Hardly we can find any difference between General purpose computer and Embedded systems when we glance over the capabilities. Basically both are computing systems, both have the combination of software and hardware. But still why there is a separate field called as "Embedded systems" other than the General purpose computers/ personal computers?
But if we get in to the detail based on the different integral parts of the system we can list few important differences.
No | Characteristics | Embedded System | General Processing Computing System |
1 | Product quality/performance | Sophisticated | General |
2 | Presence in a system | Usually it will be a small part of a large system | Whole system |
3 | Time constraint | Output should be available in the specified of time else it may lead to failure | No such strict rule for most of the task |
4 | Flexibility | Less flexible for modifications as it is developed for specific purpose | More flexible for up gradation |
5 | Input/ Output | Nonstandard input output devices. | Standard input output devices |
6 | System software's used for development | Generally cross compilers and cross assemblers, RTOS | compilers, assemblers, OS etc |
7 | Power | Demands low power consumption to sustain in the market | Less restriction. |
8 | Packaging of the product | Will be unique and varies from product to product | Most of the time well defined |
9 | Examples | Washing machine, Cell phone, set top box | Personal computer, Server etc |
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