Any electronic system that uses a computer chip, but that is not a general-purpose workstation, desktop or laptop computer. Such systems use microcontrollers (MCUs) or microprocessors (MPUs), or they may use custom-designed chips. They are employed in automobiles, planes, trains, space vehicles, machine tools, cameras, consumer electronics, office appliances, cellphones, PDAs and other handhelds as well as robots and toys. Literally, billions of embedded systems are shipped every year for myriad applications. Low-cost consumer products can use microcontroller chips that cost less than a dollar.
All Kinds of Operating Systems
There are embedded versions of Linux and Windows as well as other commercial and proprietary operating systems for controlling embedded systems. Such systems typically have limited storage, and an embedded OS is designed to work in much less memory than desktop and laptop operating systems.
Programs Are in Firmware
In embedded systems, the software typically resides in firmware, such as a flash memory or read-only memory (ROM) chip, in contrast to a general-purpose computer that loads its programs into random access memory (RAM) each time.
Sometimes, single board and rack mounted general-purpose computers are called "embedded computers" if used to control a single printer, drill press or other such device. See embedded market, smart car, Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded, Embedded Linux and embedded language.
Embedded Systems
These are the systems in a 1998 Volvo S80, all of which were linked via two networks and controlled by a central module. Thirty years earlier, the Volkswagen 1600 used a microprocessor to control its fuel injection, making it the first embedded system in the auto industry. Today, a car's electronics cost more than the steel used to build it, and high-end cars can have more than 100 CPUs.
Embedded in a Shoe!
The microprocessor embedded in this adidas running shoe calculates the pressure between the runner's foot and the ground five million times per second and continuously changes the cushioning to match an adjustable comfort level. The computer controls a motor that lengthens and shortens a cable attached to a plastic cushioning element. (Image courtesy of adidas-Salomon AG.)
All Kinds of Operating Systems
There are embedded versions of Linux and Windows as well as other commercial and proprietary operating systems for controlling embedded systems. Such systems typically have limited storage, and an embedded OS is designed to work in much less memory than desktop and laptop operating systems.
Programs Are in Firmware
In embedded systems, the software typically resides in firmware, such as a flash memory or read-only memory (ROM) chip, in contrast to a general-purpose computer that loads its programs into random access memory (RAM) each time.
Sometimes, single board and rack mounted general-purpose computers are called "embedded computers" if used to control a single printer, drill press or other such device. See embedded market, smart car, Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded, Embedded Linux and embedded language.
Embedded Systems
These are the systems in a 1998 Volvo S80, all of which were linked via two networks and controlled by a central module. Thirty years earlier, the Volkswagen 1600 used a microprocessor to control its fuel injection, making it the first embedded system in the auto industry. Today, a car's electronics cost more than the steel used to build it, and high-end cars can have more than 100 CPUs.
Embedded in a Shoe!
The microprocessor embedded in this adidas running shoe calculates the pressure between the runner's foot and the ground five million times per second and continuously changes the cushioning to match an adjustable comfort level. The computer controls a motor that lengthens and shortens a cable attached to a plastic cushioning element. (Image courtesy of adidas-Salomon AG.)
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
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