What Is Embedded Computer – Small Brain & Big Impact

Published: 25 Jun 2025

When we think of computers, we imagine laptops and desktops with screens and keyboards. But what is embedded computers? Unlike regular computers that help us browse the internet or play games, embedded computers are hidden inside machines like washing machines, microwaves, or even traffic lights. They don’t look like normal computers, but they work silently to do one job really well. This makes them special and different from the big computers we see every day.

Table of Content

What are Embedded Computers?

Most people think of computers as big machines like laptops or desktops. But what is embedded computers? These are tiny computers hidden inside other devices. They don’t look like regular computers, but they help machines work better and smarter. You can’t see them, but they are always doing their job in the background.

History of Embedded Computer

Have you ever wondered where embedded computers came from? These tiny, smart machines have a long and interesting story. From helping rockets fly to making our daily gadgets smart, embedded computers have quietly changed the world around us.

The history of embedded computers started in the 1960s. One of the first embedded systems was used by NASA in the Apollo space program. This small computer, called the Apollo Guidance Computer, helped astronauts land safely on the Moon without getting lost.. It was small, powerful for its time, and made to do one specific job to guide the spaceship.

In the 1970s, companies began using small computers inside household machines. These early embedded computers were found in simple devices like calculators and microwaves. People liked how these machines worked faster and smarter with the help of tiny computers inside them.

By the 1980s and 1990s, technology became even better. Microchips got smaller and cheaper. This allowed embedded computers to be used in more places, like washing machines, remote controls, and video game consoles. They made everyday items smarter and easier to use.

Today, embedded computers are almost everywhere. They are found in smartphones, cars, TVs, fridges, watches, and even toys. They are faster, more powerful, and use very little energy. We use them every day, even if we don’t see them.

It’s amazing to think that the phone you use today is more powerful than the computer that once helped land humans on the Moon. Embedded computers have come a long way and they continue to grow even smarter.

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Types of Embedded Computer

There are many types of embedded computers, and each one is made for a special job. Some are very simple, and some are a little smarter. But all of them help machines work better. Let’s take a look at the main types in a way that’s easy to understand. Here are 4 types of embedded computer are included:

Stand Alone Embedded Computers
Real Time Embedded Computers
Networked Embedded Computers
Mobile Embedded Computers

1. Independent Embedded Computers

Stand alone embedded computers work all by themselves. They do not need help from other systems or the internet. These tiny computers do one simple job again and again without stopping.

2. Fast Acting Embedded Computers

Real time embedded computers are made to act fast and give results without delay. They work where timing is super important, like saving lives or avoiding accidents. These computers never wait, they must do the job right away.

3. Networked Embedded Computers

Networked embedded computers are small computers that connect with other devices using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. They help machines share information and work together. These computers make smart homes and smart gadgets possible.

4. Mobile Embedded Computers

Mobile embedded computers are tiny computers found in things we carry every day. They help devices like phones and smartwatches do smart tasks easily. These computers are small, fast, and work without wires.

Examples of Embedded Computer

Embedded computers are all around us, even if we do not see them. They are hidden inside many everyday things we use at home, in school, or outside. These tiny computers help those machines do their job properly. Let’s look at some simple and real life examples of embedded computers that you may already know.

Home Appliances
Personal Gadgets
Vehicles and Transport
School and Office Tool
Transportation
Health and Fitness
Offices and Businesses

Explain this Uses of Embedded Computer

1. Home Appliances

Microwave oven: sets time and heat
Washing machine: controls water and spin
Refrigerator: keeps temperature steady
TV remote: sends signals to the TV

2. Personal Gadgets

Smartwatch: counts steps and shows time
Digital camera: adjusts light and focus
Fitness tracker: checks heart rate and sleep

3. Vehicles and Transport

Car airbag system: works in case of an accident
Automatic braking system: helps stop safely
Traffic lights: change signals on time

4. School and Office Tools

Printer: sends and prints pages
Projector: shows visuals from a computer
Calculator: solves numbers quickly

5. Transportation

Help cars use GPS for directions
Run safety systems like airbags and auto brakes
Change traffic signals at the right time
Manage speed control in trains

6. Health and Fitness

Power digital thermometers
Track health in smartwatches
Control machines in hospitals (like heart monitors)
Help fitness bands count steps

7. Offices and Businesses

Manage barcode scanners
Help security cameras record
Power ATMs and vending machines
Control printers and photocopiers

Even a toy robot or a video game console has an embedded computer inside it to control movement and actions.

Key Features of Embedded Computers

Embedded computers may be small, but they are super smart! They are designed to do one job and do it well. Unlike regular computers that can do many things at once, these little computers focus on one task and make sure it works perfectly. Let’s look at the main key features of embedded computers in simple words.

