16 Questions
What role have PCs played in the development of embedded systems?
Providing hardware and software for embedded systems
What is the main purpose of an embedded system?
To control a function or range of functions
Which of the following is NOT a reason for the widespread use of microprocessors?
End-user programmability
Why are microprocessors widely used in embedded systems?
To replace discrete logic-based circuits
What key function do embedded systems perform?
Controlling a specific function or range of functions
What is NOT an advantage of using microprocessors in embedded systems?
End-user programmability
What is a common characteristic of embedded systems?
They react to changes in the system's environment
Which of the following is not a common design metric for optimizing embedded systems?
Durability
What is the purpose of NRE cost in optimizing embedded system design?
To assess the one-time monetary cost of designing the system
What does 'time-to-market' refer to in the context of optimizing embedded system design?
The time required to develop a product to the point it can be sold to customers
What is the potential drawback of improving one design metric in embedded systems?
Worsening other design metrics
Which component is not typically found in an embedded system like a digital camera?
Hard drive
What is the average time-to-market constraint for an embedded system product?
8 months
'Losses due to delayed market entry' graphically illustrates potential losses associated with:
Delay in bringing a product to market
What does 'Maintainability' refer to as a design metric for embedded systems?
Ability to modify the system after its initial release
What is meant by 'Peak revenue' as shown in 'Losses due to delayed market entry' graph?
The maximum revenue potential at the time of market entry.
Study Notes
- Microprocessors are used extensively in embedded systems.
- Embedded systems are microprocessor-based systems designed to perform specific functions without end-user programming.
- PCs have been a significant source of hardware and software for embedded systems.
- Reasons for the widespread use of microprocessors: replacement of discrete logic-based circuits, provision of functional and maintenance upgrades, improvement of mechanical performance, protection of intellectual property, and replacement of analogue circuits.
- Microprocessors consist of the processor, memory, peripherals, and software.
- Embedded systems are single-functioned, tightly-constrained, reactive, and real-time systems.
- An example of an embedded system is a digital camera, comprising of a CCD chip, CCD preprocessor, pixel coprocessor, D2A, A2D, JPEG codec, microcontroller, multiplier/accum, DMA controller, memory controller, display controller, and various interfaces.
- Designing embedded systems involves optimizing design metrics such as unit cost, NRE cost, size, and performance, among others.
- Common design metrics and their goals: unit cost (monetary cost of manufacturing each copy), NRE cost (one-time cost of designing), size (physical space requirement), and performance (execution time or throughput).
- Time-to-market is a critical design metric, aiming to develop the product to be sold to customers within a given time constraint.
- Delayed market entry can lead to significant financial losses.
- The simplified revenue model for a product assumes a product life of 2W, with peak revenue occurring at the beginning of the market window, and average time-to-market being 8 months.
Test your knowledge about microprocessors, embedded systems, and their widespread use. Learn about the relationship between PCs and embedded systems, and the reasons for the extensive use of microprocessors. This quiz covers fundamental concepts in the field of embedded systems.
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