Embedded Systems Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of Hendy’s Law in the context of technology?

It suggests that pixel prices will plummet in the forthcoming years.

It states that the number of pixels per dollar decreases annually.

It predicts that the number of pixels per dollar doubles annually. (correct)

It indicates that pixels per dollar remain constant over time.

What does the term 'Dennard Scaling' refer to in the context of semiconductor technology?

The process of decreasing the physical size of semiconductor devices.

An approach to improve battery longevity in mobile devices.

A principle guiding the increase of transistor density without escalating power consumption. (correct)

The reduction of device performance over time.

How does the pricing of MEMS accelerometers relate to their power consumption over time?

Both price and power consumption have increased over the years.

Prices have remained constant while power consumption has increased.

Prices have rapidly decreased while power consumption has also remained stable.

The price has fallen dramatically while power consumption has decreased significantly. (correct)

What is a key feature of the ADXL362 MEMS accelerometer from 2012?

It achieves exceptionally low power consumption at 1.8 µA while providing data at 100 Hz. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the trend observed for MEMS gyroscope chips?

Advancements have led to a decrease in power consumption while enhancing performance. Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT traditionally associated with energy harvesting technologies?

Microcontrollers Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor in ARM’s market dominance by 2011?

Widespread integration in mobile handsets Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the manufacturing technology used for the UMich Phoenix Processor?

0.18 µ Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates modern FPGAs from traditional microprocessors?

Microprocessors have limited flexibility. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of ARM architecture for manufacturers?

Low production cost Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the trend in ARM’s market share for smartphones as of 2010?

95% Signup and view all the answers

What architectural feature does the Cortex-M3 processor emphasize?

Low-power consumption Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following technologies is NOT an example of energy harvesting?

Digital signal processors Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes the emergence of a new computing class roughly every decade?

Bell's Law of Computer Classes Signup and view all the answers

Which law states that the integrated circuit transistor count doubles every 18-24 months?

Moore's Law Signup and view all the answers

What is the predicted outcome of Bell’s Law on the existing computing classes over time?

They will adapt and influence new classes. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dennard Scaling primarily address regarding transistor technology?

Speed and power efficiency improvements Signup and view all the answers

Which device is specifically mentioned as an example of an embedded system?

Fitbit Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the emerging embedded systems trend?

Exclusivity to high-performance computing environments Signup and view all the answers

What drives the 'embedded everywhere' explosion?

Advancements in technology and design integration Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary economic implication of Moore's Law?

Increasing transistor count leading to lower costs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Embedded Systems

Embedded systems are special-purpose computing systems designed to perform dedicated functions within larger systems.

Ubiquity of Embedded Systems

Embedded systems are found in a wide array of devices and industries, including wearables like Fitbit and smart devices like WattVision.

Driving Forces Behind Embedded Growth

Technological trends and increasing integration into everyday items are driving the proliferation of embedded systems.

Bell’s Law of Computer Classes

A new computing class emerges approximately every decade, characterized by a new programming platform or interface, leading to novel applications and industries.

Moore’s Law

The number of transistors on integrated circuits (ICs) doubles approximately every 18-24 months, driving advances in computing power.

Dennard Scaling

Initially, it allowed transistors to become faster and more energy-efficient, enhancing overall performance, but this phenomenon is considered to have ended.

Flash Memory Evolution

Rapid advancements in flash memory have led to increased density and lower costs while maintaining or improving performance.

Hendy’s Law

The number of pixels per dollar doubles each year, making high-quality displays more accessible.

MEMS Accelerometer Developments

Prices and power consumption of MEMS accelerometers have significantly decreased, exemplified by various models with drastically lower currents over the years.

Energy Harvesting Technologies

Small devices can harvest energy from various sources, including solar, piezoelectric, and thermoelectric, enhancing their operational capabilities.

Importance of 32-bit MCUs and FPGAs

Microcontrollers (MCUs) and Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are vital in the embedded market, combining versatility and performance.

Difference Between Microprocessors and FPGAs

Microprocessors are fixed-function chips optimized for specific tasks, while FPGAs can be reconfigured for different applications, offering flexibility in design.

ARM Architecture Significance

ARM architecture, specifically the Cortex-M3, holds a commanding presence in embedded systems, accounting for a large share of electronic devices, particularly in mobile technology.

As of 2011, ARM chips dominated the mobile handset market with 90% share and 95% of smartphones, projected to expand in the notebook segment.

Cost-Effectiveness of ARM

The ARM licensing model allows manufacturers to utilize cost-effective solutions, with ARM earning an average of 8¢ per device, highlighting the architecture's economic benefits.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of embedded systems, including their definition, ubiquity, and the driving forces behind their growth. Learn about important laws in computing that shape the evolution of technology, such as Bell's Law and Moore's Law.