CET Embedded Systems & Programming 5

Question 1

What is the primary role of a bootloader in an embedded system?

Accepted Answer

To load, verify, and launch the main application firmware from non-volatile memory

Answer

A bootloader is a small program that runs first after reset, validates application firmware integrity, and transfers execution to it—or enters an update mode if needed.

Question 2

Which debug interface is standard for ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers and supports both programming and real-time debugging?

Accepted Answer

SWD (Serial Wire Debug)

Answer

SWD (Serial Wire Debug) is ARM's two-wire alternative to JTAG, providing full debug and flash programming capability on Cortex-M devices using only SWDIO and SWDCLK.

Question 3

What does DMA (Direct Memory Access) accomplish in an embedded system?

Accepted Answer

It transfers data between peripherals and memory without CPU involvement

Answer

DMA offloads data movement (e.g., ADC samples to RAM, SPI buffer to UART) from the CPU, allowing the processor to perform other work simultaneously.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a linker script in an embedded C project?

Accepted Answer

It specifies how code and data sections are mapped to the microcontroller's physical memory regions

Answer

The linker script tells the linker where to place each section (.text, .data, .bss, etc.) in flash and RAM, reflecting the target device's memory map.

Question 5

What is 'clock gating' in the context of embedded microcontroller power management?

Accepted Answer

Selectively disabling the clock to unused peripherals to reduce dynamic power consumption

Answer

Clock gating stops the clock signal to idle peripheral modules, eliminating their dynamic power draw without affecting active peripherals.

(CET) Certified Euthanasia Technician Practice Test

(CET) Certified Euthanasia Technician Practice Test

CET Embedded Systems & Programming 5