5. OCR GCSE (J277) 1.1 Embedded systems

Summary

This video delves into embedded systems, computers with a specific function within larger systems. Key features include low power, small size, and low cost. Examples range from portable devices like digital watches to complex systems in vehicles and hospitals. They're often based on microcontrollers or CPUs, designed for efficiency and reliability, with programming challenges due to limited resources.

Takeaways

• 💻 **Definition**: An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical and electrical system.
• 🌟 **Prevalence**: 98% of all processors are used in embedded systems.
• 🚀 **Historical Example**: The Apollo guidance computer was an early example of an embedded system.
• 📱 **Diversity**: Embedded systems range from portable devices like digital watches to large installations such as traffic lights.
• 🏭 **Applications**: They are used in various sectors including hospitals, automotive, and industrial controls.
• 🔩 **Components**: Modern embedded systems are often based on microcontrollers or CPUs with integrated memory.
• 🔋 **Characteristics**: They are known for low power consumption, small size, and low per-unit cost.
• 🛠️ **Customization**: Systems are often custom-designed for specific applications.
• 💾 **Limitations**: Limited processing resources can make programming and interaction more challenging.
• 🔧 **Optimization**: Design engineers optimize embedded systems for size, cost, reliability, and performance.
• ☕ **Production**: Some embedded systems like coffee machines are mass-produced, benefiting from economies of scale.

Q & A

What is an embedded system?

An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function, designed to be part of a larger mechanical or electrical system.

What percentage of all processors are used in embedded systems?

Ninety-eight per cent of all processors are manufactured as components of embedded systems.

Can you provide an early example of an embedded system?

One of the earliest examples of an embedded system was the Apollo guidance computer used for the moon missions.

What is the range of applications for embedded systems?

Embedded systems can range from portable devices like digital watches and MP3 players to large installations such as traffic lights, factory controllers, and complex systems like hybrid vehicles, MRI, and avionics.

What are some common components of modern embedded systems?

Modern embedded systems are often based on microcontrollers, CPUs with integrated memory, and ordinary microprocessors, especially in more complex systems.

Why are embedded systems often custom-designed?

Embedded systems are often custom-designed for the specific application at hand to optimize performance, reduce size and cost, and increase reliability.

What are some typical properties of embedded computers compared to general-purpose computers?

Typical properties of embedded computers include low power consumption, small size, rugged operating systems, and low per-unit cost.

What is the trade-off for having an embedded system optimized for a specific task?

The trade-off for having an embedded system optimized for a specific task is limited processing resources, which can make them more difficult to program and interact with.

How do design engineers benefit from the dedicated nature of embedded systems?

Design engineers can optimize embedded systems to reduce the size and cost of the product and increase the reliability and performance, tailored to a specific task.

What are some examples of mass-produced embedded systems?

Some mass-produced embedded systems include coffee machines, which benefit from economies of scale due to their large-scale production.

What are some common examples of embedded systems mentioned in the video?

Common examples of embedded systems mentioned in the video include traffic lights, domestic appliances, factory equipment, engine management systems, and hospital equipment.