Embedded systems contain programmed instructions running via processor chips.
They exist in all PCs and computers but, more importantly, they perform control, protection and monitoring tasks in factories, utility industries and even in the home. In the most alarming situations embedded systems stop working entirely, sometimes shutting down a piece of machinery or making it operate in an unsafe manner. Less obviously, they can generate erroneous information which can mislead other systems or human users. Embedded systems are used extensively to control and monitor engineering and manufacturing processes. They underpin the whole of the world s manufacturing and engineering base.