MODULE 1 – QUESTIONS
A. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQs)
(Each question has 4 options, only one correct)
1. An embedded system is best described as:
A. A general-purpose computer
B. A system designed to perform a dedicated function
C. A multi-user computer system
D. A supercomputer
2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of embedded systems?
A. Low power consumption
B. Dedicated functionality
C. High memory and storage
D. Real-time operation
3. Which component acts as the brain of an embedded system?
A. Sensor
B. Microcontroller
C. Actuator
D. Display
4. Which of the following is an example of an embedded system?
A. Desktop computer
B. Supercomputer
C. Microwave oven controller
D. Data center server
5. In an embedded system, sensors convert:
A. Mechanical energy to sound
B. Physical signals into electrical signals
C. Electrical signals into visual signals
D. Data into memory
6. An embedded system that must never miss a deadline is known as:
A. Medium-time
B. Soft real-time
C. Hard real-time
D. Rapid real-time
7. The part of the embedded system that converts electrical signals into physical action is:
A. Sensor
B. Actuator
C. ADC
D. Memory
8. Which memory stores permanent program code in an embedded system?
A. RAM
B. EEPROM
C. Flash/ROM
D. Cache
9. The power supply unit of an embedded system ensures:
A. High-speed processing
B. Stable voltage to the system
C. Sensor calibration
D. Signal transmission
10. An example of a soft real-time system is:
A. Airbag system
B. Heart pacemaker
C. Video streaming
D. Aircraft landing gear system
B. SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS An embedded system is a specialised computer system designed to
perform specific and dedicated functions
1. Define an embedded system.
- part of a larger system
2. List any five characteristics of embedded systems. - autonomous
- often rea-time
3. Give four real-life examples of embedded systems. - perform one or few tasks
- efficient
4. Differentiate between a sensor and an actuator.
5. What is meant by real-time operation?
6. State two differences between hard and soft real-time systems.
7. What is the role of the microcontroller in an embedded system?
8. Mention three applications of embedded systems in the medical field.
9. What is firmware?
10. Why do embedded systems use low power?
C. LONG ANSWER / ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. Explain the architecture of an embedded system with a neat diagram.
2. Describe in detail the major components of an embedded system.
3. Discuss the importance of real-time operation in embedded systems.
4. Compare and contrast general-purpose computers and embedded systems.
5. With examples, explain the various applications of embedded systems in daily life.
6. Explain sensors and actuators in detail and discuss how they work together.
7. Describe the classification of embedded systems based on complexity.
8. Explain the concept of firmware and its role in embedded devices.
9. Discuss the challenges in designing embedded systems.
10. Write short notes on:
• a) Power supply units
• b) Memory types
• c) Communication interfaces
D. FILL IN THE BLANKS
1. An embedded system is a __________ designed to perform a __________ task.
2. The brain of an embedded system is the __________.
3. Sensors convert physical signals into __________ signals.
4. Hard real-time systems must __________ miss deadlines.
5. Flash memory is used to store __________.
6. Actuators convert electrical signals into __________.
7. An example of an embedded system at home is __________.
8. A smart thermostat uses a __________ sensor to detect temperature.
9. Embedded systems are usually __________ size.
10. The software that runs on embedded systems is called __________.
E. TRUE / FALSE
1. Embedded systems are always general-purpose computers.
2. Actuators produce physical output.
3. A TV remote is an embedded system.
4. Real-time systems always allow long delays.
5. RAM is non-volatile memory.
6. Flash memory retains data even when power is removed.
7. Embedded systems typically consume low power.
8. A pacemaker is a hard real-time system.
9. Sensors convert physical signals into data signals.
10. Embedded systems can include communication modules such as UART and I2C.
F. APPLICATION-BASED QUESTIONS
1. Explain how an embedded system works inside a washing machine.
2. Draw and describe the block diagram of an embedded system used in a microwave oven.
3. A student wants to design an automatic streetlight.
o Identify the input sensor.
o Identify the output device.
o Explain the controlling logic.
4. Describe how embedded systems are used in modern cars (minimum 5 applications).
5. Explain how an embedded system is used in a fire alarm system.
G. DIAGRAM QUESTIONS
1. Draw the architecture of an embedded system and label all parts.
2. Draw an example of a sensor and describe its role.
3. Draw a block diagram of a real-time embedded system.
4. Sketch a simple embedded system showing:
o Sensor
o Microcontroller
o Memory
o Actuator
o Power Supply
5. Draw a labeled diagram showing how an LM35 connects to a microcontroller.