What is the difference between embedded software and hardware?

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What is the difference between embedded software and hardware? [Copy link]

 

Embedded systems usually consist of two parts: hardware and software, which work together to achieve specific functions. The following are the main differences between embedded software and hardware:

Embedded Hardware

main component:

1. Microcontroller/processor : such as ARM Cortex-M series, AVR series (such as ATmega328P used by Arduino).
2. Memory : Includes flash memory, EEPROM, and SRAM for storing program code and runtime data.
3. Input/output interface : GPIO (general purpose input and output), ADC (analog-to-digital conversion), UART, SPI, I2C and other interfaces for communication with sensors, actuators and other external devices.
4. Power management : voltage stabilizers, power modules, etc., used to provide stable power supply.
5. Other peripherals : including timers, PWM (pulse width modulation) modules, watchdog timers, etc.

main duty:

• Provides computing power and storage space.
• Communicate with external devices through various interfaces.
• Ensures proper operation of the system under various power conditions.

Embedded Software

main component:

1. Firmware : Low-level software that runs directly on the hardware, usually consisting of a bootloader and a main program.
2. Driver : A software component that controls hardware peripherals and provides an interface to the hardware device.
3. Operating system (optional) : In some complex embedded systems, a real-time operating system (RTOS) is used to manage task scheduling, resource allocation, etc.
4. Application code : high-level code that implements specific functionality, such as sensor data processing, communication protocol implementation, user interface, etc.

main duty:

• Control and manage hardware resources.
• Implement specific functions and algorithms.
• Processes sensor input, actuator output, and user interaction.
• Exchange data with other systems or devices through communication protocols.

Main Differences

1. Essential difference :

   • Hardware : Physical equipment that provides the infrastructure to perform tasks.
   • Software : Program code that runs on hardware and provides specific functions and logic control.

2. Design and Development :

   • Hardware development : involves circuit design, schematic drawing, PCB layout, electrical testing, etc. Using tools such as Altium Designer, Eagle, etc.
   • Software Development : involves writing, debugging, and optimizing code, usually in languages like C, C++, etc. Using tools such as Keil, IAR, Arduino IDE, etc.

3. flexibility :

   • Hardware : Once designed and manufactured, changing hardware design is relatively difficult and expensive.
   • Software : Can be modified and updated relatively easily to implement new features or fix problems by writing new code or updating firmware.

4. cost :

   • Hardware : involves the cost of materials, manufacturing, and testing. The initial cost is high, but the cost of each device decreases when a large number of devices are produced.
   • Software : The main cost is development and maintenance, the cost of copying and distribution is almost zero.

in conclusion

The hardware and software of an embedded system work closely together to realize the functions of the system. The hardware provides the infrastructure for execution and operation, while the software defines the behavior and functions of the system. As an electronic engineer, you need to understand and master the design and development of both to create efficient and reliable embedded systems.