Architecture of System on Chip (SOC) : SYBCS : Electronics 1: Embedded System Design : PYQ

 Unit 2:

1 mark

Q. Which processor is used in Raspberry pi.

Answer: The processor used in most Raspberry Pi models is an ARM-based processor, which is designed by the British company ARM Holdings.

Q. How physical numbering scheme is selected on Raspberry pi?

Answer: The physical numbering scheme on Raspberry Pi refers to the pin numbering system used for the GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins on the Raspberry Pi's header. 

The physical numbering scheme is based on the physical location of the GPIO pins on the Raspberry Pi board. The physical numbering scheme on Raspberry Pi boards is divided into two main parts: the P1 header and the P5 header. 

The P1 header contains the majority of the GPIO pins on the board, while the P5 header contains a smaller set of additional GPIO pins. The P1 header has 40 pins numbered 1 to 40, starting from the top left pin (when the board's USB and Ethernet ports are facing towards you), and moving down the left side of the header, then up the right side. 

The P5 header has 4 pins, numbered 1 to 4, with pin 1 located closest to the edge of the board.

2.5 mark

Q.Short note on Raspberry pi and Beagle Bone SBC.

Answer: Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone are both popular Single Board Computers (SBCs) that are widely used in various embedded computing projects. Here's a brief overview of each:

Raspberry Pi: Raspberry Pi is a series of small, low-cost, credit-card-sized computers that run on ARM-based processors. It was first introduced in 2012 and has since become a popular choice for hobbyists, students, and professionals alike due to its affordability, versatility, and ease of use. The Raspberry Pi boards are designed to be used in a wide range of projects, including robotics, home automation, media centers, and many more. Raspberry Pi supports various operating systems including Raspbian (based on Debian), Ubuntu, and Windows 10 IoT.

BeagleBone: BeagleBone is another popular SBC that was first introduced in 2011. Unlike Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone is designed for more advanced users who require more processing power and I/O capabilities. BeagleBone boards are based on ARM Cortex processors and come in several different models. BeagleBone boards support a wide range of programming languages and operating systems, including Linux, Android, and Windows 10 IoT. BeagleBone is popular among developers who require a more powerful SBC for advanced robotics, automation, and other complex projects.

Q. Short note on ARM 1176JZF-S.

Anwer: ARM 1176JZF-S is a processor core designed by ARM Holdings for use in embedded systems and mobile devices. It was first introduced in 2002 and is based on the ARMv6 architecture.

The ARM 1176JZF-S is a 32-bit processor that features a 5-stage pipeline and supports instruction and data caches for improved performance. It also includes an integrated floating-point unit (FPU) for handling complex mathematical operations.

The processor core is highly customizable, allowing it to be tailored to specific applications and use cases. It can be implemented in a variety of configurations, including single-core and multi-core designs.

The ARM 1176JZF-S is used in a wide range of devices, including smartphones, media players, set-top boxes, and embedded systems such as the Raspberry Pi. It is known for its efficient power consumption and strong performance in multimedia applications. While it has since been succeeded by more advanced ARM processor designs, the ARM 1176JZF-S remains a popular choice for many embedded computing applications.

5 mark

Q. Draw the neat diagram of architecture of SOC. Explain any three blocks of it.

Answer: System-on-a-Chip (SoC) is a complete electronic system that integrates multiple electronic components such as microprocessors, memory, input/output interfaces, and other hardware components into a single integrated circuit.

The architecture of an SOC typically includes the following blocks:

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is the primary processing unit of an SOC and is responsible for executing instructions, performing arithmetic and logical operations, and controlling the flow of data within the system.

Memory: SOC includes different types of memory such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. RAM is used for temporary data storage, while ROM and flash memory are used for permanent data storage.

Input/output (I/O) interfaces: SOC includes several I/O interfaces such as UART, SPI, I2C, USB, Ethernet, and others. These interfaces enable the SOC to communicate with external devices such as sensors, displays, and other peripherals.

Other blocks in an SOC may include a graphics processing unit (GPU), analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and other specialized hardware blocks.

The integration of multiple components into a single chip enables SoCs to be smaller, more power-efficient, and cost-effective compared to traditional systems that use discrete components. This makes SoCs suitable for a wide range of applications, including smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and more.

Q. Write the functions of following blocks of Raspberry pi

I) HDMI II) Micro SD Card III) USB ports IV) Ethernet V) Processor

Answer:

Here are the functions of the following blocks of Raspberry Pi:

I) HDMI: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital interface that allows Raspberry Pi to connect to external displays such as TVs and monitors. It supports high-definition video resolutions up to 1080p, as well as digital audio, making it a useful interface for media centers, gaming consoles, and other multimedia applications.

II) Micro SD Card: The Micro SD Card on Raspberry Pi serves as the primary storage for the operating system, applications, and data. It allows users to easily swap out different operating systems or projects by simply swapping out the SD card. Additionally, the Micro SD Card can be used to expand the storage capacity of the Raspberry Pi.

III) USB Ports: Raspberry Pi comes with multiple USB ports that allow for the connection of various peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and external storage devices. USB ports also support other devices such as Wi-Fi dongles and Bluetooth adapters, making it easy to add wireless connectivity to the Raspberry Pi.

IV) Ethernet: Ethernet port on Raspberry Pi allows for a wired connection to the internet or local network. It supports fast data transfer speeds and is ideal for applications that require a reliable, low-latency connection.

V) Processor: The processor is the brain of the Raspberry Pi and is responsible for executing instructions and performing various computations. The processor on Raspberry Pi is typically an ARM-based processor that is optimized for low power consumption and high performance. It supports multitasking, which allows for running multiple applications simultaneously, making it suitable for a wide range of computing applications.