Microcontrollers: Unlocking Innovation in Embedded Systems
The global microcontroller market size is projected to hit $51.13 billion by 2028, predicts Fortune Business Insights. Already, these small yet mighty computing units are now embedded in an astounding 98% of all devices, playing a pivotal role in the evolution of modern technology. As companies strive for innovation, mastering the art of leveraging microcontrollers has become essential for success.
Understanding Microcontrollers
Microcontrollers are compact integrated circuits designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system. They typically include a processor, memory, and input/output peripherals, all in one small package. This versatility allows them to be embedded in various devices, from household appliances and automotive systems to medical devices and industrial equipment.
The rise of microcontrollers in software development is due in part to their cost-effectiveness and accessibility. As the price of microcontrollers has decreased, more businesses have integrated them into their products, enhancing functionality without significantly increasing costs.
The maturation of the development ecosystem has also paved the way for expanded use. With the advent of development boards from major manufacturers such as ST Microelectronics, Microchip Technology, Texas Instruments and NXP, even those with limited technical expertise now can create innovative projects. This democratization of technology has opened the floodgates for creativity and experimentation, encouraging a new generation of developers to explore the capabilities of microcontrollers.
Microcontrollers in Embedded Systems
The vast majority of microcontrollers are the unsung heroes of our everyday technology, operating silently and efficiently in the background. They power a wide array of applications, from automotive control systems and wearable tech to smart home devices and industrial automation. In fact, the next time you savor that rich, aromatic cup of coffee from your favorite barista or filling station, remember that microcontrollers played a crucial role in brewing it to perfection!
Product developers looking to push boundaries can harness the potential of microcontrollers in a variety of ways:
Enhancing User Experience
Microcontrollers can significantly enhance user experience through automation and personalization. For instance, the ubiquitous Nest thermostats contain microcontrollers, which are responsible for processing data, controlling the thermostat's functions, and enabling features like learning user preferences, connecting to Wi-Fi, and integrating with other smart home devices.
Improving Efficiency and Sustainability
In industrial applications, microcontrollers optimize processes and reduce waste. Siemens uses microcontrollers in its automation products to monitor energy consumption and equipment performance, allowing manufacturers to minimize downtime and enhance productivity.
Enabling Rapid Prototyping
Microcontrollers allow for rapid prototyping, exemplified by the use of Arduino boards in the Maker movement. Startups and hobbyists use Arduino to quickly develop and test ideas, such as automated irrigation systems that monitor soil moisture levels and adjust watering schedules accordingly.
ICS Innovates with Microcontrollers
At ICS, our expansive engineering team is equipped to handle everything from large platforms like Linux to specialized microcontroller applications. Currently, around 25% of our projects, spanning industrial controls to medical devices, incorporate microcontrollers—often multiple ones per system.
For instance, ICS helped develop a revolutionary Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) system that contains three separate microcontrollers. Designed to keep donated lungs healthy during transport, the EVLP system can take organs that would otherwise have been discarded and actually convert them to usable organs, preserving them in a near-physiologic state for transplant. With this system, surgeons are able to transplant more organs thereby helping mitigate the nation’s critical organ shortage.
The EVLP’s three microcontrollers each serve a critical function: one controls ventilation, one controls perfusion, and one serves as a safety processor to monitor the system. All three, from ST Microelectronics, communicate with the Class III device’s main user interface (UI) platform, ensuring the entire perfusion process is seamless.
Another example of a microcontroller-centric product we’ve worked on: an induction heater used to warm samples in a PCR machine, a laboratory instrument that amplifies DNA or RNA fragments for disease diagnosis. In this case, the induction heater is entirely powered by microcontrollers, from the UI down to real-time control.
Speaking of UIs, ICS excels in designing for the compact screens typical of microcontroller-driven products, particularly medical devices. We have a keen understanding of the unique challenges that come with displays in the 4.3" to 7" range. Unlike larger tablet or desktop applications, small screens often require a greater number of thoughtfully crafted screens to maximize limited real estate.
Our expertise allows us to create intuitive, user-friendly displays that enhance the user experience—meaning you might not need to invest in a premium Linux-based system just to accommodate your display needs.
The Future of Microcontrollers: Integrating AI
The next frontier lies in the intersection of microcontrollers and artificial intelligence (AI) – and ICS is exploring the integration of microcontrollers with AI to open new avenues for innovation. For example, AI-enabled microcontrollers can predict equipment failures by analyzing operational data, allowing for proactive maintenance that minimizes downtime and cuts costs. With advancements in TinyML (tiny machine learning), devices can perform analytics without relying on cloud servers. This not only enhances processing speed but also bolsters privacy by reducing the risk of data breaches.
By harnessing the power of microcontrollers and integrating them with AI, businesses of all sizes can create smarter products, enhance user experiences, improve operational efficiency, and bolster cybersecurity. The future of technology is bright, and microcontrollers are leading the way.
If you’re considering developing with microcontrollers – or are in the midst of a microcontroller project and need assistance – reach out to us. And don’t miss our four-part series The Smart Revolution: Developing with Microcontrollers. We can help you drive innovation and accelerate your journey toward product success.