Embedded Systems

Question 1

What is RAM?

Answer 1

Random Access Memory. Can access any bit in memory without going to the previous bit

Question 2

what is an embedded system? (compared to a classical computer system)

Answer 2

A system (software and hardware) designed for a specific purpose. (all components) Oftentimes with strict restrictions (size, memory, real-time capability). Minimal HMI and optimized software

Question 3

Examples of DSP:

Answer 3

adjusting timing so sound is played from two signals at the same time.
putting different parts of music to different speakers (sub, regular, etc)

Question 4

what is DSP?

Answer 4

digital signal processing (digital signal into another altered digital signal)
- a type of processing core.

Question 5

what might a SoC include?

Answer 5

(System on a Chip)
-CPU
Memory
Analog/Digital I/O
ADC
DAC
GPU
LCD

Question 6

What are two main characteristics of embedded systems?

Answer 6

• application specific

- highly optimized

Question 7

How are embedded systems optimized?

Answer 7

• cost
• reliability level
• size
• memory

Question 8

what are the layers of an embedded system? (with functions)

Answer 8

Application Layer (application software, control functions) ... what are these control functions?
Operating System (api, kernel, board support package)
Hardware Layer (processor, momories, signal processing, data busses, power supply)

Question 9

what are the three layers of an embedded system?

Answer 9

Application Layer
Operating System Layer
Hardware Layer

Question 10

What is the hardware Layer responsible for?

Answer 10

signal processing
memory
data buses
power

Question 11

What are four types of processors?

Answer 11

FPGA (free programmable gate array)
ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits)
DSP (digital signal processor)
CPU (central processing unit)
***

Question 12

What is a FPGA (characteristics)

Answer 12

Free Programable Gate Array

• uses logical gates (and or, not, xor) in order determined by specific application to make decisions
• faster (than CPU bc not continuously cycling through loop to check inputs)
• for individual programming, prototypes

Question 13

What is ASIC? (+ characteristics)

Answer 13

Application Specific Integrated Circuit.

• purpose built processor.
• made with lithography (patterns printed (with light) onto a silicon semiconductor in layers)
• weight savings compared to CPU
• good for mass production (cell phone chip)

Question 14

Which components of an embedded system are application specific?

Answer 14

HMI (buttons, sensors. - vs full keyboard)
software
processor (hardware
security levels, performance levels)

Question 15

What is a CPU? (+ characteristics)

Answer 15

Central Processing Unit. EX: Microcontroller.

• goes up / down (cycle) 10 MHz - 3 GHz
• checks I/O ports
• stores software instructions on memory (external, soft memory)
• flexible applications
• fast data processing (caches)
• Arduino chips will have a bootloader to put code via a USB onto the microchip