Create embedded systems
From everyday products to the most advanced industrial applications.
Why create an embedded system?
An embedded system is a small, specialized computer that typically contains a microcontroller (i.e., microcontroller-unit [MCU] based) and operates inside a device that is not primarily a computer. Key reasons to use an embedded system are small size, low cost, and high efficiency.
Creating a precisely tailored system enables a developer to carry out design work using software with a minimal memory footprint and, therefore, the smallest possible amount of required memory. This can sometimes be decisive when determining the need for external RAM. Eliminating external RAM reduces costs, boot times, and complexity.
A purpose-built embedded system not only keeps the cost of production as low as possible; it also minimizes the number of things that can potentially go wrong during production setup. In addition, the end product’s power consumption and size are also reduced. The cost of the design phase can be recouped many times over during setup, production, packing, shipping, etc., and this typically makes for a better, more efficient and reliable end product.
Use cases
SEGGER technology goes beyond coding. It can be used to create experiences that shape the future of connected devices across multiple industries — from everyday gadgets to complex industrial systems. Flexibility and reliability ensure that these systems perform seamlessly, regardless of their purpose.
MCU-based devices for minimizing cost per unit
With SEGGER’s highly efficient emPower OS software, users can design an application that uses a single-chip MCU with no external RAM requirement that minimizes cost per unit.
Examples range from things as large as robots, industrial control units, and vacuum cleaners to things as small as tracking devices, razors, and electric toothbrushes.
A practical example from SEGGER is its market-leading J-Link and J-Trace family of debug and trace probes. By minimizing power consumption, SEGGER eliminates the need for a fan in these devices. Aside from a decrease in unit size and cost, this also means that the efficiently engineered SEGGER device uses less power than the fan alone would have used.
Efficient battery-powered devices
An embedded system engineered to perform only highly specialized tasks can eliminate unnecessary functionality, minimizing overhead and power consumption. This can be critically important in applications involving battery power.
Examples of power-sensitive projects range from an implanted medical device to an international space station.
A battery-powered device that collects and transmits data is one that benefits from an embedded system's minimized power use. A practical example from SEGGER is the Flasher Portable PLUS from its marketing-leading Flasher series of production tools. Battery-driven or powered via USB, this tool is specifically optimized for carrying out updates in the field.
Systems engineered for maximum safety
Replacing a large, open-source system (such as Linux) with a small embedded system powered by a single-chip microcontroller and running closed-source software minimizes complexity and increases safety. It also tends to produce better reaction times; run more efficiently; and, of course, cost less.
Examples of embedded software products with a specific focus on safety are the SEGGER Security and cryptography libraries, which are built from the ground up for embedded systems. The resulting libraries are extremely safe and fast, and they use minimal memory resources.
emPower OS
emPower OS
The all-in-one software platform for embedded systems and IoT devices
SEGGER's embedded operating system emPower OS includes multiple software components and offers a robust and versatile operating environment for a wide range of embedded systems. Its modular architecture and ability to optimize performance and support an extensive array of tools make it an excellent choice for developers aiming to create reliable and efficient embedded systems across a variety industries.
Responsive real-time applications
...for time-critical applications, such as industrial control systems, medical devices, and automotive systems.
In environments where precise and predictable execution is crucial, with its low memory requirements and high efficiency, embOS ensures optimal resource utilization and stable high-performance operation under all conditions.
embOS
embOS is an RTOS family designed to be a foundation for embedded-application development. Now in its fourth decade of continuous use and enhancement, it provides the reliability, versatility, and performance that underpin the firmware of every SEGGER Flasher, J-Link, and J-Trace.
Compatible with all major cores, compilers, and development tools, embOS has been deployed in billions of devices across a broad range of applications.
Reliable communication protocols
...for networked devices in, e.g., medical technology and the automotive sector, with IP stacks for reliable, encrypted data transmission.
The development and implementation of reliable and secure communication protocols in networked devices is of crucial importance in medical technology and the automotive sector. The use of IP stacks enables reliable and standardized data transmission, while encryption libraries ensure that this data is protected from unauthorized access. In an increasingly connected world, these technologies are essential to ensure the security and integrity of systems and data, especially in areas where human life and safety are at stake.
