Computer Organization and Embedded Systems Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering 8086 architecture, computer evolution, embedded systems design, and modern IoT trends based on the lecture transcript.

Binary number system

A numbering system that uses only two digits, 0 and 1.

Assembly language

A low-level programming language used to interface directly with a computer's hardware.

EU

Expanded as Execution Unit, it is the part of the 8086 microprocessor that executes instructions.

Interrupt

A signal from hardware or software indicating an event that needs immediate attention from the processor.

Microprocessor

An integrated circuit that contains the functions of a central processing unit (CPU) on a single chip.

Instruction pipelining

A technique in which a processor fetches multiple instructions while executing current instructions to improve processing speed.

Harvard architecture

A computer architecture with separate storage and signal pathways for instructions and data.

CISC

Expanded as Complex Instruction Set Computer, an architecture designed to handle complex instructions in a single cycle.

Instruction set architecture

The abstract model of a computer that defines the set of basic operations the processor can perform.

Data representation

The methods used to represent information digitally within a computer system.

RISC

Expanded as Reduced Instruction Set Computer, an architecture focused on fast execution and low power consumption using simplified instructions.

Von Neumann bottleneck

A limitation on throughput caused by the shared bus between the CPU and memory for both instructions and data.

Actuator

A component in an embedded system that performs a physical action or movement, such as a motor or switching operation.

Sensor

An input device that detects physical properties, such as darkness, soil moisture, or heart rate, and converts them into signals.

Embedded system

A computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system.

BIU

Expanded as Bus Interface Unit, the part of the 8086 architecture responsible for fetching instructions and interfacing with memory.

Real-time system

A system where the correctness of an operation depends on both the logical result and meeting specific timing constraints.

Deadline

The specific time by which a task must be completed in real-time scheduling.

Latency

The time delay between the arrival of an input or event and the start of the system's response.

ISR

Expanded as Interrupt Service Routine, a software routine executed in response to an interrupt signal.

Firmware

Permanent software programmed into an embedded system's memory to provide hardware-level control.

I2C

Expanded as Inter-Integrated Circuit, a multi-master serial communication bus used in embedded systems.

CAN

Expanded as Controller Area Network, a robust communication protocol typically used in automotive and industrial applications.

UART

Expanded as Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter, a protocol for asynchronous serial communication.

SPI

Expanded as Serial Peripheral Interface, a synchronous serial communication protocol.

GPIO pins

General Purpose Input/Output pins used by microcontrollers to interact with external components.

Deterministic behavior

A characteristic of systems where response times are predictable and consistent, which is critical for real-time applications.

IoT device

A device connected to the internet that can collect, exchange, and process data through sensors and communication interfaces.

Cloud connectivity

The technology that allows embedded and IoT devices to connect to internet-based servers for storage and processing.

Edge AI

A trend in embedded systems where artificial intelligence algorithms are processed locally on the device rather than in the cloud.