The document provides an overview of embedded systems, including their definition, characteristics, and application areas. Some key points:
- Embedded systems are computing devices that perform specific tasks, unlike general purpose computers. They have limited resources and fixed functionality.
- Embedded systems are widely used in consumer electronics, industrial automation, medical devices, networking equipment, wireless technologies, testing/measurement, security, and finance. Nearly all processors are used in embedded systems.
- The typical architecture of an embedded system includes a central processing unit, memory, input/output devices, communication interfaces, and application-specific circuitry running embedded software. Smaller systems may not require an operating system.