Difference Between Computer and Embedded System
Category | Computer | Embedded device |
---|---|---|
Description | A computer is a combination of hardware and software resources that integrate and provide various functionalities to the user. | An embedded device is part of an integrated system that is formed as a combination of computer hardware and software for a specific function and which can operate without human interaction. |
Human Interaction | A computer needs Human Interaction to perform tasks. | Embedded devices do not need Human Interaction to perform tasks. |
Types based on architecture | Analog computer, Digital computer, Hybrid computer, Harvard architecture, Von Neumann architecture, Reduced instruction set computer | Small Scale Embedded Systems, Medium Scale Embedded Systems, Sophisticated or Complex Embedded Systems |
Parts | It has 2 parts: Hardware and Software. | It has 3 parts: Hardware, Firmware, and Software. |
Tasks | It can perform many tasks. | It performs limited tasks. |
Cost to user | The user has to pay more for a computer. | The user incurs a lesser cost for an embedded system. |
Peripherals | Computers have peripherals such as keyboards and mice, displays, printers, Hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, optical disc drives, etc. | Embedded Devices have peripherals such as Serial Communication Interfaces (SCI), Synchronous Serial Communication Interfaces, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Multi Media Cards (SD cards, Compact Flash), etc. |
Purpose | Computers can be reprogrammed for a new purpose. | Embedded Devices are made only for a specific set of purposes. |
Power Consumption | The computer needs more operational power than Embedded Devices. | An embedded Device needs lesser operational power than a Computer. |
Complexity | Computers are more complex devices than Embedded Devices. | Embedded Devices are less complex devices than Computers. |
Need of another device | Computers may be installed in other devices but are self-sufficient to exist. | Embedded Devices only exist inside other Systems. |
Usage Difficulty | Computers are more Difficult when used, compared to an Embedded System. | Embedded are easier to use than Computers. |
User Interfaces | It requires more user interface than Embedded Devices. | It requires less to no user interface than Computers. |
Time Specificity | Computers are not time-specific. They may need to perform tasks that are not time-bound and take days to perform as well. | Embedded Devices are time-specific. The tasks assigned to them need to be performed within a specific time frame. |
Size | Computers are usually bigger with larger hardware and input-output devices attached to them. | Embedded Devices are smaller in size than Computers, with limited hardware. |
Developed in | 1833 A.D. | 1965 A.D. |
Developer | Charles Babbage | Charles Stark Draper |
Memory Requirement | Computers have larger memory requirements due to a lot of storage of data. | Embedded Devices need less Memory. |
Difference Between Computer and Embedded System
Computers and embedded systems play a central role in modern technology, providing the digital infrastructure that powers our interconnected world. From personal computers to smart devices and industrial products, these systems form the backbone of our daily lives, enabling communication, computation, and control across a range of applications. Here Below is a detailed discussion on computers and embedded systems.
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