Embedded system is one that uses one or more microcomputers (that is, small to very, very small computers), running custom programs and connected to specialized hardware, to perform a dedicated set of functions. This can be contrasted with a general-purpose computer such as the familiar desktop or notebook, which are not designed to run only one dedicated program with one specialized set of hardware. It’s not a perfect definition, but it’s a start.
Some examples of embedded systems are:
- Alarm / security system
- Automobile cruise control
- Heating / air conditioning thermostat
- Microwave oven
- Anti-skid braking controller
- Traffic light controller
- Vending machine
- Gas pump
- Handheld Sudoku game
- Irrigation system controller
- Singing wall fish (or this gift season’s equivalent)
- Mars Rover
For the most part I have listed example embedded applications on the less-complex end of the spectrum, since this is after all a beginning tutorial. By the end of this tutorial you should have a good idea how most of these applications would be programmed, and in general terms what kinds of I/O, timing, interrupt and communications hardware and functionality they would require.
There are a few things worth noticing about the above list. While many embedded systems use fairly traditional user input-output devices (keypads, displays), many others do not. Also, many embedded systems interact directly with human beings, but others do not (we’re still waiting to see if the Mars Rover interacts directly with Martians)
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