What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of embedded module

Jul. 07, 2025

Embedded System: Exploring Advantages and Disadvantages

An embedded system can be described as a computer that performs functions in a unique electrical mechanical system. It is comprised of a computer’s processor memory, memory, as well as common input and output devices. It’s usually found as part of a bigger device that has both electrical/electronic technologies & mechanical components. Real-time computing is a requirement for embedded systems because they are the main controllers of machine operation regardless no matter where they are located. These systems control a wide range of devices. This blog will let you learn more about embedded systems along with the advantages and disadvantages.

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How does an embedded system work?

An embedded system is a specialized computer system designed to perform dedicated functions within a larger system. It typically consists of a microcontroller or microprocessor, memory, input/output interfaces, and sometimes additional peripherals. These systems are programmed to carry out specific tasks and are often found in everyday devices such as appliances, automobiles, medical devices, and industrial machines. Embedded systems operate in real-time, meaning they must respond to external events within strict timing constraints. They are often optimized for low power consumption, compact size, and high reliability to meet the requirements of their intended applications.

The functionality of an embedded system is defined by its software, which is typically developed using programming languages like C or C++. This software controls the behaviour of the system, processing inputs from sensors or user interfaces and generating outputs to control actuators or display information. Embedded systems can operate autonomously or communicate with other systems through various interfaces such as serial communication, Ethernet, or wireless protocols. Their design requires careful consideration of factors like power management, memory usage, and real-time responsiveness to ensure they perform their tasks efficiently and reliably.

Types of embedded systems

The top four types of embedded systems include:

Real-Time Embedded Systems

These systems respond to inputs and produce outputs within strict timing constraints, crucial for applications like automotive control systems and medical devices.

Networked Embedded Systems

Interconnected with other devices via wired or wireless networks, they enable communication and data exchange, prominent in IoT devices and smart home systems.

Mobile Embedded Systems

Optimized for mobility and portability, they power devices like smartphones, tablets, and wearable technology, providing user interfaces and processing capabilities on the go.

Embedded Systems for Specific Applications

Tailored for specialized tasks or industries such as aerospace, defense, healthcare, and industrial automation, they provide customized solutions for specific functions and requirements.

Features

In contrast to being an all-purpose computer that can be used for various tasks, the embedded systems are designed to perform a specific task. Additionally, some of them have real-time performance limitations due to reasons related to safety and usability. Others may have weak or no desire to perform in order so that the hardware to lower cost. Many embedded systems are comprised of smaller components within a bigger device, which serves a more general goal. An embedded system inside an automobile has a distinct role as a subsystem within the vehicle itself. The instructions for programs designed specifically for the embedded system are known as firmware. They are stored as read-only memories or Flash memory chips. They operate with limited hardware integration components of computers like an insignificant screen, a non-existent keyboard, and very little memory.

Source: The Engineering Projects

Components of Embedded Systems Programming

Microprocessors/Microcontrollers
Peripherals
Sensors & Input devices
Actuators & output devices
Registers
Protocols

Microprocessor:

The microprocessor is a processor that integrates the functions of central processing units on one IC. Microprocessors are a flexible register-based, clock-driven integrated circuit. As input, it receives binary data, processes it according to the instructions that are stored within its memory and then outputs results.

It’s an IC that only contains one processor (Processing energy).

Some applications perform tasks that are not defined, such as developing games or websites, editing photos and more.

They operate operating systems.

Microcontroller:

A microcontroller is a computer that is embedded in a chip. Contrary to computers, which comprise many distinct parts, the microcontroller has every CPU (Processor cores) as well as memory and peripherals for input and output. This allows you to create systems that have small parts.

It is equipped with a CPU as well as RAM, ROM, and various other peripherals on one chip.

They are specifically designed to complete specific tasks. (i.e., cars, bikes, microwaves)

They operate in bare metal

Peripherals

A peripheral device or peripheral is a device that acts as an auxiliary device to input information into or obtain information from a computer. Systems embedded in the computer communicate with the outside world via peripheral devices. Here are some an example of peripherals.

