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Hardware Interface Maintenance Problem

publish date: 2026/06/23 19:43:6.637748 UTC

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Why is it often impossible to maintain hardware interfaces unchanged when new hardware is introduced, particularly in embedded systems?

Because hardware interfaces are always backward compatible regardless of system type

Because there is tight coupling between software and hardware in embedded systems, so major application software changes may be required to use new hardware effectively

Because embedded systems are not allowed to use any hardware interfaces by law

Because embedded systems never use any hardware at all

Correct Answer

Because there is tight coupling between software and hardware in embedded systems, so major application software changes may be required to use new hardware effectively

Explanation

Embedded systems typically have tight coupling between software and hardware. When new hardware is introduced, it is often impossible to maintain the old hardware interfaces, and major changes to the application software may be required to make effective use of the new hardware.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition

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