Embedded System can be defined as a computer system designed for performance of particular functions and it generally goes with real-time computing constraints. The system brings together mechanical, hardware and software parts with either programmable or fixed capabilities. Embedded systems are very particular and they are built to handle particular task.

The possible hosts of embedded systems are toys, vending machines, home appliances, PDAs, phones, video cameras, medical equipment, trains, airplanes, automobiles and industrial machines. Since embedded systems are being widely used in different industries, the scope of embedded system engineering has improved considerably, this has made many students to take up M. Tech in Embedded Systems, and this course is offered by the following government colleges/institutions in India:

• Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad

• Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur

• International Institute of Technology, Hyderabad

• International Institute of Technology, Bangalore

Even though, the number of government colleges offering this course is lesser, a number of private colleges are offering this course in India.

Eligibility requirement:

For seeking admission to the M.E/M. Tech course in Embedded Systems course, candidates must have completed their Bachelor of Technology or Engineering in branches like Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering. Since embedded systems is something related to the field of electronics and computers, candidates with appropriate branches of engineering at the UG level are eligible to apply to the embedded systems engineering course at the PG level.

Application of Embedded Systems:

In the last decade, the field of embedded systems has witnessed a tremendous growth and most of the fast developing sectors like electronic payment solutions, mobile communications, rail, space, aeronautics and automobile are slowing increasing the usage of embedded systems. One of the prominent reasons for the development and rise in the usage of embedded technologies is the greater value to mobility. Initially, embedded systems were used in business-critical, safety critical and large applications like air traffic control, telephone switches, energy production control and rocket and satellite control.

Embedded systems research and development is now concerned with a large proportion of advanced products designed in the world. In one way, this technology runs global transport industry that includes train, automotive, space and avionics; however, it is the appliances like cellular phones, audio systems, home appliances, televisions, toys and cameras that really are the visual interface of embedded systems for common consumers. Advanced embedded technologies are deployed in development of:

• Health (for mobile monitoring and hospital equipment)

• Security (for smart cards and e-commerce)

• Energy management (optimized use, distribution and production)

• Process control (factory automation and optimization and energy production)

• Telecommunications (telecom networks, mobile phones and satellites)

In the past few years, the focus of embedded technologies was on achieving feasibility, but now the trend is towards achievement of optimality, which means:

• Understanding of real world constraints like cost, power consumption, robustness, availability, reliability and hard deadlines

• Seamless integration with electronic and physical equipment

• Targeting the given market segment at the lowest delivery time possible and at the lowest cost

Scope of M.E/M. Tech in Embedded Systems:

Since embedded systems is being used in a wide range of industries as mentioned earlier, there is a wide scope of job opportunities in this fast growing sector.

What are the responsibilities of an embedded system professional?

An embedded system designer needs to be a multi-disciplinary engineer with broad background in electronic engineering and software programming. They must have the ability to implement procedures for controlling the target system efficiently. These professionals should be  able to manage projects for different categories.