An embedded system is a special purpose computer that is used inside of a device. For example, a microwave contains an embedded system that accepts input from the panel, controls the LCD display, and turns on and off the heating elements that cook the food. Embedded systems generally use microcontrollers that contain many functions of a computer on a single device. Motorola and Intel make some of the most popular microcontrollers.


Related terms: embedded technology, microcontroller, embedded systems programming