In this lesson,
we will learn about specialized systems.
Specialized systems are unique purpose-built technologies
such as systems on a chip, embedded systems,
internet of things, devices, and wireless technologies.
Each of these specialized systems requires
tailored security measures due to their specific functions
and constraints.
System on a chip or SOC technology
integrates all necessary electronic components
into a single chip requiring security to be embedded
at the hardware level to protect
against physical and cyber threats.
Embedded systems are designed
to perform specific functions within larger devices
and must be securely configured
to prevent unauthorized access
and ensure reliable operation.
Next, IoT or internet of things devices
which are widely deployed
introduce significant security challenges
due to potential vulnerabilities in communication channels
and their extensive connectivity.
Finally, wireless technologies,
including RF or radio frequency play an important role
in connecting IoT devices to the network
and require strong encryption and security measures
to prevent unauthorized access.
Let's learn more about system on a chip
or SOC, embedded systems, internet of things
or IoT devices, and wireless technologies,
including radio frequency or RF.
First we have system on a chip or SOC.
System on a chip is an integrated circuit
that contains all the components of a computer system
on a single chip.
This includes the processor, memory, storage,
graphics processor, and peripherals like USB controllers,
power management circuits and wireless radios
for wifi or Bluetooth connectivity.
System on a chip designs are popular because they provide
high performance in a small form factor
with low power usage.
A great example of a system on a chip is a Raspberry Pi,
which fits a complete computer system onto a small chip,
allowing it to power various devices like smart TVs,
set top boxes and streaming sticks.
Systems on a chip are commonly embedded into devices
to enable features without needing multiple components.
For instance, if you use a Roku or Fire TV Stick,
you are experiencing the benefits of a system on a chip.
These small devices allow you to stream content,
connect to wifi, and handle video processing,
all while fitting into the size of a thumb drive.
By embedding all critical computing components
on a single chip, systems on a chip
make devices more compact and energy efficient.
The efficiency and versatility of systems on a chip
make them suitable for modern tech products
like smartphones, gaming consoles,
and even smart appliances.
Devices with system on a chip
are not only small and low power,
but are also powerful enough to perform advanced tasks
such as a streaming high definition video
or connecting multiple devices wirelessly.
As technology continues to evolve,
systems on a chip are driving innovation
by enabling smarter, more connected devices
across various industries.
Second, we have embedded systems.
Embedded systems are computing systems embedded
within other devices to perform specific functions.
Embedded systems are found in a wide range
of everyday objects from washing machines to medical devices
and even industrial machinery.
Unlike traditional computers, embedded systems are designed
for a dedicated purpose and often operate
with limited resources focusing on reliability
and efficiency rather than general purpose computing.
For example, the microcontrollers
inside your car's engine control system
or your home's smart thermostat are embedded systems.
These systems are designed
to take input process, data based on defined rules
and produce an output like adjusting the room temperature
or controlling engine performance.
Since embedded systems are designed to do one specific job,
they are often more efficient and cost effective
than using a full computer or operating system
to manage those tasks.
The key to embedded systems is there simplicity
and ability to work reliably under various conditions.
They often run on microcontrollers or systems on a chip
to reduce complexity and power consumption.
By integrating embedded systems into products,
manufacturers can improve functionality
without significantly increasing cost or power consumption,
making embedded technology important in modern electronics.
Third, we have internet of things, or IoT.
IoT refers to the global network of devices
that are connected to the internet,
allowing them to collect, send, and receive data.
These devices range from home automation systems
like smart thermostats and security cameras
to industrial machinery and healthcare equipment.
The defining feature of IoT devices
is that they use sensors and software
to interact with their environment
and communicate with other devices through the internet.
In smart homes IoT devices like smart lights, doorbells
and appliances are used to automate tasks
and make life more convenient.
For instance, you can control your lights remotely,
monitor security cameras in real time,
or even adjust your thermostat while away from home.
These devices can be controlled through a central hub
or smart assistant,
making it easy to manage them using a smartphone application
or even voice commands.
In industrial and commercial settings,
IoT enables monitoring and control of equipment
from a central location.
For example, a manufacturing plant might use IoT sensors
to monitor machinery performance and predict
when maintenance is needed, reducing downtime.
IoT is transforming industries by making systems
more efficient, scalable,
and responsive to realtime conditions.
Fourth and last, we have wireless technologies,
including radio frequency or RF.
Wireless technologies allow devices to communicate
without physical connections using radio waves
to transmit data between devices.
in IoT and embedded systems, wireless communication
plays a role enabling devices to connect
and exchange information over long distances
without the need for wires.
Radio frequency is one of the most commonly used
wireless technologies.
Radio frequency or RF signals transmit data
through electromagnetic waves over a range of frequencies.
For example, your wifi router uses RF to send data
between your internet connection
and devices like smartphones and laptops.
RF is also used in Bluetooth technology
enabling short range communication
between devices like wireless headphones and smartwatches.
Other wireless technologies include Zigbee and Z-Wave,
both used in home automation systems.
These protocols let smart devices like lights, locks,
and sensors communicate over low power wireless networks.
Comparing the two,
Zigbee uses a higher frequency of 2.4 gigahertz,
which allows for faster data transfer
and supports more devices making it good for bigger systems.
Z-Wave uses a lower frequency around 900 megahertz.
This lower frequency gives Z-Wave better range
and the ability to go through walls making it more reliable
in larger homes or buildings.
Based on the higher frequency range that they operate in,
Zigbee networks can sometimes face interference
from other devices that use the same 2.4 gigahertz band
like wifi routers.
Z-Wave networks, however,
are less likely to have this problem
because they use a lower frequency.
Overall, these wireless technologies enable smart devices
to connect without needing lots of wiring,
which makes them easy to set up and expand smart systems
in homes and businesses.
So remember, specialized systems are unique technologies
like systems on a chip, embedded systems,
internet of things devices,
and wireless technologies, including radio frequency.
Each of these systems has specific functions
and requires tailored security measures to protect them.
Systems on a chip integrate all necessary
computing components into a single chip.
Next, embedded systems are designed for dedicated purposes
within larger devices,
often running with limited resources for maximum efficiency.
Next, IoT or internet of things devices
connect to the internet,
enabling real-time data exchange
and are widely used in homes, industries, and healthcare.
And finally, wireless technologies
including radio frequency or RF,
allow devices to communicate without physical connections,
providing the foundation for many IoT
and embedded systems to work together efficiently.