embedded systems
Chips inside appliances
Embedded systems are specialized computers built into larger devices to perform dedicated functions.
Unlike general-purpose computers, they're designed to do specific tasks reliably—controlling a car's brakes, running a washing machine, or managing a thermostat.
The hardware and software are tightly integrated, often with real-time constraints: The pacemaker's embedded system must respond within milliseconds.
Most electronic devices contain embedded systems, from microwaves to aircraft.
- microcontrollerIntegrated circuit with processor
- bare-metalDirect hardware access
- boot loaderProgram initiating operating system
- hardwareMetal goods and fittings
- real-timeOccurring without processing delay
microprocessor · robotics · firmware · device driver · sensor · assembly language · hardware abstraction · integrated circuits · actuator · peripherals · edge computing · power consumption · IoT · electronics · interrupt · interface · circuit · flash
- computerscomputer, computers, desktop, desktops, laptop
- computingcomputer, computers, software, hardware, code
- engineeringengineers, civil engineering, engineering, electrical engineering, blueprint
- IT systemssoftware, server, hardware, servers, databases
- critical systemsavionics, flight control, pacemakers, life support, nuclear reactors
- smart systemssmart home, smart grid, neural networks, smart meters, smart thermostat
embedded systemspersonal computers
Individual-use computing devices
desktop computers · supercomputers · workstations · mainframes · servers
embedded systemsstandalone systems
Self-sufficient computing arrangements
system, embed, systems, systematic, embedded, systematize, systematization, systematized, embeds