An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system, often with real-time computing constraints. It is embedded as part of a complete device often including hardware and mechanical parts. Embedded systems control many devices in common use today.
Properties typical of embedded computers when compared with
general-purpose ones are e.g. low power consumption, small size, rugged
operating ranges and low per-unit cost. This comes at the price of
limited processing resources, which make them significantly more
difficult to program and to interface with. However, by building
intelligence mechanisms on the top of the hardware, taking advantage of
possible existing sensors and the existence of a network of embedded
units, one can both optimally manage available resources at the unit and
network levels as well as provide augmented functionalities, well
beyond those available. For example, intelligent techniques can be designed to manage power consumption of embedded systems.
