EMBEDDED SYSTEM

1. Introduction

Embedded Systems are components integrating software and hardware jointly and specifically designed to provide given functionalities.

A combination of computer hardware and software, and perhaps additional mechanical or other parts, designed to perform a dedicated function. In some cases, embedded systems are part of a larger system or product, as in the case of an antilock braking system in a car. Such equipment is electrical or battery powered. The chip controls one or more functions of the equipment, such as remembering how long it has-been since the device last received maintenance.

An Embedded System is a special-purpose computer system designed to perform one or a few dedicated functions, often with real- time computing constraints.

“An embedded system is an application that contains at least one programmable computer (typically in the form of a microcontroller, a microprocessor or digital signal processor chip) and which is used by individuals who are, in the main, unaware that the system is computer-based.

 Embedded systems are designed to do some specific task, rather than be a general-purpose computer for multiple tasks. Some also have real time performance constraints that must be met, for reason such as safety and usability; others may have low or no performance requirements, allowing the system hardware to be simplified to reduce costs.

An embedded system is not always a separate block – very often it is physically built-in to the device it is controlling. The software written for embedded systems is often called firmware, and is stored in read-only memory or flash convector chips rather than a disk drive. It often runs with limited computer hardware resources: small or no keyboard, screen, and little memory.