enbedded systemmAn embedded system is a computer system—a combination of a computer

processor, computer memory, and input/output peripheral devices—that has a dedicated function
within a larger mechanical or electrical system.[1][2] It is embedded as part of a complete device
often including electrical or electronic hardware and mechanical parts. Because an embedded
system typically controls physical operations of the machine that it is embedded within, it often
has real-time computing constraints. Embedded systems control many devices in common use
today.[3] Ninety-eight percent of all microprocessors manufactured are used in embedded
systems.[4]
Modern embedded systems are often based on microcontrollers (i.e. microprocessors with
integrated memory and peripheral interfaces), but ordinary microprocessors (using external chips
for memory and peripheral interface circuits) are also common, especially in more complex
systems. In either case, the processor(s) used may be types ranging from general purpose to
those specialized in certain class of computations, or even custom designed for the application at
hand. A common standard class of dedicated processors is the digital signal processor (DSP).
Since the embedded system is dedicated to specific tasks, design engineers can optimize it to
reduce the size and cost of the product and increase the reliability and performance. Some
embedded systems are mass-produced, benefiting from economies of scale.
Embedded systems range from portable devices such as digital watches and MP3 players, to
large stationary installations like traffic light controllers, programmable logic controllers, and large
complex systems like hybrid vehicles, medical imaging systems, and avionics. Complexity varies
from low, with a single microcontroller chip, to very high with multiple units, peripherals and
networks mounted inside a large equipment rack.

Contents

 1History
o 1.1Background
o 1.2Development
 2Applications
 3Characteristics
o 3.1User interface
o 3.2Processors in embedded systems
 3.2.1Ready-made computer boards
 3.2.2ASIC and FPGA solutions
o 3.3Peripherals
o 3.4Tools
 4Debugging
o 4.1Tracing
o 4.2Reliability
o 4.3High vs. low volume
 5Embedded software architectures
o 5.1Simple control loop
o 5.2Interrupt-controlled system
o 5.3Cooperative multitasking
o 5.4Preemptive multitasking or multi-threading
o 5.5Microkernels and exokernels
o 5.6Monolithic kernels
o 5.7Additional software components
o 5.8Domain-specific architectures
 6See also
 7Notes
 8References
 9Further reading
 10External links