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.