what is switch in Embedded system

Switches in Embedded Systems: A Comprehensive Guide

In an embedded system, a switch is typically a physical input device that allows the user to interact with the system. This can include buttons, switches, knobs, or other types of sensors that can detect user input.

Switches in embedded systems are often used to trigger specific actions or to control the flow of the program. For example, a button might be used to start or stop a motor, or to switch between different modes of operation. Switches can also be used to control the state of a system, such as turning on or off an LED or changing the brightness of a display.

In embedded programming, switches are often read as digital input signals. This involves configuring a microcontroller's GPIO pins to read the state of the switch, which is typically either "on" or "off". When the switch is pressed or activated, the GPIO pin reads a logic level of "1" or "high", and when it is not activated, it reads a logic level of "0" or "low". The state of the switch can then be used to trigger specific actions in the program or to control the system's behavior.

Some embedded systems also use switches as part of more complex input systems, such as keypads or touch screens. In these cases, the switches are typically read by a dedicated input controller, which translates the input into digital signals that can be read by the microcontroller. These types of input systems can be used to provide more advanced user interfaces or to enable more complex functionality in the system.