EC-604-A Microcontroller and Embedded System - May 2023 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
   aExplain 8051 interfacing to ADC with suitable diagram.
   How to answer

   • Define 8051-ADC interfacing need for analog input
   • Circuit connections: ADC0804/0809 to Port pins, ALE, OE, EOC, clock
   • Interfacing steps/timing and control signals
   • Example program flow for conversion and reading data
   • Neat labelled interfacing diagram
2. 7 Marks
   bState and explain timer mode operations with appropriate sketches.
   How to answer

   • State timer modes 0,1,2,3 of 8051
   • TMOD register format and mode selection
   • Operation of each mode with count size
   • Sketches of timer operation/modes
   • Applications of timer modes
3. 7 Marks
   aExplain microcontroller-based data acquisition system.
   How to answer

   • Definition of microcontroller-based data acquisition system
   • Block diagram and components: sensors, signal conditioning, ADC, microcontroller
   • Working and data flow sequence
   • Role of microcontroller in control and storage
   • Applications
4. 7 Marks
   bExplain register arithmetic and logic unit of 8096.
   How to answer

   • Overview of 8096 register file and RALU
   • Functions: ALU operations, register arithmetic
   • Logic operations supported
   • Flags and status handling
   • Role in 8096 architecture
5. 7 Marks
   aExplain the I/O ports of 8096.
   How to answer

   • Overview of 8096 I/O port structure
   • Port 0,1,2,3,4 functions and directions
   • Multiplexed address/data and control functions
   • Configuration for input/output
   • Applications
6. 7 Marks
   bDefine Addressing mode. Explain different types of addressing modes in 8096
   How to answer

   • Definition of addressing mode
   • List of addressing modes in 8096
   • Explanation with examples for each mode
   • Instruction format usage
   • Comparison of modes
7. 7 Marks
   aHow embedded system differs from general purpose computing systems? List the applications of embedded system.
   How to answer

   • Definition of embedded vs general purpose systems
   • Key differences: purpose, hardware, OS, power, cost
   • Characteristics comparison
   • List of embedded applications
   • Examples
8. 7 Marks
   bWhat are Design metrics? Explain the design metrics of embedded system.
   How to answer

   • Definition of design metrics
   • List of metrics: cost, performance, power, size, etc.
   • Explanation of each metric
   • Trade-offs among metrics
   • Importance in embedded design
9. 7 Marks
   aExplain the characteristics of embedded systems.
   How to answer

   • Definition of embedded systems characteristics
   • Real-time, dedicated, low power, reliability etc.
   • Explanation of each characteristic
   • Examples illustrating characteristics
   • Summary
10. 7 Marks
    bExplain the Harvard architecture with neat diagram.
    How to answer

    • Concept of Harvard architecture with separate memories
    • Block diagram with separate program and data paths
    • Working and simultaneous access
    • Advantages for embedded/DSP
    • Comparison with Von Neumann in brief
11. 7 Marks
    aHow do you define instruction set? Briefly explain the RISC with examples.
    How to answer

    • Definition of instruction set
    • Concept of RISC philosophy
    • Features: fixed length, load-store, single cycle
    • Examples of RISC instructions/processors
    • Brief comparison with CISC
12. 7 Marks
    bExplain the types of processors that can be used in embedded systems.
    How to answer

    • Categories of processors for embedded systems
    • Microprocessor, microcontroller, DSP, ASIC, FPGA
    • Features and selection criteria
    • Examples of use cases
    • Comparison summary
13. 7 Marks
    aWhat is the use of watch dog timer? Explain the operation with example.
    How to answer

    • Definition and purpose of watchdog timer
    • Need for recovery from hangs/faults
    • Operation: timeout, reset, servicing/kicking
    • Example application sequence
    • Diagram/timing explanation
14. 7 Marks
    bExplain 8279 with internal block diagram.
    How to answer

    • Introduction to 8279 keyboard/display controller
    • Internal block diagram components
    • Keyboard and display sections operation
    • CPU interface and control
    • Applications
15. 14 Marks
    Write short notes on any two:

    1. a)RS-232
    2. b)Memory mapping of 8096
    3. c)DSP
    4. d)Real time clock
    How to answer

    • Select any two topics from list
    • For each: definition/purpose and key features
    • Block diagram/organization where relevant
    • Applications in microcontroller/embedded context
    • Concise structured short notes