1.1.3 Embedded Systems

What is an embedded system?

A computer system that is designed to perform specific, dedicated functions within a larger mechanical or electronic system.

Embedded systems are designed to carry out a small number of _______ tasks very _________.

specific, efficiently

What are some examples of embedded systems?

• Washing machine

• Electronic car systems

• Coffee machine

• Bluetooth Speaker

• Digital microwave

• Watches

• Fitness trackers

• Vacuum robot

Give three examples of what embedded systems could do inside a washing machine.

Control water temperature, cycle timing, and motor speed.

Modern embedded systems usually contain a _________, which consists of a central processing unit (___) to process data, as well as a fixed amount of ____ and ____.

microcontroller, CPU, RAM, ROM

Why can embedded systems have a number of benefits?

They are specialised to the tasks they perform.

What are some benefits of embedded systems?

• Highly efficient at performing tasks

• Extremely reliable

• Easy to design

• Cheap to produce

• Compact in size

• Low in power consumption

Most embedded systems have a very simple or even no _____ ________.

user interface

Embedded systems have very limited _________ systems.

operating

A car has a ‘Follow Me’ system that uses a cruise control feature to allow the car to follow the car in front of it. It will keep the same speed and distance without the driver’s intervention. The cruise control system is an example of an embedded system. Explain the reasons why the ‘Follow Me’ system is an example of an embedded system.

Its has a specific purpose and it is built within a car. It has its own hardware and a microprocessor. It has a built-in operating system so it's instructions are hard to update. It is also automated.

A car comes with many embedded systems, for example parking sensors. Identify one other embedded system that could be found in a car and explain why this is an embedded system.

Auto lights. It has limited functions (e.g. the system only checks the light and turns lights on/off) It also had a dedicated microprocessor (e.g. there is a microprocessor that is only checking the lights)

The following paragraph describes embedded systems. Complete the paragraph by selecting terms from the list and writing them in the correct places. Not all terms are used.

Embedded systems have limited ........................................................ They are often built into a ........................................................ machine. Two examples of embedded systems are a ........................................................ and automated ........................................................ in a car.

functions, larger, washing machine, lights