An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system, often with real-time computing constraints. It is embedded as part of a complete device often including hardware and mechanical parts. Embedded systems control many devices in common use today. 98 percent of all microprocessors being manufactured are used in embedded systems.

Things that have embedded systems:

• Cars
• Appliances
• Networking equipment

Going through this guide and the readings will give you a very high level overview of what an embedded system is. It is necessary to cover these concepts now so that you are aware of them and you can refer back to them later when you need to.

Most of these readings will be from wikipedia - they're great pages to start. If you're still confused, I suggest you do a little more background research to clarify what these concepts are before moving on.

1. Microcontroller
2. Embedded System
3. Introduction to Embedded Systems

1. I2C
2. UART
3. ADC
4. SPI

1. What is an embedded system?
2. What is a microcontroller?
3. SPI, ADC, UART, I2C
   1. What do they stand for?
   2. What are they?
   3. What are they useful for?
   4. How are they all related?
4. How do you think this information will relate to this lab?

Arduino Introduction