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By contrast, a general-purpose computer, such as a personal
computer (PC), is designed to be flexible and to meet a wide range of
end-user needs. Embedded systems control many devices in common
use today.
Embedded systems are widespread in consumer, industrial,
commercial and military applications. Telecommunications systems
employ numerous embedded systems from telephone switches for
the network to mobile phones at the end-user. Computer networking
uses dedicated routers and network bridges to route data.
Consumer electronics include personal digital assistants
(PDAs), mp3 players, mobile phones, videogame consoles, digital
cameras, DVD players, GPS receivers, and printers. Many household
appliances, such as microwave ovens, washing machines and
dishwashers, include embedded systems to provide flexibility,
efficiency and features. Advanced HVAC systems use networked
thermostats to more accurately and efficiently control temperature
that can change by time of day and season. Home automation uses
wired- and wireless-networking that can be used to control lights,
climate, security, audio/visual, surveillance, etc., all of which use
embedded devices for sensing and controlling.
Transportation systems from flight to automobiles increasingly
use embedded systems. New airplanes contain advanced avionics
such as inertial guidance systems and GPS receivers that also have
considerable safety requirements. Various electric motors —
brushless DC motors, induction motors and DC motors — use
electric/electronic motor controllers. Automobiles, electric vehicles,
and hybrid vehicles increasingly use embedded systems to maximize
efficiency and reduce pollution. Other automotive safety systems
include anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Control
(ESC/ESP), traction control (TCS) and automatic four-wheel drive.
Medical equipment is continuing to advance with more embedded
systems for vital signs monitoring, electronic stethoscopes for
amplifying sounds, and various medical imaging (PET, SPECT, CT,
MRI) for non-invasive internal inspections.

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