Introduction of Electronics and Communication Module 4

Important Questions of Module 4

1. What is an embedded system? Compare embedded systems and general computer

systems.
2. Write a note on classification of embedded systems. Also provide applications of
embedded systems. Differentiate between a general purpose computing system and
embedded system.
3. Compare microprocessors and microcontrollers.
4. Bring out the differences between RISC and CISC, Harvard & Von-Neumann.
5. Mention the classification of embedded systems based on complexity and performance.
6. Using suitable diagram, explain instrumentation and control systems.
7. Write a note on transducers. Explain one type of sensor and actuator with its operation.
8. Explain the operation of an LED with neat diagram. Mention its applications.
9. Explain the working of a 7-segment LED with necessary diagrams.

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1. What is an embedded system? Compare embedded systems and general computer

systems.
Answer:
 An embedded system is an electronic/electro-mechanical system designed to
perform a specific function and a combination of both hardware and firmware
(software).
 Every embedded system is unique and the hardware as well as the firmware is
highly specialized to the application domain.
 Embedded systems are becoming an inevitable part of any product or equipment
in all fields including household appliances, telecommunications, medical
equipment, industrial control, consumer products, etc.
 Embedded system is a combination of 3 things
a) Hardware
b) Software
c) Mechanical component & it is supposed to do only one specific task only
 Example1: Washing Machine: A washing machine from an embedded systems
point of view has:
a) Hardware: Buttons, displays & buzzer, electronic circuitry.
b) Software: It has a chip on the circuit that holds the software which drives controls
& monitors various operations possible.
c) Mechanical components: the internals of a washing machine which actually
wash the clothes control the input and output of water.
 Example-2: Air Conditioner: An Air Conditioner from an embedded systems
point of view has:
a) Hardware: Remote, display & buzzer, infrared Sensors, electronic circuitry.
b) Software: It has a chip on the circuit that holds the software which drives control
& monitors the various operations possible. The software monitors the external
temperature through the sensos and then releases the coolant or suppresses it.
c) Mechanical components: The internals of an air conditioner the motor, the
outlet, etc.

General computer systems Embedded systems

A system which is a combination of a A system which is a combination of
generic hardware and general-purpose special-purpose hardware and
operating system for executing a variety embedded operating system & for
of applications executing specific set of applications
It contains a general-purpose operating It may or may not contain an operating
system (GPOS) system for functioning
Applications are alterable The firmware of the Embedded system
(programmable) by the user. (It is is pre-programmed and it is non-
possible for end user to re-install the OS alterable by the end user.

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and also add or remove user

applications)
Application specific requirements (like
Performance is the key deciding factor
performance, power requirements,
in the selection of the system. Faster is
memory usage etc) are the key
better.
deciding factor.
Power consumption is more Power consumption is less.
Response Time critical for some
Response Time is not critical
applications
Execution time need deterministic for
Execution time need not be
certain types of ES like ‘Hard real time
deterministic
systems’.

2. Write a note on classification of embedded systems. Also provide applications of

embedded systems. Differentiate between a general purpose computing system and
embedded system.
Answer: The classification of embedded system is based on following criteria's
1) On generation
2) On complexity & performance
3) On deterministic behavior
4) On triggering
1) Classification based on generation:
1. First generation (1G):
 Built around 8bit microprocessor & microcontroller.
 Simple in hardware circuit & firmware developed.
 Examples: Digital telephone keypads.
2. Second generation (2G):
 Built around 16-bit μp & 8-bit μc.
 They are more complex & powerful than 1G μp & μc.
 Examples: SCADA systems
3. Third generation (3G):
 Built around 32-bit μp& 16-bit μc.
 Concepts like Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Application Specific
Integrated Circuits (ASICs) evolved.
 Examples: Robotics, Media, etc.
4. Fourth generation:
 Built around 64-bit μp & 32-bit μc.
 The concept of System on Chips (SoC), Multicore Processors evolved.
 Highly complex & very powerful. Examples: Smart Phones.
2) Classification based on complexity & performance:

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1. Small-scale:
 It is suitable for simple applications.
 Performance not time-critical.
 It may oy may not contain OS.
 Built around low performance & low cost 8 or 16 bit μp/μc.
 Example: an electronic toy
2. Medium-scale:
 Slightly complex in hardware & firmware requirement.
 Built around medium performance & low cost 16 or 32 bit μp/μc.
 Usually contain operating system.
 Examples: Industrial machines.
3. Large-scale:
 H
ighly complex hardware & firmware.
 B
uilt around 32- or 64-bit RISC μp/μc or PLDs or Multicore Processors.
 R
esponse is time-critical.
 E
xamples: Mission critical applications.
3) Classification based on deterministic behavior:
1. Soft Real Time Systems: Missing a deadline may not be critical & can be
tolerated to a certain degree
2. Hard Real Time Systems: Missing a program/task execution time deadline
can have catastrophic consequences (financial, human loss of life, etc.

