What embedded means

Embedded means that a device or a system is designed and manufactured to perform one or more regularly committed functions in a defined environment. Unlike general purpose devices such as personal computers, which are developed to meet a wide variety of demands, embedded systems are made to meet certain requirements. Embedded products are also usually smaller, higher energy efficiency, higher operating temperature range and without fan or moving parts to maximize the endurance. 

A common type of embedded product are the embedded computer, typically integrating microcontrollers with graphic units or Intel / ARM embedded CPUs. 

In these types of products many of the elements are integrated in the motherboard, often using soldered RAM Memory and Flash instead of modules and integrating industrial input/output ports. The power supply is also a very important part on an embedded device, having to withstand wide input ranges and 24/7 operation. 

Basic architecture: