Microcontrollers are commonly used to control equipment. Often times they do not have software layers. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzrT3XYNisw for an example of a microcontroller.

Dr Clyde Eisenbeis thank you for your contribution to the discussion

The basic structure of embedded system architecture is a three-layer model consisting of hardware, software, and application. The hardware layer includes all physical components like processors, input-output devices, and memory. The software layer includes the operating system, drivers, and middleware. Hardware architecture the architecture of an embedded system is centered on its microcontroller, also sometimes referred to as the microcontroller unit (MCU), typically a single integrated circuit containing the processor, RAM, flash memory, serial receivers and transmitters, and other core components. Embedded software architecture is a piece of software that is divided in multiple layers. The important layers in embedded software are. Application layer , middleware layer and firmware layer. Hardware and software are essential parts of a computer system. Hardware components are the physical parts of a computer, like the central processing unit (CPU), mouse, storage, and more. Software components are the set of instructions that we store and run on our hardware. Together, they form a computer. A computer system is divided into two categories: Hardware and Software. Hardware refers to the physical and visible components of the system such as a monitor, CPU, keyboard and mouse. Software, on the other hand, refers to a set of instructions which enable the hardware to perform a specific set of tasks. Software architecture is, simply, the organization of a system. This organization includes all components, how they interact with each other, the environment in which they operate, and the principles used to design the software. In many cases, it can also include the evolution of the software into the future. Hardware refers to the computer's tangible components or delivery systems that store and run the written instructions provided by the software. The software is the intangible part of the device that lets the user interact with the hardware and command it to perform specific tasks. An embedded system describes a microprocessor-controlled computer hardware system that runs dedicated software to perform a specific task. An embedded device is the hardware on which this software is running. Embedded devices are also referred to as dedicated or single-purpose devices.If an embedded system is the combination of hardware and software, embedded software is a subset of that. Weighing in at only a few kilobytes, embedded software is written to optimally run on the specific hardware and microprocessor contained within a particular system. An embedded device is a computer that's embedded into an end product. It might require an OS if the computer's functionality is complex, but not necessarily. A non-embedded device is a computer that works on its own, and is the end product itself.

The hardware and software layers in an embedded system architecture are:

• Hardware layer: This layer includes the physical components of the system, such as the processor, memory, I/O devices, and sensors.
• Software layer: This layer includes the software that runs on the hardware, such as the operating system, drivers, and application programs.

The difference between an embedded system and an embedded device is that an embedded system is a complete system that includes both hardware and software, while an embedded device is only the hardware part of the system. For example, a car's engine control unit (ECU) is an embedded system, while the ECU's processor is an embedded device.

Here is a more detailed explanation of each layer:

• Hardware layer: The hardware layer is responsible for the basic functionality of the embedded system. It includes the processor, memory, I/O devices, and sensors. The processor is the brain of the system and controls all of the other components. Memory is used to store data and programs. I/O devices are used to interact with the outside world, such as sensors and actuators. Sensors convert physical signals into electrical signals, and actuators convert electrical signals into physical signals.
• Software layer: The software layer is responsible for controlling the hardware and performing the desired functions of the system. It includes the operating system, drivers, and application programs. The operating system is responsible for managing the resources of the system, such as memory and processing power. Drivers are used to control specific hardware devices. Application programs are the user-facing programs that provide the specific functionality of the system.

The hardware and software layers of an embedded system are closely intertwined. The hardware layer provides the foundation for the software layer, and the software layer controls the hardware layer. The design of the hardware and software layers must be carefully coordinated to ensure that the system meets its requirements.

Here are some additional points about embedded systems:

• Embedded systems are typically designed for a specific purpose and are not general-purpose computers.
• Embedded systems are often used in real-time applications, where the response time of the system is critical.
• Embedded systems are often used in harsh environments, such as in industrial control systems or automotive applications.
• Embedded systems are becoming increasingly complex, as they are being used to control more and more devices and systems.

Dr Murtadha Shukur thank you for your contribution to the discussion

The important layers in embedded software and application layer, middleware layer and firmware layer. An embedded system describes a microprocessor-controlled computer hardware system that runs dedicated software to perform a specific task.The basic structure of embedded system architecture is a three-layer model consisting of hardware, software, and application. The hardware layer includes all physical components like processors, input-output devices, and memory. The software layer includes the operating system, drivers, and middleware. At the highest level, there are three layers: hardware, which contains all the physical components located on an embedded systems board. System software, which is the device's application-independent software and application software, which is the device's application-specific software. At the highest level, there are three layers: hardware, which contains all the physical components located on an embedded systems board. System software, which is the device's application-independent software and application software, which is the device's application-specific software.Embedded software architecture is a piece of software that is divided in multiple layers. An embedded device is the hardware on which this software is running. Embedded devices are also referred to as dedicated or single-purpose devices. If an embedded system is the combination of hardware and software, embedded software is a subset of that. Weighing in at only a few kilobytes, embedded software is written to optimally run on the specific hardware and microprocessor contained within a particular system.