NSC Electrical Technology Digital Software of Microcontrollers: 5.1 State TWO uses of a microcon

Question

5.1 State TWO uses of a microcontroller in industrial control devices.

Microcontrollers are used in industrial control devices for:
- **Industrial instrumentation:** Used to measure and monitor various parameters to ensure proper functioning.
- **Monitoring:** Continuously checks conditions to maintain operational integrity.

5.2 State the basic function that random access memory (RAM) performs.

RAM stores all the data that is required to be processed by the CPU during the execution of programmes. It allows for quick read and write access to data in a volatile memory configuration.

5.3 State the basic function of a read-only memory (ROM).

ROM contains information that is permanently required; it holds the programmes, operating systems and data required by the system to be booted up when it is turned on.

5.4 Refer to communication in a microcontroller and answer the questions that follow.

5.4.1 Draw the block diagram of a microcontroller, clearly indicating the THREE system buses.

A basic block diagram for a microcontroller includes:
- **CPU**: Processes data
- **Memory**: Stores data
- **Input and Output**: Interfaces with external components

5.4.2 Define the term interface.

An interface is a shared boundary across which two separate components of a computer system exchange information.

5.5 Refer to registers within the CPU and answer the questions that follow.

5.5.1 Explain the function of a programme counter.

The programme counter counts the number of instructions that have been executed, adding one each time.

5.5.2 Explain the function of a memory address register.

The MAR stores the address of the next instruction to be executed by the processor.

5.6 State ONE type of communication protocol.

RS 232 or RS 485 can be used as communication protocols.

5.7 Define communication protocol.

A communication protocol is a set of rules that allow two electronic devices to connect and exchange data.

5.8 Illustrate the following data transfer methods with a block diagram.

5.8.1 Serial

In serial transfer, bits are sent one after another. A diagram shows a transmitter sending bits through a single wire to a receiver:
```
Transmitter  ------->  Receiver
      01010111
```

5.8.2 Parallel

In parallel transfer, bits are sent together. A diagram illustrates this with eight lines:
```
Transmitter  ----->  Receiver
 [0] [1] [1] [0] [1] [1] [0] [0]
```

5.9 Refer to a serial communication interface and answer the questions that follow.

5.9.1 Write out the acronym UART in full.

UART stands for Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter.

5.9.2 Explain the function of the UART.

The UART is a communication peripheral that sends and receives data serially. It converts parallel data to a serial data string and vice versa on the RX/TX line.

5.10 Refer to software of microcontrollers.

5.10.1 Explain the term flowchart.

A flowchart is a pictorial version of an algorithm and illustrates the flow of a program.

5.10.2 Define an algorithm.

An algorithm is a precise set of procedures to be followed in order to solve a problem.

5.10.3 Describe an instruction cycle.

In the cycle, the CPU fetches a program instruction from its memory, decodes the instruction, considers all inputs, and then executes that instruction.

5.11 Study the following algorithm and draw a flow chart thereof:

A bistable device has two stable states.
It is set by an input going high, where it stays until it is reset by a second input.
After resetting, the output returns to the low state.
The device has a single output.

5.1 State TWO uses of a microcontroller in industrial control devices - NSC Electrical Technology Digital - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:5.1 State TWO uses of a microcontroller in industrial control devices - NSC Electrical Technology Digital - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1

State TWO uses of a microcontroller in industrial control devices.

State the basic function that random access memory (RAM) performs.

State the basic function of a read-only memory (ROM).

Draw the block diagram of a microcontroller, clearly indicating the THREE system buses.

Define the term interface.

Explain the function of a programme counter.

Explain the function of a memory address register.

State ONE type of communication protocol.

Define communication protocol.

Illustrate serial data transfer methods with a block diagram.

Illustrate parallel data transfer methods with a block diagram.

Write out the acronym UART in full.

Explain the function of the UART.

Explain the term flowchart.

Define an algorithm.

Describe an instruction cycle.

Study the following algorithm and draw a flow chart thereof.

Join the NSC students using SimpleStudy...