Embedded Systems

How to build an embedded systems project?

Summary

Embedded systems are a very important part of the electronics industry these days. As the name suggests, it is a system where software is embedded into a particular hardware-based application to perform a particular task. The software is usually embedded into a microprocessor or controller to control the application as needed. Implementing projects on embedded systems can be a great way to start and learn more about this domain. The source codes for such projects are usually written in C or C++ depending on the type of hardware in which the code is embedded. Writing these codes can be a bit tricky if you aren’t very comfortable with it.

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As we know that this world is drastically changing with machines replacing men at work and as and when it is changing, new ground-breaking discoveries make way to new and useful devices which makes this world an easier and comfortable place to live on.

Some of the useful technological discoveries in the field of electronics and machines were that of a PLC (programmable logic controller) and other Arduino products that help in building single-board microcontroller and microcontroller kits that build digital devices.

One such important product that was born out of technology is Embedded systems, so keep reading further to know all about it and get an opportunity to learn it.

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Latest projects on Embedded Systems

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What is meant by an Embedded System?

Having given a rough introduction about an embedded system, one might like to know what exactly is an embedded system?

An embedded system is a computer system with a combination of a computer processor, computer memory, input/output peripheral devices that perform the task assigned. These systems are generally found in large mechanical and electrical projects. These systems control physical operations in a large structure and hence has a very large application in the field of electrical run devices.

Almost 98% of all microprocessors manufactured are used in embedded systems. So now do you understand how important it is for you to know about embedded systems.

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How to build Embedded Systems projects Did you know

Skyfi Labs helps students develop skills in a hands-on manner through Embedded Systems Online Courses where you learn by building real-world projects.

You can enrol with friends and receive kits at your doorstep.

You can learn from experts, build working projects, showcase skills to the world and grab the best jobs.
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What comes under Embedded Systems?

Having known what an embedded system is, it is obvious for anyone to be curious about its field of application. So, here are some of the devices which come under embedded systems:

  • Computers
  • Mobile phones
  • Tablets
  • Laptops
  • Digital electronic systems
  • Video game consoles
  • Dishwashers
  • Washing machines
  • Medical imaging
  • Bank lockers
  • And many other electrical and electronic devices come under an embedded system.

As every electronic device would be having, even an embedded system has hardware and software components.

Some of the hardware stuff includes:

Timers, memory devices, Central processing unit, output circuits, power supply kit, serial communication parts, etc.

Keep reading further to know about the software used and other stuff.

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What programming language is used for embedded systems?

Although there are a lot of languages that can be used for embedded systems, C programming language is most widely used in embedded systems. C++ and JAVA are other languages that find good use.

C, as we know is one of the oldest and most powerful languages to ever emerge and hence it is an easy choice when it comes to programming in embedded systems. Here are a few reasons why C is chosen over other languages:

  • It provides low-level access.
  • Low memory usage of a compiled C program is a major reason behind the acceptance of C as a best-embedded programming language.
  • Statistically typed language- offers a great speed compared to other languages.
  • Its loose data typing policy makes it even more suitable for programming.
  • The Widespread community provides vast support for embedded systems programming.
  • Simple to port the embedded programs from one device to another.

Although, apart from C, there are many other programming languages that can be used in different stages. Some of those include:

C++, JAVA, RUST, PYTHON, ADA, VERILOG, B#, LUA, VHDL, Embedded C++, etc.

Also, here are a few skills required for you to understand embedded systems better:

  1. Knowledge of programming languages like C and C++ at the very least.
  2. You need to be comfortable with assemble languages and have experience working with LabView.
  3. Need to have basic knowledge regarding the working of a microcontroller and microprocessor
  4. n-depth knowledge about Arduino and Raspberry pi

Scope of Embedded Systems

Well then, having learned all the programming languages and developing your skills, is everything worth it?  This might very well be a common question.

Chillax my friend! Fret not, because your hard work has paid off!

As the number of intelligent devices increase, the scope for this field gradually increases. It has fantastic career prospects due to its large-scale functionality. Some of the fields of applications are:

  • Quality assurance engineer
  • Program management
  • Embedded app developer
  • Simulation expert
  • Sales and marketing engineer

Companies like SAMSUNG, SONY, TCS, WIPRO, L&T, INTEL, ROBERT BOSCH are top embedded based companies in India.

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What are the Kits used for Embedded Project?

The best way to learn something is by doing it and so building a project based on embedded systems domain could be the right way to link up your theoretical knowledge with the practical concepts. For that, you need good kits for your project to run smoothly.

So, here are some of the kits used for building embedded systems projects:

  • Breadboard
  • LED’s
  • Arduino Uno
  • Raspberry pi
  • HC05 blue-tooth module
  • Different types of sensors like IR, water flow, etc.
  • USB to UART cable
  • ESP-8266 Wi-Fi Module
  • Resistors
  • Batteries

How does an embedded system work?

How does an embedded system work?

Embedded systems deploy the integration of software on a motherboard with hardware in an embedded environment to perform a particular task. The three main steps involved in the working of any embedded system are:

  1. Input- The first step is taking input from the user/environment. The input can be user associated in the form of push switches, touch screens, etc. It can also be automatic values collected by sensors like humidity sensors, PIR sensors, etc.
  2. Processing- The next step is processing the input to perform the next step. This step involves calculations or algorithms which are performed on the microprocessor or microcontroller.
  3. Output- The last and the final step is the output. Based on the results obtained in the previous step the final output is displayed. This output can be in various forms based on the need of the system like the movement of a machine part, results on a screen, etc.

