Embedded Division > What is an Embedded System?

At Hash Solutions, when a new client approaches us, inevitably one of the first questions that we are asked is: "What is an Embedded System?". We are asked this question so often that we decided to dedicate this page to answer that very same question.

According to Wikipedia, Embedded Systems are defined as follows:

An embedded system is a special-purpose computer system designed to perform one or a few dedicated functions, often with real-time computing constraints. It is usually embedded as part of a complete device including hardware and mechanical parts. In contrast, a general-purpose computer, such as a personal computer, can do many different tasks depending on programming. Embedded systems control many of the common devices in use today.

What that means is this: Embedded systems encompass most of the specific appliances/equipments that you use in daily life. For example, your car, your refrigerator, your television, all contain embedded systems in one form or the other because they contain specific-purpose computers that perform only limited functions - but do those functions extremely well. Designing and developing an embedded system is a highly specialized area of expertise and requires knowledge of both software as well as embedded electronics.