Date First Published: 6th September 2023
Topic: Computer Systems
Subtopic: Computer Hardware
Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions
Difficulty: MediumDifficulty Level: 4/10
Learn about what an embedded device is in this article.
An embedded device, also known as an embedded system, is a specialised device responsible for performing a specific function. It is embedded within a computer system, meaning that the embedded device is responsible for supporting the computer system to meet its purpose. All embedded devices consist of hardware and software to allow the computer system to perform its tasks. Since the embedded system is dedicated to specific tasks, it can be optimised to reduce the size and cost of the product, increasing its reliability and performance.
For example, an ATM is an embedded device as the device is built-in and responsible for a specific purpose, which is depositing and withdrawing cash into a bank account. The operating system of an embedded device helps it to do its job. Other examples of embedded devices include dishwashers, microwaves, routers, MP3 players, digital watches, and traffic light controllers. Parking systems, drones, and aeroplanes consist of multiple embedded devices.
Embedded devices in some home and kitchen appliances can communicate with each other. For example, some modern refrigerators notify the user that there are no more eggs through the display in the microwave that the user is currently interacting with. Embedded devices in computers that are part of the system have to do specific tasks, so the system has to be designed with that functionality in mind.
The device hardware of embedded devices is usually quite small. It may only have an 8-bit microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, or a dedicated signal processor instead of a full-featured CPU. Embedded devices range from those low in complexity, with a single microcontroller chip, to very high complexity with multiple units, peripherals and networks.
Very complex embedded devices may be located in equipment racks or across large geographical areas connected using long-distance communications lines. In 2009, it was estimated that 98% of all manufactured microprocessors were used in embedded devices.
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