An embedded system is a type of computer or controller designed for a specific purpose. It performs a particular function within a larger system. An embedded system is designed to meet the specific requirements of a given environment such as power grids, cyber security, and critical infrastructure. These systems have a wide application in a variety of industries. Due to the unique set of features of embedded systems, they can be used in harsh, rugged environments.

In general, embedded systems are used to control a unit’s physical operations. Depending on its application and specific requirements, these types of systems can be quite complex. For instance, a complex embedded system may involve a network of chips, peripheral units, and other components.

This is why the production of embedded systems requires exact technical expertise and knowledge that you can find at dependable companies for embedded systems in the USA. At ADL Embedded Solutions, we deliver precisely designed, high-performance solutions to our clients.

What is an embedded computer?

An embedded computer is a specific type of system that employs a microprocessor and consists of both hardware and software components. Owing to their x86-nature, embedded computers can integrate any software that uses Linux or Windows. Unlike regular computers, embedded units are designed to function within a specific application (mine detection, cybersecurity, etc.) which is why they need to meet a certain set of requirements within a particular industry.

ADL Embedded Solutions, Inc. specializes in collaborating with clients to design and build quality, reliable rugged systems to meet exacting requirements…from concept development with customers, through design, prototyping, and production.

When designing and producing this type of computer, we employ a thorough approach that entails multiple steps:

1. We schedule an initial consultation with our clients during which we discuss their exact needs and specifications of the required systems. We handle projects from idea conception to production, providing our clients with complete, all-in-one solutions.
2. Afterward, we continue with concept development and devise strategies for the creation and development of an embedded system. We also identify key features that your embedded system would need in a particular harsh setting such as an environment with variable extended temperatures.
3. During the proof of concept stage, we define criteria for success and conduct required testing to determine concept feasibility and the practical potential of an embedded system.
4. The development and design of an embedded system allow us to determine and create specific components needed to meet our clients’ requirements. This stage also entails the use of methodologies and practices for system development.
5. We create a prototype of an embedded computer or device to collect valuable data on its functioning to ensure that the final version is fully operational, can withstand harsh environmental conditions and is designed to exact client specifications.
6. We continue the testing process by conducting pilot run and review procedures to identify any possible aspects of an embedded system that might require improvement.
7. Our quality control practices allow us to evaluate the system and determine whether it meets our and our clients’ exacting standards.

Finally, if the product meets all the required criteria and operates at its maximum capacity and efficiency, we continue with the final stage – production.

Rugged embedded systems offer an array of advantages, especially in harsh, extreme environments. These advantages include:

• A high level of reliability. Since embedded systems are used to perform a specific function in demanding circumstances (e.g. military or industrial settings), they need to be fully operational and resistant to certain extreme conditions such as vibration, rugged terrains, humidity, high temperatures, etc.
• Small form factor systems design. Small form factor (SFF) design is especially important for many military applications (avionics, ground vehicles, etc.) where weight, size and power are critical.  For rugged industrial applications (border security cameras and controllers, cybersecurity edge devices for power grid and critical infrastructure, etc.) SFF design allows for easy retrofit and integration into existing machinery and equipment.
• Low maintenance. Another advantage of embedded systems is that they don’t require a lot of maintenance and are suitable for system integration where servicing, updating, and system adjustment aren’t necessary.
• Efficient power consumption. The harsh settings often require the ongoing use of embedded systems, which is why the design should include components that enable efficient power consumption.

The specialists at ADL Embedded Solutions develop components that incorporate these benefits and are optimally designed for a variety of applications, including industrial and military elements. Our complete solutions are customized and optimized to deliver an exceptionally high level of durability and reliability. Small, yet efficient, our units are highly effective in their application.

Embedded systems can be used in a variety of settings. Since they are custom-made based on a client’s input and standard practices in a particular field, these systems can be implemented in a range of industries, including:

• IIoT: Our specialists can design industrial IoT embedded technology, offering important features such as scalable processors, cloud connectivity, local data analysis, etc. These systems can be used in smart factories, train control, secure networks, vehicle fleet management, and other IoT areas.
• Energy: Our embedded systems for energy sector purposes bring design flexibility, Intel-based CPUs, productivity boost, reliability in critical applications, unique system configurations, and other vital features.
• Healthcare: We produce embedded technology for medical settings that includes components for medical imaging, laboratory testing, medical diagnostics, point of care testing, etc. These are reliable, high-performance units that offer efficiency and reliability.
• Surveillance: Our security- and surveillance-appropriate embedded systems serve numerous functions such as video and image capture for quality inspection, detection of different threats, data transfer, security access control, facial recognition, biometric ID, etc.
• Government: When it comes to government and defense applications of embedded systems, our rugged systems are used in military avionics, imaging and DSP, networking and communications, SWaP-constrained UAV, and other fields in the industry that require systems that need to withstand hostile conditions.
• Transportation: Railway, aeronautical systems, traffic control, and fleet management are just some of the fields that can benefit from our flexible embedded systems for transportation purposes resistant to vibration, shock, and other harsh conditions.
• Industrial settings: We offer high-performance embedded systems to industrial clients, bringing a unique mixture of advanced hardware and software features. Whether for process control, robotics, or building automation, our products can perform a variety of tasks with efficiency and reliability.
• Unmanned systems: As for our embedded solutions for unmanned systems, they include sophisticated algorithms, high processor power, and critical vision capabilities. You can benefit from our components if you work in agriculture, inspection and leak detection, or military and defense

What is the purpose of an embedded system?

