Embedded Systems Intro

Question 1

What is a microprocessor?

Answer 1

• Semiconductor chip, billions of transistors - VSLI device - Can be programmed to perform specific tasks - Ex: CPU, timer, counter, interrupt control unit, RAM, EPROM

Question 2

What is a microcontroller (aka microcomputer) ?

Answer 2

• Combines CPU with memory units, D/A, A/D, !/O ports, embedded into a single chip

Question 3

What are the benefits of integrating a microcontroller system?

Answer 3

• reduced design cost - reduced number of chips - reduced amount of wiring - reduced power consumption - reduced PCB space

Question 4

What is the purpose of a development board?

Answer 4

Allows for easy integration with a microcontroller and other components. Ex; arduino, tiva launchhpad, raspberry pi

Question 5

Microprocessor vs Microcontroller, what is the difference

Answer 5

Question 6

What is an embedded systems?

Answer 6

• A microcontroller with embedded software on its flash memory or ROM.
• Any device that includes a programmable computer but is not itself a general purpose computer
• Software is not accessible to the user of the devuce
• Configured to perform a specific dedicated application
• Runs in real time

Question 7

What important embedded system specifications?

Answer 7

• speed [bytes/sec]
• power [watts]
• size [cm³]
• weight [g]
• accuracy [% error]

Question 8

What is important in choosing a microcontroller?

Answer 8

• Ability to process data (speed, precision, data type)
• I/O devices
• RAM and ROM size
• Power, package, zise and voltage
• Development tools
• Starter software