Learn more about Embedded systems


Latest projects on Embedded Systems

Want to develop practical skills on Embedded Systems? Checkout our latest projects and start learning for free


What are the different types of embedded systems?

Embedded systems can be classified into four types based on their performance and functional requirements. They are as follows:

  1. Real-time Embedded System- These systems perform real-time analysis on the data and focus on quick response in critical situations. The error rate is reduced to a minimal value to avoid faults. Some examples include traffic monitoring systems, a radiation therapy system, etc.
  2. Stand-Alone Embedded System- These systems are stand-alone independent devices that are not connected to any external computers for support. These systems take the inputs and process them to operate. Some examples include microwave ovens, digital cameras, etc.
  3. Networked Embedded System- These systems are connected over some network to give output to the connected resources. The connections may be wired or wireless depending on the system. Such systems are gaining a lot of popularity these days and are widely used across different domains.
  4. Mobile Embedded System- These systems are small embedded systems with limited applications and memory. Some examples include cellular phones, mp3 players, digital cameras, personal digital assistants, etc.

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How to Build an Embedded Systems Project?

So here we come, to the final step, and the most exciting one.

Once you are done with learning different kinds of programming languages and acquiring different sets of skills, it all comes down to the part of the application, wherein you need to apply and build practically without which all the above is useless.

So, to do a project, be it as a 4th year’s final year project or a child prodigy in the field of science, you will need a solid platform to start off with.

One such platform is online, wherein you can sign up for any online course on building projects in a few top trusted websites.

Skyfi Labs is one such excellent platform wherein you can learn a lot of courses and explore the technological world.

Following are the embedded system projects that will help and guide to develop an embedded project:

1. Voice Controlled Robot

 

Another robot project is based on Voice commands controlling the model. You'll also learn how to build an android app that recognizes your voice and can be used using Bluetooth connectivity.

Learn more about this project

2. Automated Street Lighting

 

This embedded system project will help you build a model that will switch on / off lights whenever necessary, an efficient way to conserve energy. As soon as the light of the sun becomes dimmer the lights will be on and when the sun is out in the morning it will be off.

Learn more about this project

3. Wi-Fi Controlled Robot

 

This is being used with the help of Wi-Fi, yet another robot-based project. In this project, you will learn the basic concept of Wi-Fi, and use your laptop to operate a robot.

Learn more about this project

4. Maze Solver Robot

 

Building a module that can solve the most complicated task is a win-win. This embedded system project is based on that and the robot you build will be passing through the maze puzzle and find its way out through algorithms working on its system.

Learn more about this project

5. Bluetooth Robotics

 

Another smartphone-based robot project, this too shall be controlled through the Bluetooth connectivity on the user’s phone. By pressing certain keys now, you can get your task done by the robot.

Learn more about this project

6. Fire Fighting Robot

 

Now robots can be used even in dangerous places. This embedded system project will help building a robot that can be sent to places where there is a fire and the robot will try putting off the fire using a DC fan.

7. Home Automation using IoT

Smart homes are designed using IoT to allow a person to control every device like vacuum cleaners, lights, fans, etc from his phone or using voice recognition. This project will give you hands-on experience in one such home automation system. It will let you control the lights using an Android Application from your phone. It will also help you learn about Bluetooth communication, the concepts, and applications of IoT and Arduino programming.

Check more details about this project

 

8. IoT using Raspberry Pi

This project is a great opportunity to understand the components and working of an embedded system. It will allow you to create a Smart Weather Monitoring Device using DHT sensors and Raspberry Pi. It will use cloud computing for data analysis. This project can be used to stream the weather details and further send email notifications for any unusual changes. It will help you understand about IoT concepts and how to implement it for data analysis.

Check more details about this project

 

9. Robotic Arm

Robotic Arms are widely used in manufacturing industries for automation of tasks like picking, sorting, turning, etc. The best way to learn about the robotic arm is by designing one. This project will allow you to create one such arm with 3 degrees of freedom. It will further help you learn about Android applications and Bluetooth which will be needed to control the arm from your phone. It will also teach you about the functioning of servo motors as actuators in the arm.

Check more details about this project

 

10. 3D Printer

3D printers are used to build prototypes and to simplify the manufacturing of complex products. This project will allow you to develop one such system from scratch and then use it to manufacture your prototypes. This project will hone your programming skills and help you regulate the system to work with high precision. You will further learn about additive manufacturing, RAMPS board, SMPS, motor driver, and Arduino programming.

Check more details about this project

 

11. Smart Irrigation System

This project will teach you about how embedded systems are implemented in agriculture. This project will use a soil moisture sensor to create a smart irrigation system. The system will detect the soil moisture level and automatically pump water if needed. It will give you the chance to program your system to handle the storage and analysis of data. You will also learn about the calibration of sensors, Virtuino app development, and Arduino programming.

Check more details about this project

 

12. Smart Building using IoT

In this embedded system project, you will learn to develop a system that uses Arduino as a microcontroller. The system you develop as part of this project can detect the number of occupants in a room and turns ON/OFF the light automatically based on the occupancy.

Check more details about this project

 

Learn more about this project

Click the link for more information.

Hope you got an idea about how to develop an embedded system project. If you want to know more information about projects, let us know in the comments our experts will get back to you shortly.

Best of luck!!

How to build an embedded systems project?
Skyfi Labs Last Updated: 2022-05-23





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