What is an embedded system?

An embedded system is a special-purpose system in which the computer is completely controlled by the device it controls. It preforms pre-defined tasks with specific requirements. It is a computer system with an included function within a larger mechanical/electrical system “embedded” as a part of a complete device often including hardware and mechanical parts. Embedded systems range from portable devices to larger stationary installates like MRI machines.

What is a microcontroller?

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit. It has a processor core, memory and programmable input/output peripherals. It is designed for embedded applications and they are used automatically controlled products and devices.

SPI, ADC, UART, I2C: What do they stand for? What are they? What are they useful for? How are they all related?

SPI - Serial Peripheral Interface; It is a synchronous serial communication interface specification. They are useful for short distance communication in embedded systems and for Secure Digital Cards and Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs).

ADC - Analog-to-Digital Converter; It is a device that converts physical quantities into digital numbers that represent the physical quantity. They are useful for recording music, scientific instruments and also for digital signal processing.

UART - Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter; It is a computer hardware device that translates data between parallel and serial forms. They are useful for transmitting and receiving data back and forth.

I2C - Inter-Integrated Circuit; It is a multi-master, multi-slave, single-ended, serial computer bus. They are useful for attaching low-speed integrated circuits to processors and microcontrollers.

How do you think this information will relate to this lab?

This information will relate to this lab because we will probably be using some of these items. We will be using microcontrollers to control the rest of the described parts of an embedded system in our updated weatherboxes.

What is Arduino?

Arduino is an open-source prototyping platform that is considered easy-to-use hardware and software.

What is an Arduino Uno?

Arduino Uno is a microcontroller that is used for learning the basics of coding language and microcontrollers.

What kind of programming language does the Arduino IDE support?

It uses C and C++ language.

What are the two functions that are present in an Arduino program?

“loop()” : This is a continuous main function “setup()” : This is for configuring the registers and initializing the arduino

How is it different from a regular microcontroller?

The Arduino is different from a regular microcontroller because it is very user friendly. The Arduino itself is not a microcontroller, it is technically an embedded system.

Why do people use the Arduino?

People use Arduino not only because it is user friendly, but it has a lot of advanced features to allow for advanced work and outcome. It also has the ability to include hardware and software in one module, combined.

What are some advantages?

Arduino is compatible with PCs and Mac computers through the use of USB. It is an open-source and is very adaptable to projects! They are also very affordable in terms of a microcontroller and there are many videos and tutorials you can find online to help with the already user friendly device.

What are some disadvantages?

One of the disadvantages of the Arduino would be limiting a very experienced user to basic functions.

Arduino

• Arduino is a company that produces microcontroller-based kits for building digital devices and interactive objects that can sense and control objects in the physical world.
• First Arduino was introduced in 2005.
• A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit
• Parts for a microcontroller include a processor core, memory and programmable input/output peripherals.
• Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications and are used in automatically controlled products and devices.
• Mixed signal microcontrollers are common, which integrate analog components needed to control non-digital electronic systems.
• Arduino kits are inexpensive compared to other microcontroller platforms. As low as 50$ for a pre-assembled module.
• The Arduino Software (IDE) runs on Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux operating systems.
• The software is easy-to-use for beginners, yet flexible enough for experienced users to take advantage as well.
• It also as open source and extensible software and hardware.

Contributing authors:

Created by kshungilmore on 2016/01/29 02:39.