Embedded Systems
From Go Embedded! Knowledgebase
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[edit] Embedded Systems
A general-purpose computing system like a PC is not designed to perform a specific function. In fact it has the ability to do many different things. While manufacturing such a system, the Manufacturer does not know what will be the end use(s) of the machine. One person may use the same system for storing inventory data, someone else may use it for playing movies and music and some may put it to use as a web server. Contrasted with this, an Embedded System is typically designed with a specific purpose in mind. For example, one Embedded System may be designed to control flow coal on a conveyor belt in a Power Plant. Another Embedded System detect and report the height of an airplane. Yet another Embedded System is a Firewall that protects corporate network from hackers. Many Consumer Electronic devices, like music players (iPOD), remote controls, TV Set-Top-Boxes, digital cameras, medical diagnostics like Ultra sonograph, microwave ovens, washing machines, cellphones etc. also contain Embedded Systems. Often, several Embedded Systems may be contained in one large system. e.g. an airplane may contain hundreds of Embedded Systems performing variety of tasks like Communication, Navigation, Fuel monitoring etc. As you can see, Embedded Systems have applications in wide ranging fields.
