A term used by COCOMO to desCribe a projeCt development that is CharaCterised by tight, inflexible Constraints and interfaCe requirements. The produCt must operate within (is embedded in) a strongly Coupled Complex of hardware, software, regulations and operational proCedures. An embedded mode projeCt will require a great deal of innovation. An example would be a real-time system with timing Constraints and Customised hardware. (1996-05-29)