SCI, also known as Serial Communication Interfaces RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 and so on.
Synchronous Serial Communication Interface: I2C, SPI, SSC
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
MMC (also known as Multimedia Card) (SD cards, Compact Flash, etc.)
Networks: Ethernet, Lon Works, etc.
Fieldbuses: CAN-Bus, LIN-Bus, PROFIBUS, etc.
Timers: PLL(s), Capture/Compare as well as Time Processing Units
Analog to Digital/Digital Analog (ADC/DAC)

Sensors & Input devices

Sensors are highly sophisticated devices that are typically employed to detect and respond to optical or electrical signals.

Examples:

Sensor for temperature
Infrared (PIR) sensor
Touch sensor
Pressure sensor

Actuators & output devices

An actuator is one of the components of a machine responsible for controlling and moving the system or mechanism such as opening an air valve.

Example:

Electric motor
Screw Jack
Hydraulic Cylinder

Registers

A processor register, also known as a CPU register, is a tiny storage location for data which are essentially slices of the processor of a computer. Registers can hold an instruction or a storage address or any other type of data like a small sequence of characters or even a separate one. Many commands require registers in the instruction. For example, instructions can specify for the data of two distinct registers to be merged and then put into a specific register.

Protocols

A protocol is a common set of rules that allow electronic equipment to connect. These rules define what kind of data may be sent and what commands are used to transmit data and receive it, and how data transfer is confirmed.

Examples:

Inter-Integrated Circuit
SPI Serial Peripheral Interface
USART/UART: Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter.

Embedded System Advantages

We will go over the many benefits of an embedded system, for example, embedded system benefits.

Simple to produce more production.
Less expensive prices each piece of the resultant
It has only a few interconnections.
More stable
More reliability
Portable due to the small size
Low power consumption
Accurate results with better accuracy
More speed
To maximize resources like microprocessors and memory
It can withstand a vast range of environments.
It is less likely to repeat errors.
To provide real-time response
It is not user-friendly.
Not much data storage
Lesser redundancy
To run pre-planned programs to run user applications

Because an embedded system generally plays a role that does not change its requirements, the requirements for an operating system aren’t as burdensome.

Embedded System Dis-Advantages

There are certain limitations to embedded systems for example, as

Once an embedded system is developed You are not able to alter, enhance or upgrade.
It is difficult to keep
It is difficult to create a backup of embedded files
It is necessary to reset every setting to avoid any issues with the system.
Troubleshooting is harder
It is more difficult to transfer data across systems to another system.
Hardware limitations, due to its use for certain tasks
Power supply reliability is less durable.
Memory is limited and resources are not sufficient.
To require more development efforts to design an embedded system

Applications of Embedded Systems

Embedded systems find applications in a wide range of industries and domains due to their versatility, reliability, and efficiency. Some common applications include:

Consumer Electronics

Embedded systems power devices like smartphones, smart TVs, digital cameras, and gaming consoles, providing user interfaces, processing capabilities, and connectivity features.

Automotive

Embedded systems control various functions in vehicles, including engine management, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), airbag deployment, navigation systems, entertainment systems, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Industrial Automation

Embedded systems are used in industrial machinery, robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and process control systems to automate manufacturing processes, monitor equipment, and optimize efficiency.

Healthcare

Embedded systems play a crucial role in medical devices such as pacemakers, insulin pumps, infusion pumps, patient monitoring systems, and diagnostic equipment, enabling precise control, monitoring, and data collection for healthcare professionals.

Home Automation

Embedded systems control smart home devices like thermostats, security cameras, door locks, lighting systems, and appliances, allowing users to monitor and control their homes remotely for convenience, security, and energy efficiency.

Aerospace and Defense

Embedded systems are utilized in aircraft avionics, navigation systems, communication systems, radar systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and missile guidance systems, providing critical functionality for flight control, surveillance, and defense operations.

