Embedded Systems
What is an embedded system?
- An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function, inside a larger mechanical unit
- A non-embedded system is a computer system with multiple functions, referred to a general-purpose machine
- Examples of embedded systems include
- Heating thermostats
- Hospital equipment
- Washing machines
- Dishwashers
- Coffee machines
- Satellite navigation systems
- Factory Equipment
- Traffic lights
What are the properties of an embedded system?
- An embedded system compared to a non-embedded system is typically:
- smaller in size
- lower power
- lower cost
- lower processing power
- lower memory
Exam Tip
Always use key examples from the list above and don’t try to use different examples such as a fridge or kettle as these will not appear on mark schemes because although they have a single purpose, most fridges and kettles do not have a CPU.
Worked example
Describe two differences between an embedded system and a non-embedded system [2]
Answer
- embedded systems have a specific purpose while non-embedded systems are general-purpose
- embedded systems (tend to) have smaller amounts of memory than non-embedded systems
- embedded systems (tend to) have less processing power than non-embedded systems
- embedded systems are built into a specific device while non-embedded systems are not
- embedded systems (tend to) have a higher proportion of ROM than non-embedded systems
Guidance
- can be opposites of above
