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What is an embedded computer system?

It is any device that includes a programmable computer but is not itself intended to be a general purpose computer.

Example : Fax machine, Clock etc.

Characteristics of Embedded Computing Applications

Complex Algorithms: The operations performed by the microprocessor may be very sophisticated and may involve complex programs and algorithms. For example, in automobiles, the microprocessor has to perform complicated filtering functions to optimize the performance of the car.

User Interface: Microprocessors are frequently used to control complex user interfaces that may include multiple menus and many options. For example, GPS Navigation.

Real Time: Many embedded computing systems have to perform in real time, i.e, if the data is not ready by a certain deadline, the system breaks. In some cases, failure to meet deadlines may be unsafe and may even endanger lives while in other cases, it may not create safety issues but will create a lot of inconvenience.

Multi-Rate: The systems have several real time activities going on at the same time. They may simultaneously control some operations that run at slow rates and others that run at high rates and they have to find a way to synchronize all of them. For example, Multimedia applications.

Manufacturing Cost: Manufacturing cost is the total cost of building the system. It is determined by many factors, including the type of microprocessor used, the amount of memory required, and the types of I/O devices.

Power and Energy: Power consumption directly affects the cost of the hardware and Energy consumption affects the battery life, which is important in many applications.

Challenges in Embedded Computing System Design