Embedded Systems and Arduino Introduction

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the basic structure of embedded systems, differences between microprocessors and microcontrollers, memory architectures, and specific details regarding 8051 and Arduino Uno hardware/software.

Embedded System

A microcontroller or microprocessor based system designed to perform a specific task.

Sensor

A device that measures a physical quantity (such as temperature, light, or pressure) and produces an analog electrical signal.

A/D Converter (ADC)

A component that converts analog signals into digital data (0s and 1s) so the processor can understand them.

Processor & ASIC

The brain of the system that processes digital data, runs programs, makes decisions, and controls outputs.

Memory

Used to store program instructions in Flash/ROM or temporary data in RAM.

D/A Converter (DAC)

A component that converts digital data back into an analog signal, often needed for actuators.

Actuator

The output device that acts on the environment, converting electrical signals into physical outputs like heat or motion.

Microprocessor (\mu P)

A general-purpose silicon chip that contains only a CPU, requiring external components for RAM, ROM, and I/O ports.

Microcontroller (\mu C)

A single-chip system containing a CPU, RAM, ROM, I/O ports, serial ports, and timers, typically used for specific tasks.

von Neumann architecture

A memory interface architecture that uses a common bus for both data and code memory.

Harvard architecture

A memory interface architecture that utilizes separate buses for accessing code and data memories simultaneously.

CISC

Complex Instruction Set Computer.

RISC

Reduced Instruction Set Computer.

8051 Microcontroller

An an $8$-bit microcontroller that typically features $128\,\text{bytes}$ of RAM and follows Harvard architecture.

.hex

The file extension for code loaded into a microcontroller for executing instructions.

PSW (Program Status Word)

A register whose flag bits are affected by arithmetic operations and used for switching register banks.

Stack Pointer (SP)

An $8$-bit register in the $8051$ that increases with every push operation; its direct address is $81H$.

Bit-addressable memory (8051)

Consists of $16\,\text{bytes}$ of memory located between RAM addresses $20H$ and $2FH$.

Arduino

An open-source physical computing platform based on a simple microcontroller board and a development environment (IDE).

Sketches

The term used for computer code or programs in the Arduino IDE.

ATmega328P

The specific microcontroller chip used on most recent Arduino Uno boards.

EEPROM

Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)

A type of signal provided by the digital pins on a microcontroller via the "analogWrite()" function.

setup()

One of the two primary functions in an Arduino sketch; it runs only once upon startup or reset.

loop()

The primary function in an Arduino sketch that repeats continuously as long as the board has power.