EC-501 Microprocessor and its Applications - May 2024 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aCompare and contrast between RISC and CISC processors.
   How to answer

   • Define RISC and CISC architectures
   • Compare on instruction set, addressing modes, CPI, pipelining
   • Contrast on hardware complexity, power, cost and applications
   • Tabular summary with examples
2. 7 Marks
   bDiscuss the salient features of 80286 and 80386 microprocessors.
   How to answer

   • Introduce 80286: 16-bit, protected mode, MMU
   • Key features: 24-bit address, 16 MB memory, multitasking
   • Introduce 80386: 32-bit, paging, virtual 8086 mode
   • Compare enhancements in speed, memory and protection
3. 7 Marks
   aExplain the register organization of 8086 microprocessor.
   How to answer

   • Classify 8086 registers: general purpose, segment, pointer/index, flags
   • Explain AX, BX, CX, DX and segment registers CS, DS, SS, ES
   • Explain SP, BP, SI, DI, IP and flag register
   • Diagram of register organization
4. 7 Marks
   bDraw and discuss the read machine cycle timing diagram of 8086 in minimum mode.
   How to answer

   • Define minimum mode and read machine cycle with T-states T1-T4
   • Draw timing for ALE, M/IO, RD, DT/R, DEN, address/data bus
   • Explain multiplexed address/data operation per T-state
   • Discuss wait state and data read action
5. 7 Marks
   aGive an overview of microprocessor 8086 instruction set.
   How to answer

   • Classify 8086 instructions: data transfer, arithmetic, logical, string, control transfer, processor control
   • Give examples of each group with format
   • Mention addressing support and instruction size
   • Summary of instruction set capabilities
6. 7 Marks
   bExplain various addressing modes of 8086 in detail. Also give suitable examples.
   How to answer

   • List addressing modes: implied, immediate, register, direct, register indirect, indexed, based, etc.
   • Explain effective address calculation with segment:offset
   • Give assembly example for each mode
   • Diagram of memory addressing if needed
7. 7 Marks
   aDescribe the working of 8255 interfacing chip in BSR and I/O mode.
   How to answer

   • Define 8255 PPI ports A, B, C and control word
   • Explain BSR mode for bit set/reset of Port C
   • Explain I/O modes 0, 1, 2 and control word format
   • Diagram of control word and operation
8. 7 Marks
   bExplain the ADC interfacing with 8086 microprocessor.
   How to answer

   • Need for ADC with 8086 and signals used
   • Interfacing diagram using 8255 or bus logic with ADC 0808/0809
   • Explain start of conversion, EOC, OE and data read steps
   • Timing and program flow for data acquisition
9. 7 Marks
   aDraw and discuss the functional block diagram of 8254 Programmable interval timer.
   How to answer

   • Introduce 8254 PIT with three counters and control register
   • Draw functional block diagram: data bus buffer, control, counters
   • Explain operating modes and read/write operations
   • Applications in timing and counting
10. 7 Marks
    bWhat is DMA? Explain the working of DMA controller 8257.
    How to answer

    • Define DMA and need for direct memory access
    • Describe 8257 architecture: channels, registers, modes
    • Explain DMA read/write transfer sequence with HOLD/HLDA
    • Priority and interfacing with 8086
11. 7 Marks
    aList the major components of the 8259A programmable interrupt controller and explain their functions.
    How to answer

    • List blocks: IRR, ISR, IMR, priority resolver, control logic, data bus buffer
    • Explain function of each register/block
    • Describe interrupt acknowledge sequence
    • Mention cascading and modes
12. 7 Marks
    bWith the help of block diagram explain the working of 8251 USART.
    How to answer

    • Introduce 8251 USART for serial communication
    • Draw block diagram: transmitter, receiver, modem control, control logic
    • Explain synchronous/asynchronous modes and control/status words
    • Interfacing with microprocessor
13. 7 Marks
    aDraw the pin diagram of 8051 microcontroller and explain the functions of each pin.
    How to answer

    • Draw 40-pin DIP of 8051 with port, power, clock, control pins
    • Explain Ports 0-3, ALE, PSEN, EA, RST, XTAL
    • Explain power, ground and serial pins TxD/RxD
    • Function table per pin
14. 7 Marks
    bWhat is an embedded system? Give the classification of embedded systems.
    How to answer

    • Define embedded system with processor + software for dedicated task
    • Classify by scale, functionality and performance: small, medium, sophisticated; real-time, standalone, networked
    • Give examples for each class
    • Characteristics of embedded systems
15. 7 Marks
    aWhat are the special functions registers of microcontroller 8051?
    How to answer

    • Define SFR area and address range 80H-FFH
    • List SFRs: A, B, PSW, SP, DPTR, P0-P3, IP, IE, TMOD, TCON, SCON, SBUF, PCON
    • Explain function of key registers
    • Addressability and reset values
16. 7 Marks
    bExplain the interrupts structure of 8051.
    How to answer

    • List 5 interrupts: INT0, INT1, T0, T1, serial with vector addresses
    • Explain IE and IP registers for enable and priority
    • Describe interrupt polling and servicing sequence
    • Diagram of interrupt structure