Do only one specific task
Very small in size
Use less power
Hidden inside other machines
Work fast and reliably
No need for keyboard or mouse
Stay active for a long time

Parts of Embedded Computers

Every embedded computer may be small, but it still has important parts inside it that help it work properly. These parts work together quietly to run a machine like a microwave or smartwatch. Let’s take a look at the parts of embedded computers and what each one does.

Microprocessor or Microcontroller
Memory (RAM and ROM)
Input Devices
Output Devices
Power Supply
Communication Ports

1. Microprocessor or Microcontroller

This is the brain of the embedded computer. It thinks and makes decisions.

Tells the device what to do
Processes simple tasks quickly
Comes in a tiny chip form

2. Memory (RAM and ROM)

This part helps the computer remember things.

RAM: Short-term memory (used while the device is working)
ROM: Long-term memory (stores the main instructions)

3. Input Devices

These are tools that help the embedded computer get information.

Buttons
Sensors (like temperature or motion sensors)
Touchscreens (in smart devices)

4. Output Devices

These help the device show or give results.

Display screens
Buzzers or lights
Motors (in toys or robots)

5. Power Supply

This part gives the energy the embedded system needs to work.

Can be a battery or direct electricity
Helps the system stay active all the time

6. Communication Ports

These let the system connect with other devices.

USB ports
Wireless connections like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (in smart devices)

Even though embedded computers are small, they still need all these basic parts just like a full computer to work smartly inside machines.

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How Embedded Computers Work

Embedded computers work like little helpers inside machines. They follow simple instructions and do the same task again and again without making mistakes. Whether it’s turning on the light in your fridge or changing the traffic signal they work quietly but smartly. Let’s see how embedded computers work step by step.

Getting Input
Processing the Information
Following the Instructions (Program Code)
Giving Output
Repeating When Needed

1. Getting Input

The embedded computer receives signals from sensors or buttons.

Example: A microwave gets input when you press the “Start” button.

2. Processing the Information

The microcontroller or microprocessor reads the input and decides what to do.

Example: It decides how long and how hot to heat your food.

3. Following the Instructions (Program Code)

The embedded computer follows fixed code written in its memory.

Example: “If Start is pressed, heat for 2 minutes.”

4. Giving Output

It sends signals to other parts to perform actions.

Example: Turns on the microwave motor and starts cooking.

5. Repeating When Needed

Embedded systems are designed to do this job over and over without stopping.

Example: Every time you press “Start,” it does the same steps.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Embedded Computers

Embedded computers are tiny helpers inside machines. They do their job quietly and quickly. Like everything else, they have some good sides and some not-so-good sides. Let’s look at both the advantages and disadvantages of embedded computers in a simple way.

Advantages of Embedded Computers
They do small tasks very quickly Fit easily inside devices like watches and microwaves Do not need much electricity to work Cheaper than full-size computers Can work for many years without stopping Mostly run automatically with little user help

❌ Disadvantages of Embedded Computers
You can not change or add new parts easily Can only do one job or a few simple tasks Most work in the background with no screen or keyboard If they break, they are often replaced instead of fixed Can not be used for other purposes like big computers

Embedded computers are great for small jobs but not for complex work. That’s why they are used in machines, not for things like gaming or writing.

Common FAQs of Embedded Computers

Sometimes we hear the word “embedded computer” and get a little confused. Don’t worry Below are some simple and common questions people ask about embedded computers and their easy answers.

What is an embedded computer?

An embedded computer is a small computer that lives inside a machine to do one main job.

Where can I find embedded computers?

They are in many things like washing machines, smart TVs, microwaves, cars, and even toys!

Is an embedded computer the same as a normal computer?

No. A normal computer can do many jobs. An embedded one does just one or a few simple tasks.

Do embedded computers have screens and keyboards?

Mostly no. They work in the background without needing a screen or keyboard.

Are embedded computers expensive?

Not really. They are cheaper than big computers because they do small, simple jobs.

Can I play games on an embedded computer?

No. They are not made for games. They are made to control machines or tools.

Do they use a lot of electricity?

No. They use very little power, which makes them great for small devices.

Can I fix an embedded computer if it breaks?

Usually, no. If one breaks, the whole part is replaced instead of repaired.

Conclusion

Embedded computers are like tiny brains hidden inside machines. They do one job again and again quickly, quietly, and without needing much help. From your TV remote to your washing machine, they are everywhere. These small computers make life easier and smarter.

They may not look like normal computers, but they are just as important. And the best part? We use them every day without even knowing it.

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