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Embedded systems
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Most computers are not laptops or phones. They are hidden inside washing machines, cars and traffic lights.
What is an embedded system?
An embedded system is a computer built into a larger device to do one dedicated job.
Examples: washing machine controller, microwave, car engine management, smart thermostat, fitness tracker, traffic lights.
Examples: washing machine controller, microwave, car engine management, smart thermostat, fitness tracker, traffic lights.
Typical features
Programmed for a specific task; the program is usually stored in ROM or flash memory (firmware).
Often small, cheap and low power.
Many respond in real time, reading sensors and controlling motors or displays.
Limited user interface: a few buttons or a small screen.
Often small, cheap and low power.
Many respond in real time, reading sensors and controlling motors or displays.
Limited user interface: a few buttons or a small screen.
Compared with a general-purpose computer
A laptop can run any program you install. An embedded system runs the one program it was built for.
This makes embedded systems reliable and efficient, but hard to upgrade.
This makes embedded systems reliable and efficient, but hard to upgrade.
Explain why a washing machine controller is an embedded system.
- It is a computer built into a larger device.
- It has one dedicated job: running wash programmes using sensors and motors.
Answer: It is a dedicated computer inside a larger device that controls one function.
An embedded system is a computer inside a larger device that performs one dedicated task. It is usually small, cheap, low power and stores its program in ROM or flash.
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