Intro to Embedded System

Question 1

What is an Embedded System?

Answer 1

It is usually a Microcontroller with some software and an I/O interface, it is embedded as it is a component with a clear-cut functionality within a larger system.

Question 2

What is Software Engineering?

Answer 2

A systematic, disciplined approach to developing software aimed at making all stakeholders happy.

Question 3

What are some key characteristics of Embedded Systems?

Answer 3

• It runs continuously and doesn’t terminate
• Interacts with hardware
• Must respond in real-time to external events
• They are constrained by size, weight and/or power.

Question 4

What are some key characteristics of Software Engineering

Answer 4

• Theories, methods and tools for professional software development
• An engineering discipline which covers every aspect of software production.
• Specification, development, validation and evolution.

Question 5

What are the levels of Abstraction that Embedded Software Engineering Cover?

Answer 5

Application Software - Programs

OS - Device Drivers

Architecture - Instructions Register

Micro-Architecture - Datapaths Controller

Question 5

What is Application Software?

Answer 5

• Record Sensor data or control a mechanical device.
• Uses services from the OS.

Question 6

Aspects of software engineering process?

Answer 6

• Requirements analysis
• Software Design
• Implementation
• Verification
• Maintenance

Question 7

Why Raspberry Pi?

Answer 7

Due to Ubiquitous ARM Processors, Raspbian OS has become more popular.

The Raspberry Pi provides a cheap (approx. $60) and
portable platform to learn both software engineering
fundamentals, but also become familiar with new software and hardware.