IoT (Internet of Things)

Embedded systems form the backbone of IoT devices, enabling the connectivity and communication of sensors, actuators, and smart objects in various applications such as smart cities, environmental monitoring, agriculture, transportation, and logistics.

Telecommunications

Embedded systems are used in networking equipment, routers, modems, and base stations to manage communication networks, ensure data transmission, and provide services like voice over IP (VoIP) and video streaming.

These are just a few examples of the diverse applications of embedded systems, demonstrating their pervasive presence in modern technology and society.

Embedded System Trends

Emerging trends in embedded systems are revolutionizing technology. Integration with the Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding connectivity and intelligence in devices, while edge computing enables local data processing for faster response times. AI and ML capabilities are enhancing decision-making and autonomy, while security measures ensure data protection. Additionally, a focus on energy efficiency drives innovations for sustainability. These trends are reshaping industries and driving innovation in embedded systems.

Final Words

The embedded system industry is expected to grow rapidly, driven by the continuous advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), deep learning, machine learning and the Internet of Things(IoT) development. Cognitive embedded systems will form the centre of these trends, including the reduction of energy use, enhanced protection for devices embedded in cloud connectivity, mesh networks, deep learning applications as well as visualization tools that utilize real-time data. I am hoping that this information will assist in understanding the significance of embedded systems as well as their pros and cons advantages.

FAQs

What is an embedded system with examples?

For more information, please visit embedded module.

An embedded system is a specialized computer system designed to perform specific tasks within a larger device or system. It is typically embedded into the hardware of the device and is dedicated to executing pre-defined functions. Embedded systems are commonly found in everyday devices such as household appliances, automobiles, medical devices, and industrial machinery.

How are embedded systems programmed?

Embedded systems are typically programmed using programming languages like C or C++. The software is developed to control the behaviour of the system, process inputs from sensors or user interfaces, and generate outputs to control actuators or display information.

How are embedded systems evolving?

Embedded systems are evolving with advancements in technology, including integration with IoT, AI and ML capabilities, and increased connectivity for smarter and more efficient devices.

Can embedded systems be reprogrammed or updated?

In some cases, yes. Many modern embedded systems support over-the-air (OTA) updates, allowing for reprogramming without physical access to the device.

What are real-time embedded systems?

Real-time embedded systems are designed to respond to external events within strict timing constraints. They are commonly used in applications where timing is critical, such as automotive control systems, medical devices, and industrial automation.

C++ for Embedded: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Myths - Qt

Engineers use the C computer language for a range of embedded systems. But experts say C++ can be a better option. I've gathered some tips from experts, such as my colleague Tino Pyssysalo, on when C++ can work especially well in an embedded system.

In this article:

Advantages of C++ in embedded systems
Disadvantages of C++
When C++ is the right choice for an embedded system
Comparison chart of top programming languages for embedded systems

What is embedded C++?

Embedded C++ is a dialect of C++ that engineers developed in the late s for embedded systems. Embedded engineers seldom use the language anymore. They do use C++ in embedded systems a lot.

What is the difference between embedded C++ and C++?

Embedded engineers developed "embedded C++" for embedded systems with as low as 4kB of RAM memory and a microcontroller processor. The language tried to keep valuable C++ concepts while removing features that increased memory requirements and reduced the processor’s efficiency.

What are the features of embedded C++?

Embedded C++ attempted to keep the most helpful aspects of C++ for embedded systems while eliminating those that caused undeterministic CPU cycles or boosted memory requirements. Embedded C++, for instance, retained how C++ uses classes as a blueprint to create objects for object-oriented programming.

However, embedded C++ removed features that embedded engineers use today. Those elements include multiple inheritance, templates, exceptions, virtual base classes, and runtime type identification.

Why C++ is good for embedded systems

C++ works well for embedded programming because it sits close to the system hardware. C++ has pretty much everything that C does, but much more: an array of higher-level language features, including object-oriented programming and type-safe cast that helps to avoid unpleasant memory access errors.

