OPPapers.com

Electrical Engineering

One major staple of computer engineering is the embedded system, which consists of a computer, communication, and software. An embedded system is a special purpose designed to perform a dedicated function. Unlike a general purpose computer, like a personal computer, an embedded system performs one or a few predefined tasks, usually with very specific requirements, and often includes task-specific hardware, and mechanical parts not usually found in a general purpose computer. Since the system is dedicated to system tasks, design engineers can optimize it, reducing the size and cost of the product. Some examples of embedded systems include cell phones, antilock brake controllers, sprinklers, microwave ovens, washing machines, MP3 players, DVD players, and the Mars Rover.
Within computers lie the processor, memory, and hardware controllers. The control unit directs the various components of a computer. It reads and interprets instructions in the program one by one. The control system decodes each instruction and turns it into a series of control signals that operate the other parts of the computer. Control systems in advanced computers may change the order of some instructions so as to improve performance. The central processing unit (CPU) is the component in a digital computer that interprets computer program instructions and processes data. CPUs provide the fundamental digital computer trait of programmability and are one of the necessary components found in computers of any era along with primary storage and input/output facilities. Because of its speed and consistency, RAM is used for loading, displaying, and manipulating applications and data. In most personal computers, the RAM is not an integral part of the motherboard or CPU—it comes in the easily upgraded form of modules called memory sticks about the size of a few sticks of chewing gum, which can be quickly removed and replaced when they become damaged or too small for current purposes. A smaller...