Embedded & Special Purpose Computers
The term "embedded computer system" describes a type of specialized computer system. The embedded computer system is dedicated to functions such as monitoring and controlling a specific type of task, or performing one specific task. Embedded systems qualify as special-purpose computers; however, not all special-purpose computers may qualify as embedded systems.
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Embedded Systems
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Embedded systems are defined by the term because system designers embed these limited-purpose computer systems within a larger system. Computer systems embedded in a larger general purpose computing system often have the purpose of relationship maintenance among different parts of the overall system, as would apply to a network server computer, for example.
Special Purpose
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Special-purpose computers serve to provide computing services related to only one function or a limited range of functions in a particular category. Special purpose computers can have an embedded character, work independently of other functions on a larger system or have a standalone nature and a limited range of functions they provide for the system user. You can think about this in terms of the contrast with a modern personal computer or desktop computer within a business environment that provides a variety of different computer applications for the user such as spreadsheets, word processing, graphics, presentation, desktop publishing and database software. A special-purpose computer would offer only one application or category of applications; perhaps with a few basic general accessory tools such as a calendar program or calculator.
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Examples --- Historical
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Perhaps the most prevalent historical example of a special purpose computer involves the dedicated word processing system. Before computers offering generalized capabilities developed to the level of greater affordability and thus greater cost-effectiveness, a variety of manufacturers produced and sold computers dedicated strictly to word processing functions. Manufacturers of dedicated word processing systems included Wang, Royal, IBM, Xerox, Brother. Exxon Office Systems and NBI. Another historical instance of dedicated computing systems, primarily for use in medical research study environments or in accounting office environments, involved systems that offered data processing functions only.
Examples --- Current
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Special purpose computers have widespread use in the current computing environment as of early 2011, although they have undergone significant refinement in capabilities since the early dedicated word processing and data entry systems. One type of special-purpose computer that dates from approximately the same era as the dedicated word processing systems but has become much more powerful and gained wider use is the CADD/CAM category of special-purpose computers. These special-purpose computer systems offer applications specifically geared to computerization of manufacturing related functions such as drafting, design and manufacturing. Other modern applications of the special-purpose computer include systems that provide training simulator applications only and portable computerized devices such as global positioning systems used for navigation.
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