Embedded Systems Classification

 

Embedded systems are classified by engineers world wide based on different criteria. The two major criteria for the classification are the complexity/performance of the system and functionality of the system. When we say performance, the classification is based on the circuit involved. When we say functionality, the classification is based on the function the embedded system has to perform

Based on the performance of the system, they are classified as:

• Small-scale Embedded system
• Medium-scale Embedded system
• Complex/sophisticated Embedded system

Based on the functionality of the system, they are classified as:

• Mobile
• Networking
• Stand Alone
• Single function
• Multiple functions

Small-scale Embedded system:

• System designed with a low level 8-bit and 16-bit micro controllers, discrete circuit
• limited functionality
• Requires hardware as well as firmware
• Sometimes without the need of a firmware, discrete circuit shall perform the functionality
• Doesn't involve complex firmware design
• Bare Metal programming is required
• Real-Time Operating system (RTOS), Linux might not be needed
• Example: Designs with Arduino, or a simple timer circuit fall under this category

Medium-scale Embedded system:

• System designed with a low level 16-bit and 32-bit micro controllers, processors
• Might involve Digital Signal Processing (DSP), Field Programmable gate Array (FPGA)
• Requires hardware as well as firmware
• Real-Time Operating system (RTOS), Linux might be required 
• Involves usage of tools for porting, debugging and probing

Complex/sophisticated Embedded system:

• System designed with a low level 32-bit and 64-bit processors
• Involves usage of Linux operating system
• All the complex video processing, image processing algorithms and the functionalities involving any Artificial Intelligence fall in this criteria
• System on chip (SoC), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), complex FPGAs are required 
• Tools are costly and customized 

While this is high level classification, there are many applications in which embedded systems shall be used. This involves wireless applications, serial communications, battery operated devices and charge circuitry. Tools involve compilers, IDE, MATLAB, Circuit Simulators, EDA tools for Circuit drawing and PCB design.