An embedded system is a combination of computer hardware and software, and perhaps
additional mechanical or other parts, designed to perform a specific function. A good example
is the microwave oven. Almost every household has one, and tens of millions of them are
used every day, but very few people realize that a processor and software are involved in the
preparation of their lunch or dinner.
This is in direct contrast to the personal computer in the family room. It too is comprised of
computer hardware and software and mechanical components (disk drives, for example).
However, a personal computer is not designed to perform a specific function. Rather, it is able
to do many different things. Many people use the term general-purpose computer to make
this distinction clear. As shipped, a general-purpose computer is a blank slate; the
manufacturer does not know what the customer will do with it. One customer may use it for a
network file server, another may use it exclusively for playing games, and a third may use it
to write the next great American novel.
Frequently, an embedded system is a component within some larger system. For example, modern cars and
trucks contain many embedded systems. One embedded system controls the anti-lock brakes, another monitors
and controls the vehicle's emissions, and a third displays information on the dashboard. In some cases, these
embedded systems are connected by some sort of a communications network, but that is certainly not a
requirement.
At the possible risk of confusing you, it is important to point out that a general-purpose computer is itself made
up of numerous embedded systems. For example, my computer consists of a keyboard, mouse, video card,
Programming Embedded Systems in C and C++
modem, hard drive, floppy drive, and sound card-each of which is an embedded system. Each of these devices
contains a processor and software and is designed to perform a specific function. For example, the modem is
designed to send and receive digital data over an analog telephone line. That's it. And all of the other devices can
be summarized in a single sentence as well.
If an embedded system is designed well, the existence of the processor and software could be completely
unnoticed by a user of the device. Such is the case for a microwave oven, VCR, or alarm clock. In some cases, it
would even be possible to build an equivalent device that does not contain the processor and software. This
could be done by replacing the combination with a custom integrated circuit that performs the same functions in
hardware. However, a lot of flexibility is lost when a design is hard-coded in this way. It is much easier, and
cheaper, to change a few lines of software than to redesign a piece of custom hardware.
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additional mechanical or other parts, designed to perform a specific function. A good example
is the microwave oven. Almost every household has one, and tens of millions of them are
used every day, but very few people realize that a processor and software are involved in the
preparation of their lunch or dinner.
This is in direct contrast to the personal computer in the family room. It too is comprised of
computer hardware and software and mechanical components (disk drives, for example).
However, a personal computer is not designed to perform a specific function. Rather, it is able
to do many different things. Many people use the term general-purpose computer to make
this distinction clear. As shipped, a general-purpose computer is a blank slate; the
manufacturer does not know what the customer will do with it. One customer may use it for a
network file server, another may use it exclusively for playing games, and a third may use it
to write the next great American novel.
Frequently, an embedded system is a component within some larger system. For example, modern cars and
trucks contain many embedded systems. One embedded system controls the anti-lock brakes, another monitors
and controls the vehicle's emissions, and a third displays information on the dashboard. In some cases, these
embedded systems are connected by some sort of a communications network, but that is certainly not a
requirement.
At the possible risk of confusing you, it is important to point out that a general-purpose computer is itself made
up of numerous embedded systems. For example, my computer consists of a keyboard, mouse, video card,
Programming Embedded Systems in C and C++
modem, hard drive, floppy drive, and sound card-each of which is an embedded system. Each of these devices
contains a processor and software and is designed to perform a specific function. For example, the modem is
designed to send and receive digital data over an analog telephone line. That's it. And all of the other devices can
be summarized in a single sentence as well.
If an embedded system is designed well, the existence of the processor and software could be completely
unnoticed by a user of the device. Such is the case for a microwave oven, VCR, or alarm clock. In some cases, it
would even be possible to build an equivalent device that does not contain the processor and software. This
could be done by replacing the combination with a custom integrated circuit that performs the same functions in
hardware. However, a lot of flexibility is lost when a design is hard-coded in this way. It is much easier, and
cheaper, to change a few lines of software than to redesign a piece of custom hardware.
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