OE-9.1 Introduction to Embedded Systems
You can distinguish embedded from general-computing systems, classify embedded systems and their application areas, and reason about processor selection and design metrics.
An embedded system is defined by its constraints rather than its capabilities - fixed function, limited power, real-time deadlines, and a cost target that rules out generosity. Processor selection is therefore an engineering negotiation, not a search for the fastest part. Learn the design metrics (power, cost, size, performance, time to market) as the axes you will trade against for the rest of the course.
Work through these
Embedded systems versus general computing systems
What makes a system embedded, set against the machine on your desk. The defining constraint is that it does one job and cannot be rebooted casually.
Classifications of embedded systems
The families these systems fall into, by scale and by timing requirement. Real-time against not is the distinction that changes how you design.
Application areas
Where they actually are, which is nearly everywhere. Read it for the range, because the range explains why the constraints vary so much.
Processor embedded into a system
The processor as a component inside something larger rather than the point of the product. It is a change of perspective that the next item makes concrete.
Processor selection for an embedded system
How you choose one, against requirements rather than benchmarks. Power and peripheral set usually decide it before speed does.
Embedded hardware units and devices in a system
Everything on the board besides the processor. The peripherals are frequently what the design is really about.
Design metrics and challenges in embedded system design
What you are optimising and what fights what. Cost, power, size and time to market pull against each other, and stating the trade is the design work.
Sign in to keep your progress.
Free resources
We haven't checked most of these for screen reader use yet.
Links last checked 30 Aug 2026.
Stuck here?
Ask a mentor. A real person answers, and they can see exactly which topic you're on. Usually within a couple of working days.
Checking your session…
Topics shown in module order.