Embedded system is a special type of computer system, whose main feature is that it has strict functional limitations and resource limitations. The main characteristics of embedded systems are as follows:
1. Miniaturization: embedded systems usually require a hardware platform with small size and low power consumption. This makes them suitable for many different application areas, such as medical devices, transportation, smart homes, and so on.
2. Real-time: Embedded systems must be able to complete their tasks in a defined period of time. Some embedded systems need to realize hard real-time operation, that is, they must respond to events at the millisecond or microsecond level. Therefore, real-time is one of the important characteristics of embedded systems.
3. High Reliability: Embedded systems usually need to operate for long periods of time, and therefore must be highly reliable. This requires embedded systems to be rigorously handled in hardware design, software development, testing and maintenance.
4. Real-time data acquisition and processing: Embedded systems need to collect environmental data in real time through sensors and other devices. These data can be physical quantities such as temperature, humidity, pressure, or signals such as audio and video. Therefore, embedded systems need to have the ability to process real-time data.