4) Classification based on triggering:

1. Event triggered: Activities within the system (e.g., task run-times) are
dynamic and depend upon occurrence of different events.
2. Time triggered: Activities within the system follow a statically computed
schedule (i.e., they are allocated time slots during which they can take place)
and thus by nature are predictable.

Major Application Areas of Embedded Systems: The application areas and

the products in the embedded domain are countless. A few of the important
domains and products are listed below:
 Consumer electronics: Camcorders, cameras, etc.
 Household appliances: Television, DVD players, washing machine,
fridge, microwave oven, etc.

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 Home automation and security systems: Air conditioners,

sprinklers, intruder detection alarms, closed circuit television cameras,
fire alarms, etc.
 Automotive industry: Anti-lock braking systems (ABS), engine
control, ignition systems, automatic navigation systems, etc.
 Telecom: Cellular telephones, telephone switches, handset multimedia
applications, etc.
 Computer peripherals: Printers, scanners, fax machines, etc.
 Computer networking systems: Network routers, switches, hubs,
firewalls, etc.
 Healthcare: Different kinds of scanners, EEG, ECG machines etc.
 Measurement & Instrumentation: Digital multi meters, digital
CROs, logic analyzers, PLC systems, etc.
 Banking & Retail: Automatic teller machines (ATM) and currency
counters, point of sales (POS).
 Card Readers: Barcode, smart card readers, hand held devices, etc.

3. Compare microprocessors and microcontrollers.

Answer:
Microprocessor Microcontroller
Microprocessors are widely used in Microcontroller is widely used in
computer systems. embedded systems.
It has only a CPU embedded into it It has a CPU, a fixed amount of RAM,
ROM and other peripherals all embedded
on it.
In case of microprocessors we have to As all the components are internally
connect all the components externally so connected in microcontroller so the circuit
the circuit becomes large and complex. size is less.
It consumes more power. It consumes less power than a
microprocessor.
Used for high scale applications. Used for low scale applications.
High processing power. Low processing power.
Relatively slower in speed. Relatively faster in speed.
Clock in GHz Clock in MHz
Access time for memory and input devices Access time for memory and input devices
are more. are less.
More flexible in design Less flexible in design

4. Bring out the differences between RISC and CISC, Harvard & Von-Neumann.
Answer:
CISC RISC

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Complex instructions. Simple instructions.

Main focus is hardware. Main focus is software.
Complexity lies in Processor. Complexity lies in Compiler.
Multiple clock cycle. Single clock cycle.
Transistors are used to store complex Transistors are used for storing
instructions.
CISC has 100-300 minimum Instructions. RISC uses few instructions (30-40).
Variable size/length instructions. Fixed size/length instructions.

Von-Neumann Architecture Harvard Architecture

It is ancient computer architecture based on It is modern computer architecture based
stored program computer concept. on Harvard Mark I relay based model.
Same physical memory address is used for Separate physical memory address is used
instructions and data. for instructions and data.
There is common bus for data and Separate buses are used for transferring
instruction transfer. data and instruction.
Two clock cycles are required to execute An instruction is executed in a single cycle.
single instruction.
It is cheaper in cost. It is costly than Von Neumann
Architecture.
CPU can not access instructions and CPU can access instructions and read/write
read/write at the same time. at the same time
It is used in personal computers and small It is used in micro controllers and signal
computers. processing.
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/difference-between-von-neumann-and-harvard-
architecture/

5. Write a notes on Elements of an embedded system. Also write the major Application
Areas of Embedded Systems.
Answer:
Elements of an embedded system:
 A typical embedded system contains a single chip controller which acts as the master brain
of the system. Diagrammatically an embedded system can be represented as follows:

