Embedded Systems

Contents
  1. Embedded Systems & General Purpose Computers

1. Embedded Systems & General Purpose Computers

General Purpose Computers are those that can have many purposes and their purpose can be changed

Desktops, Laptops, and Smartphones are all general purpose computers - we can change the software they run easily. They can be used for playing games, browsing web pages, completing office work, watching videos

These only make up 2% of computers worldwide!

Embedded Systems

Embedded Systems are computers embedded within other devices

They have a narrow or singular purpose.

Examples include:

  • Washing Machines
  • Microwave
  • Thermostats
  • Bluetooth Speaker / Headphones
  • Smart Home Devices

Embedded systems are highly specialised:

  • Single or limited purpose – they usually only do one thing. Due to having a single purpose many do not have operating systems, instead we call the software that runs on them “Firmware”. Some Embedded systems are have to operate in real time.
  • Less processing power - you don’t need GHz to run temperature checks on a thermostat
  • Smaller - less memory, smaller CPUs, less complex parts means they can be physically smaller
  • Reliable - fewer parts, less complexity means they’re less likely to fail and crash
  • Use less energy - lower complexity, slower speeds means needing less power to run and they run cooler (they can every run on small batteries)
  • Cheaper - all the above leads to much lower manufacturing costs