Which of the following is a disadvantage of embedded systems?

Embedded systems are designed for specific tasks and typically have specialized hardware and software to meet those needs. One of the significant disadvantages associated with embedded systems is that they often have specialized repair requirements. This means that if an embedded system encounters a fault or malfunction, repairs may require specific knowledge, tools, or replacement parts that are not commonly available. Unlike general-purpose computers, which can often be repaired with widely available components, embedded systems may require dealing with proprietary or specialized technologies, making maintenance more challenging and potentially costly.

The other options reflect characteristics that do not typically represent disadvantages. For example, the notion that embedded systems are always upgradeable is inaccurate, as many of them are designed to be fixed in function and may not allow for upgrades. Similarly, lower power consumption is generally considered an advantage, as embedded systems are often designed to operate efficiently in terms of energy use. Lastly, while some embedded systems can be high-performing in their specific domain, they typically don't match the overall performance capabilities of desktop computers, which are built for general-purpose tasks.