Software Quality Attributes Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the important characteristics of an embedded system mentioned in the text?

Application and domain specific (correct)

Large size and weight

Operates in controlled environments

General-purpose nature

Why can't you replace the embedded control unit of your microwave oven with your air conditioner's control unit?

The microwave control unit is more powerful

They have similar functions

The air conditioner control unit is smaller

They are designed for different tasks (correct)

What distinguishes embedded systems from general-purpose computing systems?

Application and domain specificity (correct)

Distributed architecture

Harsh environment resistance

Real-time operation

How do embedded systems interact with the real world according to the text?

Via sensors and user-defined input devices Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a characteristic of embedded systems in the text?

General-purpose application Signup and view all the answers

Why can't you interchange an embedded control unit developed for telecom with one designed for consumer electronics?

They are tailored for specific domains Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic describes embedded systems that react to changes in input?

Reactive Signup and view all the answers

In a Real Time system, what does deterministic timing behavior mean?

The system responds to tasks in a known amount of time Signup and view all the answers

Which type of embedded systems are examples of Real Time systems?

Mission critical systems like flight control systems Signup and view all the answers

What should a Real Time system not do with regards to tasks or operations?

Miss any deadlines Signup and view all the answers

Which term is used for embedded applications or systems that need to consider the worst-case scenario in design?

Pessimistic Systems Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement for embedded systems operating in Real Time?

Not missing any deadlines for tasks or operations Signup and view all the answers

Why is the unit cost very high during the introductory stage of a product like a cell phone?

Due to high investments and no returns at the product development phase Signup and view all the answers

When does profit occur for a product according to the text?

When the total returns exceed the investment and operating cost Signup and view all the answers

What is MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) a measure of?

Frequency of failures in hours/weeks/months Signup and view all the answers

How would you define 'Throughput' based on the text?

The rate of production or operation over a defined process in a specific time period Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines a Real-Time system according to the text?

A system that adheres to strict timing behavior and responds within a known amount of time Signup and view all the answers

What is Product life-cycle curve according to the text?

Graphical representation of unit cost, product sales, and profit over various stages from conception to disposal Signup and view all the answers

What does the quality attribute 'response' measure in a system?

The quickness of the system Signup and view all the answers

Why is fast response critical in an embedded system used in flight control applications?

To ensure Real Time tracking of input changes for safety Signup and view all the answers

In terms of embedded systems, which of the following is an example where response time is not time-critical?

An electronic toy system Signup and view all the answers

What does 'throughput' measure in a system?

The efficiency of the system Signup and view all the answers

How is throughput generally measured in a system?

By calculating the rate of production over time Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'benchmark' when measuring throughput in a system?

A reference point for measurement Signup and view all the answers

What is portability in the context of embedded products?

The measure of system independence of an embedded product Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for an embedded product to be portable?

To allow easy migration to different target processors Signup and view all the answers

What does 'porting' refer to in the context of embedded products?

The migration of firmware from one target processor to another Signup and view all the answers

How can a high-level language like 'C' facilitate porting of firmware?

By reducing the need for target processor-specific functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of re-compiling firmware for a new target processor?

It generates new target processor-specific machine codes Signup and view all the answers

Why should an embedded product be flexible and portable?

To allow it to adapt to various environments and processors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characteristics of Embedded Systems

Embedded systems are designed to perform specific tasks rather than general-purpose computing.
They often have deterministic timing behavior, ensuring consistent operation under given conditions.

Interchangeability of Control Units

Embedded control units are tailored for specific applications, making them incompatible across different devices (e.g., microwave vs. air conditioner).
Interchanging control units for different applications (like telecom and consumer electronics) is impractical due to unique hardware and software requirements.

Real-Time Systems

Embedded systems that react to input changes must have timely responses, defining their real-time nature.
Real-Time systems must avoid delays that could affect task execution or system performance.

Deterministic Timing Behavior

In real-time systems, deterministic timing behavior ensures that operations occur consistently within set timeframes.

Types of Real-Time Embedded Systems

Examples of Real-Time systems include automotive safety systems and flight control systems, where timing is critical.
These systems cannot afford irregular task management that could impair functionality.

Design Considerations

A focus on worst-case scenarios is essential for the design of embedded applications in mission-critical settings.
Key requirements include reliability and responsiveness, particularly in safety-sensitive environments.

Product Economics

High unit costs during product introduction arise from low initial production volumes and R&D expenses.
Profit is typically realized when production scales and unit costs decrease over time.

Reliability Metrics

MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) assesses the reliability of a system, indicating expected operational uptime.
Throughput measures the amount of work or data processed over a specific time period.

Quality Attributes

The quality attribute 'response' quantifies how quickly a system reacts to inputs, crucial for effectiveness in real-time applications.
Fast response times are particularly vital in flight control systems to ensure safety and efficiency.

Measurement of Throughput

Throughput is commonly measured in transactions per second or data volume over time.
A 'benchmark' provides a standard reference for measuring system performance against comparable platforms.

Portability in Embedded Systems

Portability refers to the ability of embedded products to operate across different hardware with minimal modifications.
It is significant for adapting products to varying hardware platforms and extending their market application.

Porting Process

'Porting' involves adapting software for use on a different hardware platform or processor.
High-level languages (like C) simplify porting by providing abstraction that minimizes hardware-specific code.

Firmware Re-compilation Benefits

Re-compiling firmware for new processors allows for optimization and enhances system performance on different architectures.
Flexibility and portability in embedded products enable businesses to efficiently adapt to evolving technology landscapes.

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Description

Test your knowledge on software quality attributes such as response, throughput, reliability, maintainability, security, and safety. Learn about the importance of quick system response and how it impacts different types of systems.