How does an embedded system differ from a general-purpose computer?

A general-purpose computer such as a laptop can run many different programs. An embedded system runs one fixed program for a single purpose.

Why are embedded systems usually small and cheap?

An embedded system only needs enough processing power and memory for its one task. The processor, memory and input/output connections often fit on a single chip.

Why do embedded systems use little power?

An embedded processor is designed for one simple job and runs at a modest speed. Low power use matters for battery devices such as fitness trackers.

Where is the program of an embedded system usually stored?

The program is usually stored in read-only memory or flash memory on the chip. The program is kept when power is lost and runs as soon as the device starts.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 1CP2

Computational Thinking

Topic overview Decomposition, abstraction and subprograms Algorithms, flowcharts and pseudocode Operators and trace tables Logic errors, test data and efficiency Searching and sorting algorithms Truth tables

Data

Topic overview Binary, states and unsigned integers Two's complement Binary addition, overflow and shifts Hexadecimal ASCII and the limits of binary representation Bitmap images Sound sampling Storage units, file sizes and compression

Computers

Topic overview Von Neumann architecture and the fetch-decode-execute cycle Secondary storage: magnetic, optical and solid state Embedded systems Operating systems Utility software and robust software Low-level and high-level languages and translators

Networks

Topic overview LANs, WANs and the structure of the internet Wired and wireless connectivity and network speed Network protocols The four-layer TCP/IP model Bus, star and mesh topologies Network security and protection

Issues and Impact

Topic overview Environmental impact of digital devices Personal data: privacy, ownership and consent Artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics Intellectual property: copyright, patents, trademarks and licences Malware, hacking and social engineering Protecting digital systems and data

Problem Solving with Programming

Topic overview Readable code, debugging and testing Selection and loops in Python Data types, conversion, variables and constants String handling Lists, two-dimensional lists and records Keyboard input, screen output and CSV files Validation and authentication in Python Operators, functions and variable scope Turtle graphics

Computers

Embedded systems

3 things to know
Paper 1

Overview

What embedded systems are and how they differ from general-purpose computers, firmware, examples from thermostats, brakes and traffic lights, and the risks of connected devices.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Evaluation

How do embedded systems take input and give output, and what are their advantages?

Key term

What is an embedded system?

Key term

Give three examples of devices that contain an embedded system.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is an embedded system?
Model answer
An embedded system is a computer built into a larger device to control it. The system carries out one dedicated task or a small set of tasks.
2
Give three examples of devices that contain an embedded system.
Model answer
A washing machine, a microwave oven and a car's engine management system all contain embedded systems.
3
How does an embedded system differ from a general-purpose computer?
Model answer
A general-purpose computer such as a laptop can run many different programs. An embedded system runs one fixed program for a single purpose.
4
Why are embedded systems usually small and cheap?
Model answer
An embedded system only needs enough processing power and memory for its one task. The processor, memory and input/output connections often fit on a single chip.
5
Why do embedded systems use little power?
Model answer
An embedded processor is designed for one simple job and runs at a modest speed. Low power use matters for battery devices such as fitness trackers.
6
Where is the program of an embedded system usually stored?
Model answer
The program is usually stored in read-only memory or flash memory on the chip. The program is kept when power is lost and runs as soon as the device starts.

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