Modern cars commonly consist of many

computers (sometimes as many as 100), or embedded

systems, designed to perform different tasks within the

vehicle. Some of these systems perform basic utility

functions and others provide entertainment or user-facing

functions. Some embedded systems in consumer vehicles

include cruise control, backup sensors, suspension control,

navigation systems and airbag systems.

These consist of many embedded systems,

including GUI software and hardware, operating systems

(OSes), cameras, microphones, and USB (Universal Serial

Bus) I/O (input/output) modules.

They can contain embedded

systems, like sensors, and can be embedded systems

themselves. Industrial machines often have embedded

automation systems that perform specific monitoring and

control functions.

These may contain embedded

systems like sensors and control mechanisms. Medical

equipment, such as industrial machines, also must be very

user-friendly so that human health isn't jeopardized by

preventable machine mistakes. This means they'll often

include a more complex OS and GUI designed for an

appropriate UI.

Embedded systems always function as part of a complete device -- that's what's meant by the

term embedded. They are high-cost, high-power-consuming, large computers that are embedded in

other mechanical or electrical systems.

Software and firmware. -

are very similar to microcontrollers and, typically, refer to a CPU (central processing unit) that is integrated with other

basic computing components such as memory chips and digital signal processors (DSPs).

Software and firmware. Software for embedded systems can vary in complexity. However, industrial-grade

microcontrollers and embedded IoT systems usually run very simple software that requires little memory.

Real-time operating system - These are not always included in embedded systems, especially smaller-scale systems.

RTOSes define how the system works by supervising the software and setting rules during program execution.

- convert physical sense data into an electrical signal.

-converters change an analog electrical signal into a digital one.

- process digital signals and store them in memory.

- converters change the digital data from the processor into analog data.

- compare actual output to memory-stored output and choose the correct one.

- are small-sized systems that are designed to be portable. Digital cameras are an example of this.

- are connected to a network to provide output to other systems. Examples include

home security systems and point of sale (POS) systems.

- are not reliant on a host system. Like any embedded system, they perform a

specialized task. However, they do not necessarily belong to a host system, unlike other embedded systems. A

calculator or MP3 player is an example of this.

- give the required output in a defined time interval. They are often used in medical,

industrial and military sectors because they are responsible for time-critical tasks. A traffic control system is an

example of this.

- often use no more than an 8-bit microcontroller.

- use a larger microcontroller (16-32 bit) and often link

microcontrollers together.

- often use several algorithms that result in software and

hardware complexities and may require more complex software, a configurable processor and/or a

programmable logic array.

- have two loops: a main one and a secondary one. Interruptions in the loops

trigger tasks.

- is essentially a simple control loop located in an application programming

interface (API).

- is often used with an RTOS and features synchronization and

task switching strategies.