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EMBEDDED TECHNOLOGY


Driving developments in embedded electronics E


Custom ICs for compact, accurate sensing


mbedded systems are at the heart of many electronic devices we interact with day-to-day. The question is, what’s next for the sector? Here, Ross Turnbull, Director of Business Development and Product Engineering at ASIC design and supply company Swindon Silicon Systems, explains how custom ICs can help overcome current embedded system challenges. By the nature of their design, embedded systems offer manufacturers a variety of benefits, including compact size, low power consumption and a performance tailored to their application. It is these benefits that have made embedded systems desirable for use in a variety of fast-growing industries, including IoT, automotive electronics and industrial automation.


System challenges


Despite the rising demand for embedded systems, the technology still has challenges it needs to overcome. Safety is just one example. Thanks in part to the switchover to electric vehicles, the demand for more sophisticated automotive electronics has surged in recent years. Features such as adaptive cruise control, pedestrian recognition and collision sensors require complex embedded systems to provide the sensing and feedback capabilities needed for such demanding tasks.


In the event the sensor system has an issue, the consequences are potentially serious. As a result, it is vital to ensure that the embedded sensor offers the functionality required by its specific application. There cannot be loss of performance or reliability. Security is another concern, particularly with IoT devices. In the manufacturing plant, IoT allows for data to be collected across a multitude of equipment and machinery. This data can be used to improve resource management, unlocking higher productivities and more efficient processes. This data may also be seen as a prime target for cyberattacks, therefore, system designers must also consider how to protect the system from the design stage. Meeting these requirements of safety, stability and security, all while maintaining a minimal package size and low power


26 MAY 2024 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS


consumption, can be a challenge for system engineers.


Enhancing performance Processing units within embedded systems will typically be commercial-off-the-shelf solutions (COTS) such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). For manufacturers producing low and medium volumes, this approach might be the most suitable. For manufacturers working to higher volumes, or for applications with extremely specific demands, a different approach is needed. While an FPGA can be reprogrammed for different tasks, this flexibility often comes at a compromise to performance. In some applications, this drop in performance is not safe or viable. Instead, manufacturers can opt for a fully customised device, in the form of an Application Specific IC, or ASIC. An ASIC is a bespoke chip designed specifically for the task at hand. This investment in design means it can deliver all the benefits of a COTS solution and more, including optimised performance, improved sensor sensitivity and reduced power consumption. As a result, it is an ideal solution for manufacturers looking to secure a technical and commercial edge over their competitors.


Rather than having to re-engineer existing


designs to fit around COTS devices or needing to make sacrifices to achieve required performance levels, an ASIC can be fully optimised for its designated tasks. Furthermore, developing an IC design alongside the embedded system can help to facilitate smoother integration, removing the need for costly redesigns.


Communication protocols, including BLE, I/O-Link, SPI and I²C are all available for integration onto the ASIC device. To alleviate security concerns, encryption processes or fully custom protocols can also be integrated onto the IC.


ASIC design begins at the lowest level; only necessary circuits will be included. Not only does this help achieve a more compact package and PCB size, but it allows for a streamlined and robust board design. This is advantageous for industrial and transport applications, where heavy machinery and vehicles will often create strong vibrations and movement.


Promising an all-in-one solution, the appeal of embedded systems is clear. For embedded system engineers looking to elevate their design, the custom IC design route offers significant advantages. As markets demand better and more sophisticated embedded technologies, ASICs are sure to play a key role in its future.


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