B3.4E Wireless communication in embedded systems (HL only)

Embedded Systems Pick A Wireless Protocol By Trading Range, Speed And Power

1. Embedded systems, defined in A3.4, are small computers built into products, from smartphones to industrial machinery.
2. They are usually resource-constrained, with only limited processing power, memory and energy.
3. That makes efficient communication protocols essential: a device cannot afford to waste power or memory sending data inefficiently.
4. Communication matters for three reasons:
   1. Interconnectivity: the system can exchange data with other devices.
   2. Functionality: that unlocks remote monitoring, control and data sharing.
   3. The right protocol keeps this communication both reliable and efficient.

Wi-Fi

1. Wi-Fi carries data quickly over a medium range, typically 20 to 50 metres indoors, at speeds reaching around 1 Gbps with newer standards.
2. It is fast, widely supported and secure, ideal for streaming, file transfer and smart home devices.
3. The trade-off is power: Wi-Fi draws a lot of it and can interfere with other devices, so it suits products that are mains-powered or often recharged rather than tiny battery devices.

Bluetooth

1. Bluetooth works over a short range, usually up to about 10 metres, at more modest speeds of around 2 Mbps with Bluetooth 5.
2. What it gives up in range and data rate it makes up for in power: it uses very little, and devices pair easily.
3. That makes it perfect for wireless headphones, wearables and smart locks.

5G And Choosing The Right Protocol

1. 5G reaches across a wide area through the cellular network of mobile towers, and it is very fast, from 1 to 10 Gbps, with low latency.
2. That combination suits real-time, wide-area applications such as smart cities, autonomous vehicles and mobile devices connected to the Internet of Things.
3. Its costs are the need for significant network infrastructure, which is not available everywhere, and an energy use higher than Bluetooth.