Embedded Systems - Short Answer Questions

Q1. Define Compiler?

A compiler is a software tool that translates high-level programming language code into machine code or low-level code

executable by a processor.

Q2. Define Cross-Compiler?

A cross-compiler is a compiler that runs on one platform (host) but generates executable code for a different platform

(target).

Q3. Define Interrupt/Event?

An interrupt/event is a signal that temporarily halts the normal execution of a program to attend to a high-priority task.

Q4. Define Interrupt Service Routine (ISR)

An ISR is a special function that gets executed automatically in response to an interrupt signal.

Q5. Explain the fundamental issues in hardware software co-design in detail.

Key issues include partitioning (deciding which function goes to hardware/software), communication between

components, synchronization, and meeting constraints like power, cost, and timing.

Q6. Explain Data Flow Graph (DFG) computational model with example.

A DFG represents computation as nodes (operations) and edges (data dependencies). Example: A = B + C; D = A * E -

'+' and '*' are nodes, with arrows showing data flow.

Q7. Explain Control Data Flow Graph (CDFG) computational model with example.

CDFG combines control structures with data flows to represent both operations and decisions. Example: An 'if'

statement with different DFGs for true and false branches.

Q8. Explain State Machine computational model with example.

Represents system behavior with states and transitions. Example: A traffic light with states (Green, Yellow, Red) and

transitions based on timer events.

Q9. Explain Sequential program computational model with example.

Executes instructions one after another in a specific order. Example: A program calculating factorial using a loop.
 Embedded Systems - Short Answer Questions

Q10. Explain Concurrent/Communicating computational model with example.

Multiple tasks run in parallel and communicate via messages or shared memory. Example: Sensor data acquisition and

logging tasks running concurrently.

Q11. Discuss various techniques used for embedding the firmware into the target board.

Includes ROM programming, EEPROM, Flash memory, and in-system programming methods like JTAG or ISP.

Q12. Explain in detail about Out-of-Circuit programming.

Firmware is programmed into the memory chip using a programmer before it is soldered onto the board.

Q13. Explain in detail about In System Programming (ISP).

Firmware is loaded directly into the microcontroller while it is already mounted on the PCB using serial interfaces like

UART, SPI, or JTAG.

Q14. Explain the importance hardware software trade-offs in hardware software partitioning?

Helps balance cost, performance, power, and development time by choosing the optimal implementation domain

(hardware or software).

Q15. Explain the various elements of an embedded system development environment.

Includes hardware (target board), software tools (IDE, compiler), debugger, simulator, emulator, and communication

interfaces.

Q16. Explain the role of integrated development environment (IDE) for embedded software development.

An IDE integrates editing, compiling, debugging, and flashing tools into a single interface to streamline development.

Q17. What are the different files generated during the cross-compilation? Explain them in detail.

- Object files (.o): Compiled code without linking.

- Executable file (.elf/.axf): Fully linked code.

- Hex file (.hex): Firmware image for programming.

- Map file (.map): Memory layout and symbol info.

Q18. Explain the various details held by a List File generated during the process of cross-compiling.
 Embedded Systems - Short Answer Questions

Contains source code, line numbers, machine code, addresses, and symbol information.

Q19. Explain the various details held by a Map File generated during the process of cross-compiling.

Shows memory usage, symbol locations, code/data sizes, and section allocation.

Q20. Explain the various details held by an Object File generated during the process of cross-compiling.

Contains compiled code, symbol tables, relocation info, and debugging data.

Q21. Explain the format of Hex records in an Intel Hex file.

Consists of ASCII lines with fields: Start code, byte count, address, record type, data, and checksum.

Q22. Explain them in detail about the different techniques available for embedded firmware debugging?

Include simulation, emulation, JTAG debugging, printf debugging, LED indicators, and hardware breakpoints.

Q23. Explain in detail about embedded Software development process.

Steps include requirements analysis, system design, coding, testing, debugging, and deployment.

Q24. Explain the different tools used for hardware debugging.

Includes oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, signal generators, and in-circuit emulators (ICE).