5.3 Embedded Systems
Embedded systems are computers that are designed to perform a narrow range of functions as part of a larger system. Typically, an embedded system is housed on a single microprocessor chip with the programs stored in ROM. Virtually all appliances that have a digital interface—watches, microwaves, VCRs, cars—utilize embedded systems. In fact, embedded systems are everywhere: From consumer electronics to kitchen appliances, to automobiles, to networking equipment, to industrial control systems, you find embedded systems lurking in the device. Some embedded systems include an operating system, but many are so specialized that the entire logic can be implemented as a single program.5
Early embedded systems were stand-alone ...
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