Microcontrollers usually come in 6-bit, 8-bit, 16-bit or 32-bit sizes.The program stored in the memory executes the tasks for which the embedded system is designated.A microcontroller and a microprocessor are smart efficient devices that store the programming code within their memory.

These form the coreof an embedded system.

There are many options available when it comes to selecting hardware, according to different systems' requirements. The hardware of an embedded system is made up in large part of microcontrollers and microprocessors. The hardware is comprised of the mechanical or electronic parts required to form a complete circuit. The following are some of the absolute components used in embedded systems. To understand how everything fits together in an embedded system, it is useful to have a look at each of the components involved.

The first commercially introduced embedded system or microprocessor unit was the Intel 4004, released in 1971.

This was developed in 1960 by Dr Charles Stark for the Apollo Program.

The earliest knownembedded system is the Apollo guidance computer.

They are named 'embedded' systems because they always function as part of a complete device.Įmbedded systems were first developed in the latter half of the 20th century. In simple terms, an embedded system is a bit like a special-purpose computer that has been built into a device that is not generally considered to be a computer. But before diving deep into the sea of embedded systems, let's first define what an embedded system is.Īn embedded system can be defined as an isolated system, designed to perform a designated function with the help of its hardware and embedded software. That digital watch on your wrist, the microwave that you use for heating food, and the car that you drive every day - each of these is an embedded system. In fact, much of our technology is based on them.

We live in a world stuffed with embedded systems.

Embedded software examples