What is a real-time digital system?
System:
A module that performs some pre-defined function
Real-time:
Constrained by the external environment to respond within a fixed time
deadline, or to perform its function at some pre-determined rate
(Contrast with most computers, which respond "as quickly as possible")
Often are embedded, meaning that they are a part of a larger system (like an
automobile or communications system)
Digital:
Inputs and outputs are represented digitally (collections of bits), and
internal processing shares this representation
Up to Introduction to real-time digital systems