Applied Embedded Electronics

Chapter 13. Special Systems and Applications

Special systems are sectors of the electronics industry that focus on specific products or customer groups. Some sectors have different design priorities or require an entirely different approach to product design due to the application environment or regulatory requirements.

If designers are creating an embedded system for applications in aviation, outer space, military, or medical devices, they are entering a realm of highly regulated products. These devices are qualified and certified only after a suite of required testing. In many cases, the entire design flow including concept, design, testing, and implementation also requires a paper trail of design checks and sign-offs. As well, many sectors also require tight controls on materials, components, and methods utilized in manufacturing.

The upside here is that some devices in these sectors are not constrained by price point. The efforts and expenses incurred to create a regulated product are reflected in a higher price. Other sectors are tightly regulated and require low unit cost, adding challenges to creating a viable product.

Still other sectors, such as automotive and consumer electronics, pay more attention to final cost, recognizing that quality and reliability are important but that final product price often determines successful sales volumes.

The sectors discussed here are ones that I’ve done product R&D for. This chapter can’t make anyone a sector expert, but it should ...