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 Embedded systems consist of a system core which can be a single chip controller. This
system core will act as a brain of the system.
 The system core can be a microprocessor, microcontroller, FPGA, ASIC, DSP, Soc.
 The input signals are sensed through sensors are provided to the embedded systems through
input ports by the end users to the system core.
 The system processes the signals and provide the control signals to the output ports
(actuators).
 Keyboards, push button, switches, etc. are examples of common user interface input devices
and LEDs, LCDs, Piezoelectric buzzers, etc. examples for common user interface output
devices for a typical embedded system.
 Some embedded systems do not require any manual intervention for their operation. They
automatically sense the input parameters from real world through sensors which are
connected at input port.
 The sensor information is passed to the processor after signal conditioning and digitization.
The core of the system performs some predefined operations on input data with the help of
embedded firmware in the system and sends some actuating signals to the actuator connect
connected to the output port of the system.
 The memory of the system is responsible for holding the code (control algorithm and other
important configuration details). There are two types of memories are used in any embedded
system. Fixed memory (ROM) is used for storing code or program.

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 The user cannot change the firmware in this type of memory. The most common types of
memories used in embedded systems for control algorithm storage are OTP, PROM,
UVEPROM, EEPROM and FLASH.

Major Application Areas of Embedded Systems: The application areas and the products in the
embedded domain are countless. A few of the important domains and products are listed below:
 Consumer electronics: Camcorders, cameras, etc.
 Household appliances: Television, DVD players, washing machine, fridge, microwave
oven, etc.
 Home automation and security systems: Air conditioners, sprinklers, intruder detection
alarms, closed circuit television cameras, fire alarms, etc.
 Automotive industry: Anti-lock braking systems (ABS), engine control, ignition systems,
automatic navigation systems, etc.
 Telecom: Cellular telephones, telephone switches, handset multimedia applications, etc.
 Computer peripherals: Printers, scanners, fax machines, etc.
 Computer networking systems: Network routers, switches, hubs, firewalls, etc.
 Healthcare: Different kinds of scanners, EEG, ECG machines etc.
 Measurement & Instrumentation: Digital multi meters, digital CROs, logic analyzers,
PLC systems, etc.
 Banking & Retail: Automatic teller machines (ATM) and currency counters, point of sales
(POS).
 Card Readers: Barcode, smart card readers, hand held devices, etc.

6. Using suitable diagram, explain instrumentation and control systems.

Answer:

system.
 g., temperature) acts upon a sensor
that produces an electrical output signal.
 This signal is an electrical analogue of the physical input but note that there may not be a
linear relationship between the physical quantity and its electrical equivalent.

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 Because of this and since the output produced by the sensor may be small or may suffer
from the presence of noise (i.e., unwanted signals).

and in an acceptable form for signal processing, display and recording.

additional stage of analog-to-digital conversion may be required.
 system. This uses negative feedback in order
to regulate and stabilize the output.

and leave the system to regulate itself by comparing it with a signal derived from the output
(via a sensor and appropriate signal conditioning).

discrepancy is detected the input to the power amplifier is adjusted accordingly.
 to as an error signal (it should be zero when the output exactly
matches the demand).

stable d.c. voltage source while the controlled device can take many forms (e.g., a d.c.
motor, linear actuator, heater, etc.).
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7. Write a note on transducers. Explain one type of sensor and actuator with its
operation.
Answer:
Transducers:

equivalent electrical signal, or vice versa.

sounds.
 A microphone, on the other hand, is a transducer that performs the reverse function i.e. that
of converting sound pressure variations into voltage or current. Loudspeakers and
microphones can thus be considered as complementary transducers.

From the two previous examples, it should be obvious that a loudspeaker is an output
transducer designed for use in conjunction with an audio system.

reinforcing system.

Sensor:
 A sensor is a special kind of transducer that converts energy from one form to another for
any measurement or control purpose.

physical quantity, such as distance, velocity, acceleration, temperature, pressure, light level,
etc.

cost and physical size.

current or voltage output. A passive transducer requires a source of current or voltage and it
modifies this in some way (e.g. by virtue of a change in the sensor’s resistance).

exist in only two discrete states, either ‘on’ or ‘off’, ‘low’ or ‘high’, ‘logic 1’ or ‘logic 0’,
etc.

