EMBEDDED SYSTEM DESIGN ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

An Embedded System (ES) is a microcontroller-based, Software driven, Reliable, Real-Time
control system (RTOS), Autonomous, Human or Network interactive, Operating on diverse
physical variable and in diverse environment, Sold into a competitive and conscious market. Many embedded systems have substantially different design constraints than desktop computing
applications. No single characterization applies to the diverse spectrum of embedded systems.
However, some combination of cost pressure, long life-cycle, real-time requirements, reliability
requirements, and design culture dysfunction can make it difficult to be successful applying
traditional computer design methodologies and tools to embedded applications. Embedded
systems in many cases must be optimized for life-cycle and business-driven factors rather than
for maximum computing throughput. There is currently little tool support for expanding
embedded computer design to the scope of holistic embedded system design. However, knowing
the strengths and weaknesses of current approaches can set expectations appropriately, identify
risk areas to tool adopters, and suggest ways in which tool builders can meet industrial needs.