6.1 State TWO uses of a microcontroller as used in commercial devices - NSC Electrical Technology Digital - Question 6 - 2024 - Paper 1
Question 6
6.1 State TWO uses of a microcontroller as used in commercial devices.
6.2 Refer to the block diagram in FIGURE 6.2 below and answer the questions that follow.
6.3... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:6.1 State TWO uses of a microcontroller as used in commercial devices - NSC Electrical Technology Digital - Question 6 - 2024 - Paper 1
Step 1
State TWO uses of a microcontroller as used in commercial devices.
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Answer
Microcontrollers are utilized in refrigeration control systems to manage temperature settings and energy efficiency.
They are also used in lighting, particularly in advertising and illumination applications, allowing for automated control and effects.
Step 2
Identify the block diagram in FIGURE 6.2 above.
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The block diagram in FIGURE 6.2 represents a microcontroller system.
Step 3
State the function of the following:
(a) Control bus
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The control bus is used primarily for transmitting control signals from the CPU to various components, facilitating synchronization.
Step 4
State the function of the following:
(b) Data bus
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The data bus acts as a highway for transferring data between the CPU, memory, and input/output ports.
Step 5
Define the term interface.
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An interface is a shared boundary where two separate components of a system communicate and exchange information.
Step 6
Explain how the data is processed once it enters the current instruction register (CIR) from the MDR.
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Upon entering the CIR from the MDR, the data is divided into parts; the instruction itself is prepared for execution while the associated address is identified. The control unit decodes the instruction, preparing the necessary execution at the CPU.
Step 7
Describe the function of the accumulator.
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The accumulator serves as a specialized register that temporarily stores data required for arithmetic and logic operations, allowing for the processing of intermediate results.
Step 8
State the TWO types of registers that are used within the CPU.
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Special purpose registers, used for specific functions such as managing the data flow.
General purpose registers, which can hold data and addresses used in a variety of operations.
Step 9
Define communication protocols.
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Communication protocols are a set of rules that define how two or more electronic devices communicate and exchange data effectively.
Step 10
Explain the differences between simplex communication and half-duplex communication.
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Simplex communication allows data to flow in one direction only, while half-duplex communication enables the devices to transmit and receive data but not simultaneously.
Step 11
Explain the mode of operation of the serial peripheral interface (SPI).
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SPI operates as a synchronous serial communication link that allows full-duplex data transfer between devices using separate data lines for input and output, enabling simultaneous communication.
Step 12
State TWO disadvantages of SPI.
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SPI is susceptible to noise, which can cause data corruption.
It can only support short distances due to signal degradation over longer cables.
Step 13
State the maximum cable length.
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The maximum cable length for RS-485 communication is 1200 meters.
Step 14
State the mode of operation.
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The mode of operation for RS-485 can be simplex or half duplex.
Step 15
Name TWO devices that can be used with the RS-485 interface.
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Point of Sale terminals
CNC machines
Step 16
Describe an instruction cycle.
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The instruction cycle consists of fetching a program instruction from memory, decoding it, processing any inputs, and executing the instruction accordingly.
Step 17
Draw a complete flow chart for this device on the ANSWER SHEET for QUESTION 6.9.
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The flow chart should illustrate that the device starts and checks if the switch is pressed. If yes, it turns the output on, then waits for 5 seconds before turning the output off, and returns to the initial state.
