Distributed Embedded Systems Quiz

Why are embedded systems increasingly adopting distributed architectures for applications like automotive and IoT?

• To increase computational complexity

• To improve modularity, performance, and fault tolerance

• To reduce energy consumption only

• Because single-core processors are no longer available

What is the primary purpose of partitioning and mapping in distributed embedded systems?

• Reducing power consumption by deactivating unused hardware

• Ensuring that safety and real-time constraints are met by assigning suitable processing elements (PEs) for application functions/tasks.

• Optimizing the color scheme of circuit board designs

• Making debugging easier in embedded software

Which of the following factors can introduce undesired timing problems in a distributed implementation of real-time functions?

• Variability in message transmission delay

• Uncoordinated task execution across multiple ECUs

• Inconsistent synchronization among processing elements

• All of the above

Why is network topology a critical design aspect in embedded systems?

• It determines how processing elements (PEs) communicate and influences bandwidth and fault tolerance

• It defines the physical placement of sensors inside a car

• It has no impact on system performance as long as all devices are connected

• It only affects wired networks, not wireless ones

How does an event-triggered communication protocol (e.g., CAN) differ from a time-triggered protocol (e.g., FlexRay)?

• Event-triggered protocols prioritize scheduled execution, while time-triggered protocols operate only on demand

• Event-triggered protocols initiate communication based on system events, whereas time-triggered protocols follow a predefined schedule

• Event-triggered communication always has higher priority over time-triggered communication

• Time-triggered communication is only used in wireless networks

Why is arbitration essential in communication buses like CAN?

• It ensures that higher-priority messages are transmitted first

• It allows multiple devices to communicate without message collisions

• It prevents unpredictable execution timing in real-time applications

• All of the above

What is the primary function of the OSI Network Layer in Internet-enabled embedded systems?

• Managing encryption and security policies

• Routing packets across different networks

• Controlling hardware timers in real-time processors

• Formatting graphical data for display screens

How does dynamic IP addressing (DHCP) benefit Internet-enabled embedded devices?

• It reduces the need for manual network configuration

• It ensures that all devices have permanent and unique addresses

• It prevents devices from accessing the Internet

• It has no effect on embedded network performance

What are the challenges associated with latency and packet loss in IP-based communication for embedded systems?

• Best-effort routing in IP can lead to unpredictable delivery times

• Packet loss requires retransmissions, increasing system delays

• Global Internet performance is affected by traffic congestion and infrastructure limitations

• All of the above

Why is CAN bus still widely used in automotive networks despite the availability of higher-speed alternatives?

• It provides deterministic real-time communication and fault tolerance

• It is the only protocol compatible with modern car engines

• It allows direct Internet access from vehicle components

• It eliminates the need for sensors in modern cars