In general, the purpose of a rugged embedded system is to offer a certain level of control in demanding or extreme environments. For instance, certain types of embedded systems can control the heating of an electronic device or enable one-way data transfer with a maximum level of security. These systems can be found both in daily applications and demanding environments.

However, embedded systems are designed to perform within a particular application or system and provide functionality specific to this use. The design and integration of an embedded system should be done with precision and technical expertise. Here at the ADL Embedded Solutions, we can deliver high-performance components that can ensure the uninterrupted functioning of a specific system.

What are the examples of embedded systems?

Since embedded systems can be found in almost any device, there are numerous instances of these units. For example, an embedded system can be used as an IT component in routers. Embedded systems may also be used in traffic lights, anti-lock systems, washing machines, ATMs, etc.

However, since embedded systems need to meet strict criteria within a given industry, they are often custom-designed to clients’ needs and specifications. This is what we, as a reputable company for embedded system design and production, offer to our customers.

Owing to our long-standing practice, we understand the importance of controller and sensor intelligence in industrial and other settings. We can design high-definition embedded SBC computers, as well as dependable small form factor enclosures, and reliable rugged system components based on our clients’ requirements. Our educated and qualified technicians can design systems that can provide you with long-term value by adapting to your changing needs.

The basic characteristics of embedded systems typically include:

• Time-efficiency. Since these systems need to perform a task within a limited time frame, they are generally fast.
• Task-specific features. Embedded systems perform a dedicated function to complete a particular task within a certain system.
• High efficiency. Embedded units are typically small, cost-effective, and need less power to operate than other types. They often utilize alternative energy sources in their operation.
• Stability and reliability. These components can operate for a long period of time without requiring updates or upgrades.
• Limited user interface. Embedded systems generally perform their function on their own, without requiring users to interact with them.

For your rugged embedded system to have these important features, it should be designed using tried-and-tested methods and professional experience. Rely on us to produce an embedded system that integrates these general features and industry-specific characteristics, such as instantaneous data mining in building automation or precision driver profiling in fleet management.

From a hardware perspective the differences are not many between a non-embedded system like a desktop computer and an embedded computer on a military aircraft or ground vehicle.  The key difference is that embedded systems are often designed for rugged, wide temperature, long-term use where the average desktop computer designed to operate within a benight factory or office environment with little concern for longevity.  As well, the average desktop or factory computer is a general purpose machine designed to support of variety of software applications which can change over time. The software for an embedded system is often application-specific, non-changing, and expected to operate trouble-free and un-attended for long periods of time.

Embedded systems consist of both software and hardware components:

• Hardware: Long-lived and rugged, wide temperature computer boards and peripherals which provide a variety of input/output (I/O) specific to the task at hand and often integrated into a custom chassis enclosure using custom designed cabling and specialty connectors.
• Software: Software is often application-specific and custom designed for its intended use by the embedded system OEM or the end-customer.

Whether you need an embedded single board computer or a particular type of rugged systems, ADL Embedded Solutions offers all-encompassing solutions. By carefully choosing each component, we are able to optimize our products and ensure their optimal operation.

For instance, our PCIE 104 form factor integrates reliable Intel® Celeron 827E, 1.4GHz based on Intel Core Technology, up to 8GB DDR3-1333 DRAM SoDIMM204, and other first-rate components, which makes it highly efficient in operating in agricultural, military, and scientific settings.

Our PC/104 variants also include advanced PCI/104 Express form factor, a popular choice among industries that have legacy hardware, but require more recent technology, as well as the PC/104 Plus series and embedded PCI/104 components. Our catalog includes an array of other products, so feel free to contact us to discuss your needs.

For an embedded system to perform a specific function, it requires a rugged motherboard, an embedded OS software, and an enclosure with input and output. An embedded system has a computing heart, which is typically a small form factor. Any specialist components are then connected to the computing heart. Then, application software is used to run system features and enable it to complete a dedicated task.

We at ADL Embedded Solutions produce embedded systems with power supplies that work with our CPU boards and peripheral components. They are highly operational in challenging rugged and thermal environments. During our entire design and development process, we will perform a range of tests and monitoring checks to ensure that your final product can rise to the challenge.

There are different types of embedded systems, each one bringing a unique set of features and advantages depending on its specific application. There are two main requirements for distinguishing between these systems:

• Performance and functional criteria: This group consists of mobile, stand-alone, real-time, and mobile systems.
• Microcontroller performance criteria: These systems can be divided into small scale, medium scale, and sophisticated systems.

If you are uncertain what kind of rugged embedded system you need, our customer support team is here to help you evaluate your needs and pinpoint the type of system that would offer the most benefits in your field of work.

In addition to providing board level, system, and sub-system products, we also deliver expert consulting design services, taking into consideration every relevant factor from system location to possible mechanical constraints.

Small Form Factor systems are actually computers designed to be smaller than regular computers. These computers typically consume less power, are easier to mount in a given setting, and are lighter than other computers. Small Form Factors (SFFs) are produced in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Our specialists are skilled and experienced in designing Small Form Factor embedded computer systems for application in space-constrained environments such as unmanned systems. Nonetheless, our systems are designed to meet the highest industry standards and, thus, offer the highest level of efficiency and performance.

ADL Embedded Solutions is your go-to company for embedded systems and related services. Our team is ISO-certified, experienced in system development, highly educated, and professionally trained, rendering high-quality service to our clients.  We are also members of the most reputable associations in the industry, including PC/104 Embedded Consortium and Intel® IoT Solutions Alliance.

Furthermore, we handle both new product development and existing system modifications. In addition to providing you with advanced, high-result products that can withstand extreme conditions and offer an exceptional level of reliability, we are known for our industry-leading support. Contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your needs in detail!