Advantages of C++ for embedded systems

Ease of use: C++ uses object-oriented programming and has a range of templates and tools that make it reliable and easier to build reusable parts of code.

Jacob Beningo, Embedded Software Consultant and President of Beningo Embedded Group, says he likes C++ in embedded systems for its scalability and how easy it is to reuse some of its code. Its templates, for example, allow engineers "to create multiple objects based on very similar types of behavior. They give you a great way to reuse and scale your software."

C++ also uses the concept of inheritance, Beningo adds. “That allows engineers to create a baseline object in the language that will always have some minimum set of features. Then you inherit from that base class and build your customizations. So C++ gives you a way to a very flexibly design and build software systems."
Portability: Since parts of C++ code are easily reusable, the code is also portable from one device to another.
Standard library: The C++ standard library provides engineers with tools to create optimal code easily.

Beningo says an important advantage is engineers can leverage what other engineers have already produced in a standard library of basic C++ features. "Instead of writing all that from scratch, you just inherit from those libraries, and then you customize and build your pieces onto it,” Beningo explains.
Stability: Programs written in C++ in an embedded system can operate for decades without fail because of the language’s stability.
Gateway language: Once your engineering team learns C++ well, it will be easier for them to learn and understand languages like Python, Java, JavaScript, and others.
Support: C++ is used widely, with a large support community, and updated often. “C++ has lots of support," Beningo shares. "It's updated and improved every few years."
Good for GUIs: C++ offers especially good tools for embedded systems with graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

Tino Pyssysalo, a Senior Product Manager for Qt, agrees with other experts who say C++ also offers tools and techniques that make it an excellent option when embedded systems need a GUI.

"It will be much easier to implement graphical user interfaces using the object-oriented programming of C++,” Pyssysalo advises.

"C++ is continuously evolving. It's more forward-looking, and there are more and more nice features, which are highly optimized by compilers. So, they are fast and memory efficient.

In addition, there’s the active standardization work that’s being conducted. A new C++ specification is out every third year, C++20 being the latest one. More and more modern programming concepts are added to the language"

What are the disadvantages of C++ for embedded?

Engineers will find that C++ has some disadvantages for embedded systems. The language is complex and difficult to learn. Memory allocations in C++ can also cause problems if engineers don't understand it.

Here are details on some disadvantages:

Hard to learn: C++ is a complex language that is challenging to learn. "The language is more complicated than C," Pyssysalo states. "There are more constructs, such as virtual functions and template classes, so more things to learn."

That complexity means many developers don't have the same understanding of C++ as they do of C. Beningo shares, "Developers don't understand its uses as well for real-time systems as they do C."
Codebase obstacles: The language’s complexity makes maintaining the codebase challenging. Some companies that have built a system in C++ are reluctant to make any changes because they don't want to risk causing failures or major problems in the system.
Potential performance issues: C++ can run more slowly than C if certain features in C++ are enabled, including exceptions or runtime type information (RTTI).

Beningo advises that engineers should be careful to avoid using C++ templates that are too complex—more complex than their system needs. "If you get overly complicated or do too much, you can end up with performance issues. You've got to be careful in how you use templates,” he adds.
Memory management challenges: With C++, the programmer controls memory management, which can be a disadvantage. Many languages have a garbage collector to help manage memory that automatically frees up unneeded memory. C++ doesn't have that feature, so programmers must control it manually. Memory errors can cause serious bugs and even crashes.

"Memory allocations can create confusion and result in a buggy or poor-performing system," Beningo confirms.

There are plenty of good tools to detect memory leaks in C++ software.

Pros & Cons of Using C++ in Embedded Systems

Debunked Myths about C++

Experts say myths have often existed about using C++ for embedded systems. Myths include that C++ performs too slowly. That’s not true with properly written C++ code.

Here are some C++ myths and what’s the real story:

Myth: C++ produces bloated machine code, and C++ operates too slowly for embedded systems

Reality: Engineers can avoid bloated machine code with C++, and the language can run as quickly and efficiently as C.

