What are the three layers of embedded system architecture and what are the key differences between IoT devices and computers?
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. Typically, embedded systems consist of two primary components, although larger-scale systems may incorporate up to three layers of components. The Fundamental Hardware Layer serves as the foundation for the remaining two layers within the system. Microcontroller architecture can be based on the Harvard architecture or von Neumann architecture, both offering different methods of exchanging data between the processor and memory. With a Harvard architecture, the data bus and instruction are separate, allowing for simultaneous transfers. One big difference between IoT devices and computers is that the main function of IoT devices is not to compute and the main function of a computer is to compute functions and to run programs. An embedded system does not necessarily have internet connectivity, but an IoT embedded system always does. The difference between an embedded system and IoT is that the embedded system can be a subset of IoT. Typically, an internet connection would expect to find a relevant device and enforce linking with it for the purposes of enabling and maintaining network function. IoT devices, by contrast, utilize a network technology for connection with each other, and these nodes can communicate autonomously and with each other. A network is a collection of one or more computers connected in a shared environment, and the internet is the network of computers that connects them from all over the world. Embedded systems are standalone devices that have usually been designed to do one specific thing. An IoT embedded system is an embedded system that also has connectivity to the internet and can therefore communicate with other IoT embedded systems. IoT architecture consists of the devices, network structure, and cloud technology that allow IoT devices to communicate with each other. Home automation and IoT also differ in the degree of data protection: a home automation system is closed, i.e. all the connected systems communicate only with each other and store the data in a more protected and difficult to violate environment, while the Internet of Things devices, by their nature, must communicate.
The conventional three layer architecture comprises application, network, and perception layers, whereas in the five-layer architecture, business, application, processing, transport and perception layers are distinguished.IoT architecture can comprise up to seven layers, which are known as the perception, transport, edge, processing, application, business, and security layers. Embedded systems are standalone devices that have usually been designed to do one specific thing. An IoT embedded system is an embedded system that also has connectivity to the internet and can therefore communicate with other IoT embedded systems. One big difference between IoT devices and computers is that the main function of IoT devices is not to compute and the main function of a computer is to compute functions and to run programs. Home automation and IoT also differ in the degree of data protection: a home automation system is closed, i.e. all the connected systems communicate only with each other and store the data in a more protected and difficult to violate environment, while the Internet of Things devices, by their nature, must communicate. An IoT device is a physical object that has been connected to the internet and is the source of the data. An edge device is where the data is collected and processed. Dashboards can usually collect, display and analyze the data from devices and control them, whereas, a platform can collect data from various sources, store the data, display it, control devices, run tests, deploy device updates and also manage inventory
The three layers are:
1. Application Layer: This layer encompasses the software components that directly interact with the user or perform specific tasks in the embedded system. It includes user interfaces, application-specific functionalities, and high-level software modules.
2. Middleware Layer: The middleware layer acts as a bridge between the application layer and the hardware layer. It provides services such as communication protocols, device drivers, and operating system abstractions. This layer enables the application layer to access and control the underlying hardware resources.
3. Hardware Layer: The hardware layer comprises the physical components of the embedded system. It includes the microcontroller or microprocessor, memory modules, input/output interfaces, sensors, actuators, and other peripheral devices. This layer is responsible for executing the instructions and carrying out the tasks defined by the software layers.
key differences between IoT devices and computers:
1. Purpose and Functionality: Computers are generally designed to be versatile devices capable of running a wide range of applications, while IoT devices are purpose-built for specific tasks with a narrower scope. Computers are typically used for tasks such as data processing, content creation, and general-purpose computing, whereas IoT devices are focused on collecting data from the surrounding environment, performing specific actions, and communicating with other devices or systems.
2. Connectivity: IoT devices are designed to be connected to the internet and other devices, forming a network of interconnected devices. They rely on network connectivity to transmit and receive data, enabling them to interact with cloud services, other IoT devices, or centralized systems. On the other hand, while computers can also be connected to the internet and other devices, their connectivity is not inherent to their core functionality.
3. Computing Power and Resources: Computers generally have more computational power and resources compared to most IoT devices. Computers are equipped with powerful processors, ample memory, and storage capacities, enabling them to handle complex tasks and run resource-intensive applications. In contrast, IoT devices are often resource-constrained due to factors such as cost, power limitations, and size constraints. They typically have limited processing power, memory, and storage, optimized for their specific applications.
4. User Interaction: Computers provide rich user interfaces such as graphical user interfaces (GUIs), keyboards, mice, and displays, allowing users to interact with them directly. IoT devices, on the other hand, often have more limited user interfaces that are tailored to their specific use cases. They may have simple interfaces like buttons, touchscreens, or no interface at all, relying on automated or remote control.
5. Scale and Deployment: Computers are deployed individually or in small numbers, typically in specific locations such as homes, offices, or data centers. In contrast, IoT devices are often deployed in large numbers, spread across various locations, and interconnected to form an extensive network of devices. They are designed for scalability and distributed deployment, allowing them to operate in diverse environments and enable applications such as smart cities, industrial automation, or environmental monitoring.
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IoT devices are special-purpose devices. Computers are general-purpose devices. IoT devices can do only a particular task for which it is designed. Computers can do so many tasks. Although computers are made of electronics, they are different from other electronic devices. While electronic devices implement physical concepts such as conversion of electrical signals into audio, video or text computers implement a mathematical concept of computation. An embedded system does not necessarily have internet connectivity, but an IoT embedded system always does. The difference between an embedded system and IoT is that the embedded system can be a subset of IoT. Smartphones and tablets have less storage capacity than a computer, and their components cannot be modified like desktop computers can. Desktop and laptop computers can run more powerful software than a smartphone or tablet due to their size, components, and less restrictive power requirements. A digital device is a piece of physical equipment that uses digital data. Personal computers are general purpose computing devices like desktops and laptops. They're relatively small and inexpensive and are commonly used in the workplace for tasks like word processing, desktop publishing, etc.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. 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. Performance and Functionality Requirements-Based Classification. This classification splits embedded systems into four categories standalone, real-time, network, and mobile. The application layer is responsible for the data formatting, presentation, providing assistance, and also it determines the protocols for the message transfer at the application level. The selection of an efficient protocol is the foundation for the intact IoT system.
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