Ece350 midterm review

Chapter 1: Introduction

• The importance of being an active participant in learning, specifically targeting engineering concepts.

• Overview of exam preparation: Questions will be out of order and don't match lecture numbers.

• Mention of LLM (Large Language Model) and transformers as foundational concepts in engineering.

Engineering Fundamentals

Importance of Understanding Requirements

• Requirements must be met to solve problems effectively.

• Example of resistor calculations changing between exams (series to parallel).

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

• Demonstrated PWM voltage reading using a digital multimeter (DMM).

  • Example: High voltage of 5V, low voltage of 0V, with a duty cycle of 50% results in a reading of 2.5V.

• Calculation of DC voltage from average voltage in PWM context.

Transducers and Sensors

• Definition of a transducer: a device that converts different forms of energy.

• Sensors specifically convert any form of energy into electrical energy.

Chapter 2: Real-Time Processing

Real-time Limitations of Linux

• Linux as an operating system does not handle real-time processing effectively.

• Need for Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) for sub-millisecond servicing.

• Alternative approaches include direct C code programming without an OS.

Kernel and User Space

• Distinction between kernel space and user space processes in Linux.

• Specific mention of mechanisms to address real-time issues under Linux.

Chapter 3: Device Addressing

Device Tree Concept

• Device tree defines IO structures in Linux.

• Communicates driver requirements and addresses for devices to Linux kernel.

• Specific example of how a device's address might look in this format.

Bus Architecture

• Discussion of bus controller connecting the processor to IO devices.

• Importance of understanding addresses and data flow in device trees.

Chapter 4: Addressing and Device Interaction

• Addressing and data as vital parts of communications.

• Re-emphasis on defining specific drivers for communication with devices in device trees.

Chapter 5: Circuit Component Calculations

Ohm's Law

• Explanation of Ohm's law with examples using voltage and resistance calculations.

• Specifically discusses current rating of components like LEDs and their application in circuit design.

PWM Signal Analysis

• Analysis of PWM signals with the introduction of passive and active filters.

• Identification of circuits needing capacitors to smooth out PWM signals.

Chapter 6: Circuit Components and Systems

Embedded Systems Usage

• Assignment to identify everyday embedded systems and their instruction sets as part of field assignment.

• Need to identify various embedded systems beyond just Raspberry Pi examples.

Chapter 7: Circuit Components

Active vs Passive Components

• Explanation of the difference between active and passive components in electronics.

• Mention of sensors with specific examples: photocells and IR sensors.

Chapter 8: Conclusion

Exam Preparation

• Summary of exam structure: multiple-choice questions, calculations, and concept application.

• Highlighting the importance of understanding core principles to solve engineering problems.

• Encouragement to embrace challenges and learning from struggles as part of the engineering process.