USB support
...for embedded systems in telecommunications, consumer electronics, and more.
Electronics in a variety of industries require reliable software for introducing USB functionality, delivering power, and hosting data. SEGGER's USB support tools are easy to integrate into any embedded environment, are cross-platform, have small memory footprints, and include direct technical support from the product developers.
Secure infrastructures
...for safely authenticating digital assets, protecting communications, and ensuring the integrity of embedded systems or native computer applications.
SEGGER offers a range of security solutions to authenticate digital assets and secure communications across multiple applications. These tools address the need for security in embedded systems, protecting devices from unauthorized access and cloning, while ensuring secure data transmission over networks.
User-friendly graphical interfaces
...for embedded devices via the emWin graphics library, which can be adapted to different display sizes and resolutions.
With its GUI design tool AppWizard, the emWin graphics library can be used to develop user-friendly graphical interfaces for embedded devices, and it allows for flexible adaptation to different display sizes and resolutions. This enables developers to create intuitive and appealing user interfaces that work optimally on a wide variety of devices. The adaptability of emWin ensures that user interfaces remain consistent and user friendly, regardless of screen size or resolution, which significantly improves the user experience.
Robust file systems
...for embedded systems ensure both reliable data storage and transfer for devices and applications.
Robust file systems assure reliable data storage and transfer. These systems are particularly important in applications such as data loggers or portable media players, where data integrity and stability are of paramount importance. By implementing such file systems, developers can be certain that data is stored and transferred securely, even under suboptimal conditions, which improves the overall performance and reliability of the devices involved.
emFile
emFile ensures that data is stored securely and transferred reliably, even under demanding conditions. This significantly improves device functionality and longevity.
Rapid firmware updates
...for embedded systems assure immediate operational readiness in resource-constrained applications, such as consumer electronics.
Fast boot times are critical for ensuring user convenience and minimizing downtime, particularly in areas where memory and bandwidth are limited. With optimized boot sequences and smaller firmware files, updates can be deployed quickly and reliably, even where connectivity is limited. The result? Improved device performance, an enhanced user experience, and preservation of the integrity and security of the update process.
emLoad
Designed to reduce both the effort and memory requirements, emLoad enables easy firmware updates for embedded applications via USB stick, SD card, USB connection to a PC or serial connection.
This way, emLoad enables efficient and secure initialization, updating, and customization of any embedded system.
Efficient data compression
...for optimized storage and communication in embedded systems.
Compression is essential in embedded systems because it reduces the size of data, which has many benefits for storage and transmission. By shrinking data, more information – such as firmware updates, configurations, or interface assets – can be stored within limited memory resources such as flash memory or SD cards, making the system more cost-effective and efficient. In applications with low-bandwidth communication, compressed data allows more information to be sent quickly, reducing the time and power needed for data transfers.
emCompress
emCompress efficiently compresses and decompresses data on even the smallest microcontrollers.
Free from open-source or attribution requirements, it allows seamless integration into both commercial and proprietary products without the need to disclose combined source code. Ideal for embedded devices, apps, and PC software, emCompress provides a versatile compression solution.
Sophisticated IoT solutions
...for connected devices, such as smart home applications.
In order to function seamlessly in connected environments, IoT devices require reliable communication, robust security, and efficient data management. SEGGER contributes to these essentials with its comprehensive IoT solutions, which include the IoT Toolkit; emMQTT, for secure and reliable messaging; emWeb, for intuitive device management via web interfaces; and emDropbox, for secure data synchronization. These tools ensure that IoT devices are not only connected but also secure, responsive, and scalable — meeting the high demands of modern IoT applications.
SEGGER Design Service
For companies that have not yet explored microcontrollers as an option, or for those who are looking for more expertise in the area, SEGGER Design Service helps them identify the designs and software available to them for creating their perfect embedded system.
Get in touch with us
Have questions or need assistance? Our Embedded Experts are here to help!
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