. Unlike the memory that is solid state it is usually magnetic. But its excessive size sometimes makes it unfeasible for embedded PCs, with that solutions like solid state disks are required.
• CMOS-RAM: It is a read and write memory chip powered by a battery where the type and location of the devices connected to the board is stored mother (hard drive, input and output ports, etc.). It also contains a clock in permanent operation that offers the system the date and time.
• I/O ports: They are points (nodes) in which peripheral devices can be connected and can exchange information with the memory and the central processor. The ports contain in themselves a defined number of registers, which are used for the temporary storage of various types of data.

Application examples

There are tons of examples on what embedded computers can be used for. They’re practically everywhere in our daily life. Here some specific ones:

• Calculators
• Digital Cameras
• Automotive Embedded Systems (ABS Breaks, Car Alarm, Engine Sensors system)
• Vending Machines
• Elevators
• Copiers
• Printers
• GPS
• Network Devices (Switches, Modems, Routers, Access Points)
• Videogames Consoles
• Home Appliances (AC, Microwaves, Fridge)
• E-Readers (e.a. Amazon Kindles)
• And much more

In the case of industrial applications, 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 hardware and software provide operational guidance to devices in the execution of their functions based on the capture and processing of images. Lanner’s LEC-2284 is an ideal solution for this type of application due to its numerous and various I/O (USB, DVI, VGS, and HDMI) and expansion options (HDD). It feature a powerful processor and a high graphical performance.

• Factory Automation: Is the use of technologies for the control and monitoring of industrial processes, devices or machines, which as a rule are repetitive functions making them work automatically reducing human intervention to the maximum. 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.
• Digital Signage: is the use of digital content broadcast through screens such as LCD monitors, plasma screens, an LED panel or 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 we see, the impact that embedded systems have on our lives is such that, on the one hand, it is transparent for us and on the other the lack of them during a certain period of time can affect our daily tasks. In the case of industrial companies, the good use of these technologies represents a great benefit to be able to monitor and control our production processes.

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