embedded systems

• label

  A) specific

  B) wide range of

  C) firmware

  D) loaded

  E) software

  F) ROM

  G) secondary storage

  H) RAM

  I) limited

  J) function

  K) higher

  L) everyday tasks

  M) limited

  N) firmware

  O) spare

  P) range of

  Q) does not

  R) operating system

  
• • As well as general purpose computers, there are other types of computer system - embedded
  • An embedded system is a small computer that forms part of a larger system, device or machine. Its purpose is to control the device and to allow a user to interact with it. They tend to have one, or a limited number of tasks that they can perform.
  • They are small in size, use less power and lower cost

  Examples of embedded systems include:

  • central heating systems
  • dishwashers
  • washing machines
  • traffic lights
  • electronic calculators
• Embedded devices are not usually programmable by a user – usually done beforehand by manufacturer. However, often can upgrade software on an embedded device eg by installing the new software.

  Embedded systems can have advantages over general purpose computers in that:

  • Their limited number of functions means they are cheaper to design and build.
  • They tend to require less power. Some devices run from batteries.
  • They do not need much processing power. They can be built using cheaper, less powerful processors.