Embedded System (Megatronics)

Anembedded systemis acomputer systemdesigned for specific control functions within a larger system, often withreal-time computingconstraints. It isembeddedas part of a complete device often including hardware and mechanical parts. By contrast, a general-purpose computer, such as apersonal computer(PC), is designed to be flexible and to meet a wide range of end-user needs. Embedded systems control many devices in common use today.

Embedded systems contain processing cores that are typically either microcontrollersordigital signal processors(DSP). The key characteristic, however, is being dedicated to handle a particular task. Since the embedded system is dedicated to specific tasks, design engineers can optimize it to reduce the size and cost of the product and increase the reliability and performance. Some embedded systems are mass-produced, benefiting fromeconomies of scale.

Physically, embedded systems range from portable devices such aswatches andMP3 players, to large stationary installations liketraffic lights,factory controllers, or the systems controllingnuclear power plants. Complexity varies from low, with a singlemicrocontrollerchip, to very high with multiple units,peripherals and networks mounted inside a largechassisor enclosure