Embedded Systems

Embedded Systems

1. an embedded system is one that is designed to do a specific job, usually as part of a bigger system that might have other electrical or mechanical elements e.g. a washing machine

2. they are often cheap and low power devices using simple technology and limited memory

3. they often uses sensors of some kind

4. recently wireless technology, the internet and embedded systems have come together so that devices can now communicate and be accessed and controlled via the internet

   • examples
     • printers in schools might automatically order new toner when it is getting low
     • electricity meter might automatically send readings to the supplier via the internet

5. components in an embedded systems

   • processor
   • memory
   • input and output interfaces

6. they are called real-time systems because they must ensure an immediate response in order for the system to react to different situations

   • e.g. when the button is pressed on a camera or when the brakes are applied in a car