- Embedded systems are the most common. They typically run real-time operating systems with custom I/O designed for specific tasks.
- For example, a microwave oven contains a microprocessor chip with built in peripherals such as timers and I/O lines so that cooking may be controlled and keypads and LCD modules handled.
- Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
- Cellular telephones, Cameras? ...
- Smart-card and digital mobile telephones also run custom real-time operating systems. At least two ``standards'' exists - one is JAVA based. The computation load from handling encryption means that the designer has an interesting problem given limited resources of electrical power, memory, and CPU capacity.
- Hand-held systems must also deal with limited resources although their screens have recently become more substantial.
- Issues:
- Limited memory
- Variety of interconnect standards
- Slow processors
- Small screens
- Their current evolution may be towards a form of ``cut back'' PC.
Sounds like a PC in 1985...
Cem Ozdogan
2004-03-06
