A washing machine contains an embedded system.
(a) State what is meant by an embedded system. [1]
(b) Describe two characteristics of the embedded system in the washing machine. [2]
(c) Give one other example of a device that contains an embedded system. [1]
- (a) A computer system built into a larger device / with a dedicated function; allow 'a computer that performs one (or a few) specific task(s)'(1)
- (b) Any two from: it has a single / dedicated function (e.g. running wash cycles); it is small; it is low cost (to make); it uses little power; it is (very) reliable; its program is stored in ROM / is hard to change; it has limited / no user interface(1)
- (b) Second characteristic from the list above (must be a different point)(1)
- (c) Any sensible example e.g. microwave, digital camera, car engine management system, smart thermostat, dishwasher, MP3 player, traffic lights; do not accept washing machine (given in the question); do not accept a general-purpose computer such as a laptop / PC / smartphone(1)
- Answer: (a) A computer system with a dedicated function inside a larger device. (b) e.g. dedicated function; low power / low cost / reliable. (c) e.g. microwave
- Examiner tip: Smartphones and laptops are general-purpose computers – they are not accepted as examples of embedded systems.