IT-603-C Embedded Systems - Jun 2025 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 the classification of embedded system based on deterministic behaviour and triggering.
   How to answer

   • Define deterministic behaviour and triggering/event vs time triggered classification basis
   • Explain reactive / time-triggered vs event-triggered embedded systems with examples
   • Explain classification based on determinism: soft, firm, hard real-time behaviour
   • Summarize with comparison table and applications
2. 7 Marks
   bWhat are the various quality attributes that needs to be addressed in any embedded systems?
   How to answer

   • Define quality attributes / non-functional requirements for embedded design
   • Explain operational attributes: reliability, safety, security, maintainability
   • Explain design attributes: power, cost, size, performance, time-to-market
   • Give examples of trade-offs between attributes
3. 7 Marks
   aWhat is meant by design metrics? Explain any eight design metrics of embedded systems.
   How to answer

   • Define design metrics as measurable properties for design trade-off
   • List metrics: NRE cost, unit cost, size, performance, power, flexibility, etc.
   • Explain any eight metrics with meaning and impact
   • Mention competing metrics and optimization need
4. 7 Marks
   bWhat are the two classic architectures of instruction set implementation? Explain them in detail.
   How to answer

   • Identify two classic architectures: RISC and CISC (Von Neumann/Harvard context if applicable)
   • Explain RISC: features, instruction format, pipelining
   • Explain CISC: features, addressing modes, examples
   • Compare with diagram of datapath/control
5. 7 Marks
   aWhat are the 2 types of memory architectures in embedded systems? Explain each one of them in detail.
   How to answer

   • Identify Von Neumann (Princeton) and Harvard memory architectures
   • Explain Von Neumann: single memory, bus structure, bottleneck
   • Explain Harvard: separate program/data memory, parallelism
   • Compare advantages, examples in microcontrollers/DSP
6. 7 Marks
   bExplain the role of microcontroller in embedded systems. Also explain the features of 8051.
   How to answer

   • Define microcontroller vs microprocessor role in embedded control
   • Explain functions: I/O interfacing, timers, ADC, communication
   • List 8051 features: 8-bit CPU, 4K ROM, 128B RAM, timers, UART, interrupts
   • Give block diagram and application examples
7. 7 Marks
   aExplain the concept of timers and counters in embedded systems. How the watchdog timer is used to make the software work properly in embedded systems?
   How to answer

   • Define timer vs counter operation and clock source difference
   • Explain modes, prescaler, interrupts with 8051/PIC example
   • Define watchdog timer purpose and timeout reset operation
   • Explain servicing/kicking watchdog to ensure correct software execution
8. 7 Marks
   bGiven an analog input signal whose voltage ranges from 0 to 15 volts, and an 8-bit digital encoding is used, calculate the correct encoding for 5 volts. Trace the successive-approximation approach to find the correct encoding.
   How to answer

   • Calculate LSB step = 15V/256 and target code for 5V (~85 = 01010101)
   • Explain successive approximation register 8-step binary search process
   • Trace comparisons from MSB to LSB for 5V input
   • State final 8-bit encoding
9. 7 Marks
   aExplain IEEE 1394 isochronous high speed serial bus and communication bus.
   How to answer

   • Define IEEE 1394 / FireWire as isochronous high-speed serial bus
   • Explain isochronous vs asynchronous transfer modes
   • Explain bus topology, arbitration, data rates
   • Mention embedded/communication applications
10. 7 Marks
    bWhat is cache memory mapping? Explain three distinct types of mapping.
    How to answer

    • Define cache mapping between main memory and cache
    • Explain direct mapping with example
    • Explain associative and set-associative mapping
    • Compare hit rate, complexity, hardware cost
11. 7 Marks
    aBriefly explain ROM and RAM memories. Compose $1k \times 8$ ROM's into a $1k \times 32$ ROM.
    How to answer

    • Define ROM vs RAM types and characteristics
    • Explain need for 1k x 32 from 1k x 8 chips (4 chips in parallel)
    • Show address lines common, data lines concatenated, chip select logic
    • Provide block diagram of composition
12. 7 Marks
    bExplain Priority Arbiter, Daisy Chain arbitration and Network oriented arbitration.
    How to answer

    • Define bus arbitration need in multiprocessor/shared bus
    • Explain priority arbiter with fixed priorities
    • Explain daisy chain serial arbitration
    • Explain network-oriented / parallel arbitration
13. 7 Marks
    aWhat is operating system? Differentiate between normal OS and RTOS.
    How to answer

    • Define operating system and its functions
    • Define RTOS with determinism and deadlines
    • Differentiate on scheduling, latency, determinism, use cases in table
    • Give examples of OS vs RTOS
14. 7 Marks
    bWhat is TinyOS and where it is used? List out the feature of TinyOS.
    How to answer

    • Define TinyOS as component-based OS for wireless sensor networks
    • Explain application areas: sensor motes, low-power embedded
    • List features: nesC, event-driven, small footprint, power management
    • Mention scheduling and networking support
15. 14 Marks
    Write short notes on any two:

    1. i)DSP processors
    2. ii)CAN
    3. iii)Direct Memory Access
    4. iv)Device Drivers
    How to answer

    • For each chosen topic: definition and need in embedded systems
    • Explain architecture/working with block diagram
    • Mention key features/protocols/applications
    • Conclude with advantages