Embedded Systems vs General Computing Systems

This set of flashcards covers key concepts, definitions, and characteristics of Embedded Systems and General Computing Systems as discussed in the lecture notes.

Embedded System

An Electronic/Electro mechanical system designed to perform a specific function, combining both hardware and firmware.

General Purpose Computing System

A system that combines generic hardware with a General Purpose Operating System to execute various applications.

Deterministic Behavior

The predictable and repeatable nature of a system's response, crucial for certain embedded systems.

Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)

The expected time between failures of a system, measured in hours, weeks, or months.

Mean Time To Repair (MTTR)

The time allowed for a system to be repaired after a failure.

Quality Attributes of Embedded Systems

Characteristics including response, throughput, reliability, maintainability, security, and safety.

Response

A measure of how quickly a system can track changes in inputs, critical in real-time operations.

Throughput

The efficiency or rate of processing, often measured as transactions per second.

Reliability

The degree to which a system performs correctly over time, often indicated by MTBF and MTTR.

Safety

Protection against harm to users or the environment if an embedded system fails.

Application Areas of Embedded Systems

Includes consumer electronics, household appliances, automotive, telecom, healthcare, and more.

Operational Quality Attributes

Quality attributes relevant when the embedded system is in operational mode, such as response, throughput, and reliability.

Non-Functional Requirements

Requirements that include performance, cost, and power consumption, separate from the functional needs of the system.

Evolvability

The ease with which an embedded product can be modified to utilize new firmware or hardware technologies.

Small Scale Embedded Systems

A classification of embedded systems based on their complexity, intended for simple applications.

Hard Real Time Systems

Embedded systems where response time is highly critical and deterministic execution is required.