About

What Are Embedded Systems?

Embedded systems are programmable devices inside many common products and devices. Unlike a stand alone personal computer, the power of a programmed micrcontroller is now built inside many devices – hence the name, embedded systems.

Microcontrollers are inexpensive small CPUs ranging from 8-bit to 16-bit to even 32-bit processors. They typically cost a few dollars and contain a great deal of functionality – depending on the vendor and product, they may include RS232, USB or even Ethernet interfaces.

Microcontrollers are used in a wide variety of products and applications – and can be used for controls and user interfaces in such diverse items as a modern programmable thermostat, to the control system for a radio, or to control a robot. Controllers are so inexpensive that many products (such as cars) may contain a dozen or more.

Programmed in assembly language, C, C++, Basic (Parallax) or even Pascal – a wide variety of tools are available to create applications.

Programming microcontrollers requires an excellent knowledge of basic digital hardware, CPU architecture and an understanding of input/output (I/O) mechanisms. Many controllers are used to control machinery through PWM interfaces to motors and servers. Some controllers, like the Propeller chip, contain eight independent processor cores!

Many applications are written specific to a particular microcontroller. However, several operating systems are available to streamline product development and to support more complex features like real-time programming and mult-tasking.

My name is Edward Mitchell.  I have an undergraduate degree in information and computer science, and an M.B.A. I have worked for more than twenty years in personal computer software development, ranging from Silicon Valley to Microsoft to consulting. I am presently focusing my attention on embedded systems. In my spare time, I am building a six passenger hovercraft and dabble in amateur radio electronics (de kf7vy).

I am based in Spokane, WA.