Beningo explains, “Engineers can create code bloat and have performance issues if they're not careful. There are capabilities in the language that if you don't use a subset of it, you can really destroy your performance in an embedded system."

The crucial point is to avoid using some C++ features that can cause that bloat and aren't necessary in embedded systems, Beningo stresses.

Myth: C++, as a whole, doesn't work well in embedded systems.

Reality: C++ can work very well in many embedded systems, Beningo says, "as long as the developers know what they are doing and carefully monitor performance and memory usage."

Is C++ better than C for embedded systems?

Some experts believe C++ is often better for embedded systems. Others believe C is a better choice. Most pros say your choice of language depends on the system and how you use the language.

Beningo believes C++ is often better in many embedded systems. "You can leverage reuse, scalability, polymorphism, inheritance to design and build more scalable solutions."

"There is no absolute truth,” Qt's Pyssysalo points out. “It really depends on the use case and what you are developing."

Learn more about the wide range of programming languages that engineers can use in various embedded systems. You can also get insights and advice on creating an effective embedded system design process.

When you need embedded C++

Beningo believes C++ can work as well as or better than C in a wide range of embedded systems. C++ language's advantages are the templates, standard libraries, and similar tools that make it valuable in complex systems that engineers may want to rebuild across other formats and product lines. "If you're looking at a complex system and you say: We're going to scale it, we're going to use it across multiple product domains ... then you really should be using C++," he adds.

Should you learn C or C++ for embedded?

Both Beningo and Pyssysalo say engineers should learn both C and C++ if they want to work extensively in embedded systems.

"You need to know both: 80% of (embedded) systems are still written in C, so you have to know it,” Beningo advises. “But the remaining 20% percent is mostly C++."

Pyssysalo says he would definitely focus on learning C++ because when an engineer learns C++, they’re also learning most of C. "C++ is a superset of C. In learning C++, you have to know the C concepts,” he shares. “In the coming years, as engineers look to move among companies that produce embedded systems, knowing C++ will provide better markets for you to apply to a new job."

You can learn more about the range of skills an embedded engineer should learn for career success.

Is C++ the right language for your embedded project?

Experts say whether C++ is the right language for your embedded project depends on the details of your embedded system and what it needs to perform well.

Pyssysalo explains that the smallest microcontrollers with minimal memory in embedded systems often use C. However, embedded systems with powerful processors and larger memory limits—especially those with a GUI—are better candidates for C++.

Comparison of the top 6 embedded software programming languages

Here’s an overview of where the various programming languages excel and fall short based on need. You can read a detailed comparison of the top 6 embedded programming software languages, including C and C++.

★ is the lowest ranking while ★★★★★ is the highest.
1 Provides high level of connectivity and networking support when platform libraries included
2 Java Developer community exclusive of Android (low) and inclusive of Android (high)

Make sure you think about your GUI when choosing a programming language for an embedded system

Every embedded programming language has its advantages and disadvantages. And each language has different capabilities when it comes to handling the GUI requirements in some embedded systems. If your system needs a GUI, it's essential to understand a programming language's ability to make that work well.

Qt helps build your embedded system in C++ and beyond

Engineers who use C++ in embedded systems know that a major advantage of choosing that language is its extensive standard library. Qt includes a comprehensive set of C++ library classes to help you build an embedded system. It also offers a range of other features that make it the best solution to build embedded systems for connected devices with 3D and 2D user interfaces.

You can learn more about how to easily create a GUI for embedded devices using the declarative language QML and Qt Quick. Qt’s embedded product planning and requirements guide helps engineers understand how to approach building an embedded device. The handbook includes a detailed comparison of some of the top embedded software languages. You’ll also find a comparison table to help you choose the best technologies and tools to build your user interface.

The Embedded Product Planning and Requirements Guide

In this guide for IoT and embedded product planning, we examine the most important criteria to consider at the outset, compare a list of the most used technologies, and rate them in easy-to-compare categories.

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