2.2.1 An Overview of Embedded Systems

An embedded system is typically a design that uses the power of a small microcontroller, like the Microchip PIC® or AVR® microcontroller (MCU). These microcontrollers combine a microprocessor unit (like the CPU in a personal computer) with some additional circuits called peripherals, plus some additional circuits, on the same chip to make a small control module requiring few other external devices. This single device can then be embedded into other electronic and mechanical devices for low-cost digital control.