An embedded system is a special-purpose
computer system designed to perform one or a few dedicated functions. It is usually embedded as part of a complete device including hardware and mechanical parts. In contrast, a general-purpose computer, such as a
personal computer, can do many different tasks depending on programming. Since the embedded system is dedicated to specific tasks, design engineers can optimize it, reducing the size and cost of the product, or increasing the reliability and performance. Some embedded systems are mass-produced, benefiting from
economies of scale.
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<
computer> Hardware and software which forms a component of some larger system and which is expected to function without human intervention.
A typical embedded system consists of a single-board
microcomputer with software in
ROM, which starts running some special purpose
application program as soon as it is turned on and will not stop until it is turned off (if ever).
An embedded system may include some kind of
operating system but often it will be simple enough to be written as a single program. It will not usually have any of the normal
peripherals such as a keyboard, monitor, serial connections, mass storage, etc. or any kind of user interface software unless these are required by the overall system of which it is a part. Often it must provide
real-time response.
Usenet newsgroup:
news:comp.arch.embedded.
(1995-04-12)
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