This document provides an overview of embedded systems, including:
- Their history beginning with the Apollo Guidance Computer in 1965 and standardization in 1978.
- Characteristics like being designed for specific tasks rather than general purposes and often being parts of larger devices.
- Common software architectures like simple control loops, interrupt-controlled systems, and cooperative multitasking.
- Wide applications in consumer electronics, industrial systems, automobiles, medical devices, and more.
- Advantages such as small size and cost but also difficulties upgrading and troubleshooting.