Systems with embedded computer functions:
The term embedded chips, embedded microprocessors, embedded controllers, embedded logic, or embedded devices summarises the great variety of computer applications that cannot be categorised in conventional data processing including PC technology, as can, for instance, be found in telecommunication systems, access control systems, in intelligent sensors and actuators, bus modules, and in many device and machine control systems and other applications.
In all cases, embedded systems are usually microcontroller-based control hardware systems designed to solve specific problems (see above examples). The control hardware comprises task-specific input/output units and the software used by it is stored as firmware in a read-only memory.
Embedded systems usually feature a much lower computing power than PCs.
Link:
Embedded.com 