Embedded System
Definition
An embedded system is a system containing one or more computers (or processors) having a central role in the functionality of the system - but the system is not explicitly called a computer.[1]
Example
For example, a modern automobile contains many embedded processors that control airbag deployment, antilock braking, air conditioning, fuel injection, and so forth. Today, numerous household items, such as microwave ovens, rice cooker, TVs, washing machines, and even toys, contain embedded computers.
Certain embedded systems, like those present on a aircraft to process accelerometer data, could qualify as a Real-Time System, since they need to process data within a certain period. Failure to do so could result in a false position or velocity indication and cause the aircraft to go off-course at best or crash at worst.