- Define an embedded system.
An embedded system is a specialized computer system designed to perform specific tasks within a larger system, often with real-time constraints. - Embedded systems can be classified into three types; name them.
Stand-alone, real-time, and networked embedded systems. - Name at least 4 (four) different types of processors that can be used as the core of an embedded system.
Microcontroller, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), System on Chip (SoC). - List at least 4 (four) important considerations you will look for as a system designer while selecting a processor.
Performance, power consumption, cost, and scalability. - List some of the software tools you would require in designing an embedded system.
IDEs, compilers, debuggers, and simulation tools. - State at least two attributes by which the efficiency of the memory used in an embedded system can be judged.
Access speed and power consumption. - The ROM image consists mostly of what software in an embedded system?
Firmware and bootloaders. - Name some of the interfaces needed in an embedded system.
UART, SPI, I2C, USB, and Ethernet. - What do you understand from the term CISC with reference to an embedded processor?
Complex Instruction Set Computing; a processor architecture with many specialized instructions. - What do you understand from the term RISC with reference to an embedded processor?
Reduced Instruction Set Computing; a processor architecture with a small, highly optimized set of instructions. - List various forms of memories used in embedded systems.
RAM, ROM, Flash Memory, EEPROM. - Name the various forms of ROM as used in an embedded system.
PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and Mask ROM. - Explain the need for I/O ports in an embedded system.
I/O ports enable communication between the processor and external devices or peripherals. - Why DMA controller should be used in an embedded system?
To offload data transfer tasks from the CPU, improving system efficiency. - What is the index register?
A register used to modify the address of operands during program execution. - What is the segment register?
A register that holds the starting address of a memory segment. - What is a device register?
A register in a hardware device used to configure and control the device. - State the capabilities of a processor to be termed as an embedded processor that differentiates it from a microprocessor or microcontroller.
Low power consumption, real-time processing, and integrated peripherals. - What care would you take as an embedded system designer while connecting the supply rails?
Ensure proper voltage levels, decoupling capacitors, and stable connections. - Besides the power supply, what is the most important unit of an embedded system?
The processor or microcontroller. - What is a charge pump?
A circuit used to generate higher or negative voltages from a lower supply voltage. - Give at least one example where a charge pump is used.
Flash memory programming. - State the hardware units you may require to design an embedded system.
Processor, memory, I/O interfaces, sensors, and actuators. - Explain FPGA, SoC, ASIC, RTOS, ASSP, GPP, and OTPROM.
- FPGA: Field-Programmable Gate Array; reconfigurable logic.
- SoC: System on Chip; integrates all components of a computer or electronic system.
- ASIC: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit; designed for a particular application.
- RTOS: Real-Time Operating System; manages tasks with timing constraints.
- ASSP: Application-Specific Standard Product; specialized for specific applications.
- GPP: General Purpose Processor; versatile processor for multiple tasks.
- OTPROM: One-Time Programmable ROM; memory that can be programmed only once.
