NSC Electrical Technology Digital Communication Protocols: 6.1 Explain how microprocessors

Question

6.1 Explain how microprocessors provide digital processing control to appliances.  
Microprocessors perform arithmetic and logic operations that make use of data on the chip in the form of the ROM program. They retrieve data from the ROM into the CPU to be processed in a sequential order. This sequence is controlled by an on-board clock which defines the timing and order of operations. As the sequence progresses through its instruction sequence, data is stored in and moved into and out of RAM for short-term storage. Once the sequence completes, the CPU sends the final results to the I/O ports that control the appliances.

6.2 FIGURE 6.2 below shows a CPU with registers as part of microcontrollers. Answer the questions that follow.

6.2.1 Label A to D in FIGURE 6.2.  
6.2.2 Explain the operating cycle of the CPU.  
The CPU's operating cycle consists of three main phases: fetch, decode, and execute. In the fetch phase, the CPU retrieves instructions and data from memory. Next, the decode phase interprets the instructions in binary code. Finally, in the execute phase, the CPU performs the instructions it has decoded, completing the cycle.

6.3 Refer to registers within a CPU and explain the function of the following:  
6.3.1 Memory address register (MAR)  
The Memory Address Register (MAR) holds the memory location of data that needs to be processed.  
6.3.2 Program counter (PC)  
The Program Counter (PC) contains the address of the next instruction to be executed by the processor.

6.4 State the function of the cache memory.  
Cache memory is a short-term memory that temporarily stores frequently accessed instructions and data, thereby improving CPU speed.

6.5 Refer to FIGURE 6.5 of serial communication below and answer the questions on the next page.  
6.5.1 A  
State the role of A in the serial communication.  
A acts as the sender/transmitter for data.  
6.5.2 B  
State the role of B in the serial communication.  
B functions as the receiver for incoming data bits.

6.6 State TWO advantages of the serial communication interface (SCI).  
Serial communication is reliable for high-speed data transfer and requires fewer wires than parallel communication.

6.7 Refer to FIGURE 6.7 of the inter-integrated bus (I2C) and answer the questions that follow.  
6.7.1 Label line X.  
Line X is the Serial Data Line (SDA).  
6.7.2 State TWO disadvantages of the inter-integrated bus (I2C).  
I2C can be slower and draws more power than other bus types.

6.7.3 State the function of pull-up resistors Rp.  
Pull-up resistors Rp are used to maintain the high state on the bus when no active devices are pulling it low.

6.7.4 Differentiate between the function of the master and the slave in FIGURE 6.7.  
The master device initiates communication and controls the clock line, while the slave responds to requests from the master.

6.8 Refer to the software of microcontrollers and explain the difference between an algorithm and a program.  
An algorithm is a sequence of steps designed to solve a problem, while a program is a concrete implementation of that algorithm written in code.

6.9 Study the following algorithm and complete its flow chart in FIGURE 6.9 on the ANSWER SHEET FOR QUESTION 6.9.  
A monostable device has one stable state. It changes state when triggered by an input.  
It stays in this state for five seconds.  
The output returns to its original state.  
The device has a single output.

6.1 Explain how microprocessors provide digital processing control to appliances - NSC Electrical Technology Digital - Question 6 - 2023 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:6.1 Explain how microprocessors provide digital processing control to appliances - NSC Electrical Technology Digital - Question 6 - 2023 - Paper 1

6.2.1 Label A to D in FIGURE 6.2.

6.2.2 Explain the operating cycle of the CPU.

6.3.1 Memory address register (MAR)

6.3.2 Program counter (PC)

6.4 State the function of the cache memory.

6.5.1 A

6.5.2 B

6.6 State TWO advantages of the serial communication interface (SCI).

6.7.1 Label line X.

6.7.2 State TWO disadvantages of the inter-integrated bus (I2C).

6.7.3 State the function of pull-up resistors Rp.

6.7.4 Differentiate between the function of the master and the slave in FIGURE 6.7.

6.8 Explain the difference between an algorithm and a program.

6.9 Study the flow chart.

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