An embedded system is a computer system that has a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electronic system. It is a combination of computer hardware and software designed to perform a specific task. Embedded systems are often part of a complete device, including electrical or electronic hardware and mechanical parts. They are designed to control physical operations of the machine that they are embedded within, and often have real-time computing constraints.

Embedded systems are used in a wide range of technologies across various industries, including consumer, industrial, automotive, home appliances, medical, telecommunication, commercial, aerospace, and military applications. They are low-cost, low-power-consuming, small computers that are embedded in other mechanical or electrical systems. Generally, they comprise a processor, power supply, and memory and communication ports. Embedded systems use the communication ports to transmit data between the processor and peripheral devices, often other embedded systems, using a communication protocol.

There are four types of embedded systems: real-time embedded systems, networked embedded systems, mobile embedded systems, and standalone embedded systems. Embedded systems vary significantly in complexity, but they all have in common that they are task-specific. They have three primary components: hardware, application software, and a real-time operating system (RTOS). An embedded systems engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and managing embedded systems in products.

In summary, an embedded system is a computer system that has a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electronic system. It is designed to control physical operations of the machine that it is embedded within and often has real-time computing constraints. Embedded systems are used in various industries and are low-cost, low-power-consuming, small computers that are embedded in other mechanical or electrical systems. They have three primary components: hardware, application software, and a real-time operating system (RTOS).