Definition of Embedded Systems

Using the term "Embedded Systems" in our name is confusing to some. In this case, people either have no idea what the term means - or they have a very strict definition in mind, such as "assembly language on a chip". But the work that we do is so much broader than that!

Printed with permission, the following is the definitions stated by The Institution of Electrical Engineers: "A general-purpose definition of embedded systems is that they are devices used to control, monitor or assist the operation of equipment, machinery or plant. "Embedded" reflects the fact that they are an integral part of the system. In many cases their embeddedness may be such that their presents is far from obvious to the casual observer and even the more technically skilled might need to examine the operations of a piece of equipment for some time before being able to conclude that an embedded control system was involved in its function. At the other extreme, a general-purpose computer may be used to control the operations of a large complex processing plant, and its presence will be obvious."

This is a perfect description of the work that SSI can do. On the low-end side, we have written software to control car engines and DSL modems. On the high end, we write Windows based software to control a Printing Press inspection system or run an Optical Tweezer.