JAWAHARLAL NEHRU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY HYDERABAD B.Tech IV EMBEDDED SYSTEM DESIGN Previous Question Paper (July/August - 2022 - R16)

The evolution of embedded systems is closely tied to the advancement of microprocessor and microcontroller technology. Early systems in the 1960s and 1970s, such as the Apollo Guidance Computer, utilized discrete components and simple logic circuits to perform dedicated tasks. The 1980s marked the emergence of 8-bit microcontrollers like the Intel 8051, which integrated CPU, RAM, and ROM on a single chip, enabling cost-effective mass production. In the 1990s, the shift toward 16-bit and 32-bit architectures, along with the introduction of Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), allowed for more complex multitasking and sophisticated control. The 2000s and beyond introduced System-on-Chip (SoC) technology, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and multi-core processors, facilitating the development of high-performance, power-efficient systems capable of handling advanced connectivity, multimedia processing, and artificial intelligence.

Embedded systems are classified based on their functional requirements and performance constraints into the following categories:

• Standalone Embedded Systems: These systems function independently without requiring a host computer. They take input from external ports and produce output directly, such as digital cameras, MP3 players, and temperature measurement systems.
• Real-Time Embedded Systems: These are designed to perform tasks within strict time constraints. They are further divided into Hard Real-Time systems, where missing a deadline results in total system failure (e.g., airbag controllers), and Soft Real-Time systems, where missing a deadline causes performance degradation but not failure (e.g., video streaming).
• Networked Embedded Systems: These systems are connected to a network (LAN, WAN, or Internet) to provide distributed services. They rely on communication protocols to exchange data, such as home security systems, point-of-sale terminals, and IoT-enabled smart appliances.
• Mobile Embedded Systems: These are portable devices with limited resources, such as memory and power, designed for mobility. Examples include smartphones, tablets, and wearable health monitors.