1.1.3.Embedded Systems

What is meant by the term 'embedded system'?

• A system built into a smart building
• A virtual system within a system
• A type of system designed to control other systems
• System with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical/electrical system

Which of the following is NOT a feature of embedded systems?

• Includes a simple or no user interface
• Typically designed for a single purpose
• Capable of carrying out a wide variety of tasks
• Often resource limited

Which of the following devices found in the home is NOT an embedded system?

• Central heating boiler
• Electronic coffee maker
• Washing machine
• Personal laptop

Embedded systems often have a self-reset function that triggers in the event of data loss or corruption, and can also be triggered periodically by an internal timer. Why is this a requirement?

• Lower grade components are used with embedded systems to keep the cost down
• Embedded systems can be used in places that may not by physically accessible
• Embedded systems malfunction more frequently than PCs because of the specific hardware used
• Embedded system programs are likely to have unresolved bugs

Embedded systems usually avoid using hard disks in favour of flash memory. Why is that?

• Embedded programs require lower performance CPUs
• Moving parts are less reliable than solid-state components which are also more robust
• Embedded systems require components that are more compatible with other hardware
• Dedicated hardware does not work with hard disks

Why could a satellite television decoder set-top-box perform the same task more quickly than a high specification PC?

• It has a smaller memory
• It has fewer peripherals to control
• Simplified hardware is dedicated to the task
• It doesn't need a hard disk

A washing machine is an example of an Embedded System

• True
• False

A laptop is an example of an Embedded System

• True
• False

A mobile phone is an example of an Embedded System

• True
• False

What is an embedded system?

• A computer system that has many different purposes
• A computer system that can be upgraded
• A computer system that has one single purpose
• A computer system with an operating system