Weekly Challenge 1

Which protocol uses SDA and SCL pins?

• SPI

• I2C

• UART

• CAN

Answer explanation

The I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) protocol is a popular two-wire communication system. It uses one wire for data, called SDA (Serial Data), and another for timing, called SCL (Serial Clock), to send information between devices.

Expand HDL.

• High Definition Logic

• Hardware Description Language

• High-level Digital

• Hardware Debug Layer

Answer explanation

HDL stands for Hardware Description Language. It's a specialized programming language, like Verilog or VHDL, used to describe the structure and behavior of electronic circuits, such as those found in FPGAs and other digital chips.

Which logic gate does the 7400 IC contain?

• OR

• AND

• NAND

• XOR

Answer explanation

The 7400 is a classic Integrated Circuit (IC) that contains four independent two-input NAND gates. It's a fundamental building block in digital electronics.

Which microcontroller is used in Arduino Uno?

• ATmega32

• ATmega328P

• STM32F103

• PIC16F877A

Answer explanation

The heart of the popular Arduino Uno board is the ATmega328P, a microcontroller from Microchip (formerly Atmel). It acts as the board's "brain," executing the code you upload to it.

Which of these is a common IDE for Arduino programming?

• Visual Studio Code

• Arduino IDE

• Eclipse

• NetBeans

Answer explanation

The Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is the official, free software provided by Arduino. It's specifically designed to make it easy to write code, compile it, and upload it to any Arduino board.

Which communication protocol is fastest for short distances between microcontrollers?

• UART

• I2C

• SPI

• CAN

Answer explanation

For short-distance communication, SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) is generally the fastest. It can achieve higher data transfer speeds than I2C or UART because it uses separate lines for sending and receiving data simultaneously and can support a much higher clock speed.

What does PWM stand for in embedded systems?

• Pulse Width Modulation

• Pulse Wave Module

• Programmed Wave Motion

• Power Wire Management

Answer explanation

PWM stands for Pulse Width Modulation. It's a technique used to create an analog-like result from a digital signal. By rapidly turning a pin on and off and varying the "width" of the on-time, you can control things like the brightness of an LED or the speed of a motor.

Which IC is used as a timer in most basic embedded projects?

• 7400

• 555

• 4017

• 8051

Answer explanation

The 555 timer is an extremely versatile and widely used Integrated Circuit (IC). It's a go-to component for creating accurate time delays, oscillations, and pulses in electronic circuits, making it a favorite for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Which device is an example of an embedded system?

• Laptop

• Washing machine

• Desktop PC

• Keyboard

Answer explanation

An embedded system is a computer designed for a specific task within a larger device. A washing machine has a built-in microcontroller dedicated solely to controlling wash cycles, water levels, and spin speeds, unlike a general-purpose computer like a laptop.

Which language is commonly used for programming FPGAs?

• Python

• Verilog

• C++

• Java

Answer explanation

FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) aren't programmed with traditional software languages. Instead, they are configured using a Hardware Description Language (HDL). Verilog and VHDL are the two most common HDLs used for this purpose.