Introduction to Embedded Systems

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What is the main characteristic of an embedded system?

It performs a variety of functions

It is tightly constrained and performs a specialized operation (correct)

It has hardware and application software

It always has a Real Time Operating System (RTOS)

Which of the following components is essential for an embedded system?

Hardware only

Application software only

Real Time Operating System (RTOS) only

All of the above (correct)

What does an RTOS do in an embedded system?

It supervises the application software

It sets the rules for the execution of application program and controls latencies (correct)

It supervises the hardware components

It manages the power supply to the microcontroller

What is the definition of an embedded system?

A microcontroller-based, software-driven, reliable, real-time control system Signup and view all the answers

Do all embedded systems have Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS)?

No, some small scale embedded systems may not have RTOS Signup and view all the answers

Why are constraints on design metrics especially tight in an embedded system?

To ensure efficient utilization of resources and reliability Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of design metrics in an embedded system?

To measure the implementation's features such as cost, size, power, and performance Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement for an embedded system to perform fast enough to process data in real time?

Being microprocessor or microcontroller based Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a sensor in an embedded system?

Measure the physical quantity and convert it to an electrical signal Signup and view all the answers

What role does an analog-to-digital converter (A-D Converter) play in an embedded system?

Converts the analog signal sent by the sensor into a digital signal Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic unit that takes inputs and produces an output after processing the data in an embedded system?

Processor Signup and view all the answers

Which unit of a processor includes a fetch unit for fetching instructions from the memory?

Program Flow Control Unit (CU) Signup and view all the answers

What do microprocessors in a system primarily implement?

Instructions pertaining to data transfer operation Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of embedded systems?

Low power consumption Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Arduino IDE in the Arduino platform?

To write and upload computer code to the physical board Signup and view all the answers

What sets Arduino apart from most previous programmable circuit boards in terms of loading new code?

It does not need an extra piece of hardware (programmer) to load new code onto the board Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Vin pin on an Arduino board?

Input voltage pin from an external power source Signup and view all the answers

Which type of signals can Arduino boards read from different sensors?

Analog or digital input signals Signup and view all the answers

What makes programming with Arduino IDE easier compared to most programmable circuit boards?

It uses a simplified version of C++ Signup and view all the answers

What does the microcontroller on the Arduino board do?

Receives a set of instructions via Arduino IDE and controls board functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the 3.3V pin on the Arduino board?

To provide a supply of 3.3V Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Reset pin on the Arduino board?

To reset the microcontroller Signup and view all the answers

What do the Analog Pins (A0 to A5) of the Arduino board function as?

Analog input Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the LED Pin on the Arduino board?

To light up the LED when the digital pin becomes high Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the SPI Pins on the Arduino board?

To maintain SPI communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the External Interrupt Pins (pin numbers 2 and 3) on the Arduino board?

To produce external interrupts Signup and view all the answers

What does the AREF Pin on the Arduino board provide?

A reference voltage from an external power supply Signup and view all the answers

What function do the Serial Pins (UART pins) serve on the Arduino board?

Serial communication between the Arduino board and other devices Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of PWM Pins on the Arduino board?

(Pulse Width Modulation) converting digital signal into analog by varying pulse width Signup and view all the answers