CMPEN352W-Quiz1_Prep

Lectures 1,2,3,4, and 5

What is an embedded system?

A combination of hardware and software designed to perform a specific task, with firmware embedded into the hardware.

Why are embedded systems needed?

They are application-specific, reduce size and cost, improve reliability and performance, meet timing constraints, and benefit from mass production.

Why learn about microprocessors and microcontrollers?

They are the core of computer systems, control many devices, and help reduce production cost and improve reliability.

What is a microprocessor?

A CPU with RAM, ROM, I/O, and timers on separate components; expensive, flexible, and general-purpose.

What is a microcontroller?

A single chip containing CPU, RAM, ROM, I/O, and timers; inexpensive, fixed resources, and single-purpose.

Why is C preferred for embedded systems?

It is fast, efficient, portable, modular, middle-level, statically typed, and has rich libraries.

What is an algorithm?

A step-by-step method used to solve a problem.

What is an instruction set?

A collection of basic operations a computer can perform.

What is an IC package?

A protective casing that provides physical protection, electrical connections, and heat dissipation for a chip.

What are key features of the MSPM0G3507 MCU?

Low cost, low power, 32-bit performance, precision analog integration, and flexible clock and power management.

What is the function of the NVIC?

It manages interrupts by checking priority, saving processor state, handling nesting, and directing the CPU.

How many registers does the ARM Cortex-M0+ have?

16 general registers and 3 special registers.

What are the general-purpose registers?

R0–R12.

What are the special registers?

PSR, PRIMASK, and CONTROL.

What is I/O pin multiplexing?

Allowing one physical pin to perform multiple functions such as GPIO, UART, SPI, or I2C.

What are the advantages of I/O pin multiplexing?

Reduced pin count, increased flexibility, and lower cost.

What is IOMUX?

A module that assigns internal peripheral signals to physical pins.

What does PF = 1 indicate in IOMUX?

GPIO function.

How can IOMUX be configured on MSPM0G3507?

Using TI SysConfig, Driver Library, or Direct Registers.

What is GPIO?

General Purpose Input/Output used to read digital inputs and write digital outputs.

What is a GPIO port?

A collection of GPIO pins.

What is memory-mapped I/O?

Accessing I/O ports by reading and writing to specific memory addresses.

What register enables a GPIO pin as output?

The DOE (Digital Output Enable) register.

What value configures GPIO output in the PINCM register?

0x81.

What is the difference between a toggle switch and a tactile switch?

A toggle switch stays ON or OFF, while a tactile switch is ON only while pressed.

What is an asserted state?

The logic-true state when the switch is pressed.

What does a pull-down resistor do?

Produces LOW when not pressed and HIGH when pressed (positive logic).

What does a pull-up resistor do?

Produces HIGH when not pressed and LOW when pressed (negative logic).

What is switch bounce?

Rapid opening and closing of switch contacts before settling.

Why is debouncing necessary?

To prevent multiple false signals from one button press.

What are hardware debouncing methods?

SR flip-flop, RC circuit, and debouncing ICs.

What are the steps of software debouncing?

Read input, wait a short time, read again to confirm.

What is serial communication?

Transmitting data one bit at a time over a single channel.

What are advantages of serial communication?

Simple, supports long distances, and uses standardized protocols.

What are disadvantages of serial communication?

Slower than parallel communication.

What is simplex communication?

One-way communication.

What is half-duplex communication?

Two-way communication but only one direction at a time.

What is full-duplex communication?

Two-way communication simultaneously.

What is asynchronous communication?

Communication using start and stop bits.

What is synchronous communication?

Communication using a clock signal.

What does UART stand for?

Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter.

How many wires does UART use?

Two wires (TX and RX).

What is baud rate?

The number of bits transmitted per second.

What baud rate mismatch is allowed in UART?

Up to ±10%.

What are the components of a UART packet?

Start bit, data bits, optional parity bit, and stop bit(s).

What is the purpose of the parity bit in UART?

Error detection.

What data sizes does MSPM0 UART support?

5, 6, 7, or 8 data bits.

What is FIFO?

First-In-First-Out buffer for transmit and receive data.

What is the baud rate formula for UART?

BRD = UART clock / (Oversampling × Baud rate).

What does BUSY = 1 indicate in UART?

UART is currently transmitting.

What does TXFF = 1 indicate?

Transmit FIFO is full.

What does RXFE = 1 indicate?

Receive FIFO is empty.

What is an overrun error (OVRERR)?

New data arrives when the receive FIFO is full, causing data loss.

Why must UART be disabled before configuration?

To prevent unpredictable behavior.