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)