Gareth’s Sat Nav contains an embedded system.
Define what is meant by an 'embedded system'.
💡Hint: Think about "purpose" (General vs Specific) and where it is
located.
✅ Mark Scheme
A computer system that is built into another/larger device. (1)
It has a dedicated purpose / limited function. (1)
Score yourself (Max 2):
2[2 Marks]
Identify two devices, other than a Sat Nav, that contain embedded systems.
✅ Mark Scheme
Dishwasher
MP3 player
Washing machine
Mobile phone
Microwave
Manufacturing equipment
⚠️ Examiner's Trap
Do NOT accept "Laptop", "PC", or "Tablet". These are general purpose.
Score yourself (Max 2):
3[4 Marks]
Complete the paragraph by dragging the correct terms into the gaps.
Embedded systems have limited (drop here).
They are often built into a (drop
here) machine.
Two examples of embedded systems are a (drop here) and automated lights in a car.
It is often difficult to (drop
here) or update the software in an embedded system.
larger
applications
washing machine
functions
general
laptop
change
smaller
✅ Mark Scheme
functions
larger
washing machine
change
Score yourself (1 mark per correct gap):
4[3 Marks]
A car has a 'Follow Me' cruise control system.
Explain three reasons why this system is an example of an embedded system.
💡Hint: Focus on hardware, software updates, and purpose.
✅ Mark Scheme
It has a specific/dedicated purpose.
It is built within a larger device (the car).
It has a dedicated microprocessor / hardware.
The software/firmware is hard to update.
Score yourself (Max 3):
5[3 Marks]
Ali's tablet computer has an operating system. Ali thinks his tablet is an embedded system.
State whether Ali is correct or incorrect, and justify your choice.
Is Ali Correct?
✅ Mark Scheme
Choice: Incorrect / Ali is wrong. (1)
Justification (Max 2):
A tablet is a general-purpose computer.
A tablet can run many different apps (multiple functions).
You can easily update/install new software.
Score yourself (Max 3):
6[6 Marks]
Discuss the differences between a general-purpose computer (like a laptop) and an
embedded system.
Consider function, hardware, and software.
💡Hint: Compare RAM size, Update frequency, and Number of tasks they can
do.
✅ Mark Scheme
Indicative Content:
Function: General-purpose do many tasks; Embedded do one specific task.
Memory: Embedded often have less RAM/ROM.
Software: Embedded run firmware (rarely updated); General run OS
(frequently updated).
Hardware: Embedded are often smaller, consume less power, single chip.