DEFINITION OF AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
An embedded system is a computer system designed for specific control functions within a larger system, often with real-time computing constraints. It is embedded as part of a complete device often including hardware and mechanical parts. By contrast, a general-purpose computer, such as a personal computer (PC), is designed to be flexible and to meet a wide range of end-user needs.
Evolution of Embedded System
The Minute-man I & II missiles are intercontinental ballistic nu-clear warheads, produced by Boeing in the 1960’s.Due to the large quantities of ICs used in the guidance system of Minuteman II missiles, prices for ICs fell from 1000$ each to 3$ each. This lead to wide adoption of embedded systems in consumer-electronics in the 1980’s.
Nowadays embedded systems can be found in devices from digital watches to traffic control systems. The broad range of applications with totally different requirements leads to various implementation approaches. The range of hardware used in embedded systems reaches from FPGAs to full blown desktop CPUs which are accompanied by special-purpose ICs such as DSPs.
No comments:
Post a Comment