Actuator:

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 An actuator is a device that receives an energy input and converts it into motion or force and
is an essential component in many modern technologies and engineering fields.
 From robotics to renewable energy, actuators play a critical role in controlling and
automating various processes and systems.
 The type of actuator used in an application depends on the specific requirements of that
application, such as the level of force, response time, and durability needed.
a) Pneumatic actuators: Pneumatic actuators use compressed air to generate motion. They
can be used for various applications, such as moving machine parts or controlling valve
positions. They are often preferred for applications that require high force, fast response
times, or explosion-proof environments.
b) Hydraulic actuators: Hydraulic actuators use fluid pressure to generate motion. They are
commonly used for heavy-duty applications such as construction equipment, manufacturing
machinery, and industrial robots. Hydraulic actuators offer high levels of force, durability,
and reliability.
c) Electric actuators: Electric actuators use electrical energy to generate motion. They can be
driven by AC or DC motors and are often used in applications that require precise control,
low noise, and low maintenance. Electric actuators are commonly used in automation
systems, medical devices, and laboratory equipment.
d) Magnetic and thermal actuators: Magnetic and thermal actuators are two types of
actuators that use magnetic and temperature changes to generate motion, respectively.
Magnetic actuators use magnetic fields to generate force. Thermal actuators use the
expansion or contraction of materials in response to temperature changes. Both actuators are
commonly used in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and other miniaturized
applications.
e) Mechanical actuators: Mechanical actuators use physical mechanisms such as levers,
gears, or cams to generate motion. Mechanical actuators are commonly used in applications
where low cost, simple operation, and durability are important. Examples include hand-
crank machines, manual valve systems, and mechanical locks.

8. Explain the operation of an LED with neat diagram. Mention its applications.
Answer:
 The lighting emitting diode is a p-n junction diode. It is a specially doped diode
and made up of a special type of semiconductors. When the light emits in the
forward biased, then it is called a light-emitting diode.
 The LED symbol is similar to a diode symbol except for two small arrows that
specify the emission of light, thus it is called LED (light-emitting diode). The
LED includes two terminals namely anode (+) and the cathode (-). The LED
symbol is shown below.

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 The light-emitting diode simply, we know as a diode. When the diode is forward
biased, then the electrons & holes are moving fast across the junction and they are
combined constantly, removing one another out. Soon after the electrons are
moving from the n-type to the p-type silicon, it combines with the holes, then it
disappears. Hence it makes the complete atom & more stable and it gives the little
burst of energy in the form of a tiny packet or photon of light.

 The Applications of LEDs are

a) Electronic displays such as OLEDs, micro-LEDs, quantum dots etc.
b) As an LED indicator.
c) In remote controls.
d) Lightings.
e) Opto-isolators.

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9. Explain the working of a 7-segment LED with necessary diagrams.

Answer:
 Seven segment displays are the output display device that provides a way to display
information in the form of images or text or decimal numbers which is an alternative to
the more complex dot matrix displays. It is widely used in digital clocks, basic
calculators, electronic meters, and other electronic devices that display numerical
information. It consists of seven segments of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are
assembled like numerical 8.
 The number 8 is displayed when the power is given to all the segments and if you
disconnect the power for ‘g’, then it displays the number 0. In a seven-segment display,
power (or voltage) at different pins can be applied at the same time, so we can form
combinations of display numerical from 0 to 9. Since seven-segment displays can not
form alphabets like X and Z, so it can not be used for the alphabet and they can be used
only for displaying decimal numerical magnitudes. However, seven-segment displays can
form alphabets A, B, C, D, E, and F, so they can also be used for representing each
display unit is usually has a dot point (DP). The display point could be located either
towards the left or towards the right of the display pattern. This type of pattern can be
used to display numerals from 0 to 9 and letters from to F hexadecimal digits.

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 Types of Seven Segment Displays: According to the type of application, there

are two types of configurations of seven-segment displays: common anode
display and common cathode display.
a) In common cathode seven segment displays, all the cathode connections of LED
segments are connected together to logic 0 or ground. We use logic 1 through a
current limiting resistor to forward bias the individual anode terminals a to g.

b) Whereas all the anode connections of the LED segments are connected together to
logic 1 in a common anode seven segment display. We use logic 0 through a
current limiting resistor to the cathode of a particular segment a to g.

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