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As far as I understand it, embedded software is just software (that runs on a general purpose CPU) that has little if any user input or configuration. Embedded software powers IP routers, cars, computer mice, etc.

My question is: When (roughly) was the historical moment when embedded software was first considered cost-effective for some applications (rather than an equal technical solution not involving embedded software)? Which applications and why?

Detail: Obviously there is a tradeoff between the cost of a CPU fast enough to perform X in software versus the cost of designing hardware that performs X.

themirror
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  • maybe try programmers stackexchange – old_timer Sep 18 '12 at 04:05
  • I'd say the answer is tied to the introduction of the microprocessor, i.e. the mid 1970s. Microprocessors were not developed & manufactured for microcomputers. They were intended for replacing hardwired logic and for adding more sophisticated capabilities to military, industrial and medical equipment, i.e. devices that were not as cost-sensitive like consumer gear. Eventually these uPs trickled down to commercial gear. I purchased a VDT, for $500 in 1985 that had an embedded Z80 uP for an S100 bus uC. The 1980s also saw a boom in digital watches, fueled by cheap uPs and LCDs. – sawdust Sep 18 '12 at 08:47

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Embedded systems date from the Apollo moon landings. Specifically the Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) - widely held to be one of the first examples of embedded systems.

Commercially in the early 1970's early microprocessors were being employed in products, famously the 4-bit Intel 4004 used in the Busicom 141-PF. Bill Gates and Paul Allen saw the potential for embedded microprocessors early with their pre-Microsoft endeavour the Traf-O-Data traffic survey counter.

So I would suggest around 1971/72 at the introduction of the Intel 4004 and the more powerful 8-bit 8008. Note that unlike the more powerful still Intel 8080 which inspired the first home-brew microcomputers and the MITS Altair, the 4004 and 8008 were barely suitable for use a general purpose "computer" as such, and therefore embedded computing systems pre-date general purpose microcomputers.

I would dispute your characterisation of what an embedded system is; if you were asking that question here's my answer to a similar question.

Community
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Clifford
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