(SEM V) THEORY EXAMINATION 2024-25 PROGRAMMING AND INTERFACING WITH MICROCONTROLLERS

Subject Code: BCIT055
Maximum Marks: 70
Time: 3 Hours
Paper ID: 310323

Question Paper Overview

SECTION A (2 × 7 = 14 Marks)

(Conceptual short-answer questions)

a. Discuss the evolution of creative coding platforms.
b. Identify the major components of a circuit.
c. Compare openFrameworks with Arduino IDE in terms of usability, performance, and applications.
d. Compare Arduino and Raspberry Pi’s ARM processors based on speed and memory.
e. Explain the differences between Serial UART, I²C, and SPI communication protocols.
f. Explain how Arduino interfaces with a MySQL database to log sensor data.
g. Discuss the role of IoT in industries.

SECTION B (Attempt any three × 7 = 21 Marks)

a. A temperature sensor outputs 10 mV/°C. If the output is 250 mV, calculate the temperature. Explain sensor calibration and its real-world importance.
b. Given a project requiring real-time data processing and internet connectivity, choose between Arduino and Raspberry Pi and justify with technical comparison.
c. Compare Arduino-compatible microcontrollers in terms of I/O pins, communication protocols, and power consumption.
d. Explain how Arduino can be used for wired and wireless networking. Design a system to transmit sensor data to a server using Wi-Fi.
e. Design a system where sensor data is transmitted over TCP/IP to a remote server. Discuss how packet loss can be handled.

SECTION C (Attempt one part from each question × 7 = 35 Marks)

Q3

(a) Write a Python program that interfaces with an Arduino to control an LED based on user input. Explain the communication flow between Python and Arduino.
OR
(b) Explain how real-world inputs are converted into digital signals for microcontrollers. Give an example with a light sensor and Arduino.

Q4

(a) Explain the working of a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). Design a 4-bit DAC circuit that converts digital input into analog output.
OR
(b) Describe how analog audio signals are digitized and processed using microcontrollers.

Q5

(a) Compare Arduino and openFrameworks for interfacing sensors and actuators. Provide a case study to support your comparison.
OR
(b) Describe parallel communication and explain why it is less common in microcontrollers compared to serial communication.

Q6

(a) Discuss how XML and SQLite can be used to store and retrieve sensor data in openFrameworks. Provide code examples.
OR
(b) Design a system where Arduino sends real-time sensor data to openFrameworks for graphical visualization. Discuss latency challenges.

Q7

(a) Explain how Arduino communicates with cloud platforms. Write a program to send temperature data to the cloud.
OR
(b) Write a Bluetooth-based peer-to-peer communication program between two Arduino boards and discuss its limitations.

Key Topics for Revision

1. Creative Coding Platforms

Evolution: From Processing → openFrameworks → p5.js → Arduino IDE integration.

Purpose: Combine programming with art, design, and physical computing.

2. Components of a Circuit

Active: Microcontrollers, transistors, ICs.

Passive: Resistors, capacitors, inductors.

Electromechanical: Relays, switches, sensors, actuators.

3. Arduino vs Raspberry Pi

4. Communication Protocols

5. Sensor Interfacing & Calibration

Example: LM35 sensor (10 mV/°C).

Output 250 mV → Temperature = 25°C.

Calibration: Ensures accuracy by comparing sensor output with known standards.

6. Analog-to-Digital & Digital-to-Analog Conversion

ADC: Converts analog input voltage to digital value using sampling.

Arduino UNO: 10-bit ADC → 0–1023 steps.

DAC: Converts digital signals to analog outputs.

Example: R–2R ladder DAC circuit.

7. Networking with Arduino

Wired: Ethernet module (ENC28J60, W5100).

Wireless: Wi-Fi (ESP8266), Bluetooth (HC-05), LoRa, GSM.

Example (Wi-Fi):

8. Python–Arduino Communication

Protocol: Serial communication via pySerial library.

Example:

Arduino listens on serial port to execute commands.

9. Cloud Communication

Platforms: ThingSpeak, Blynk, Firebase, AWS IoT.

Example (ThingSpeak):

10. openFrameworks & Data Handling

Data storage:

XML: Hierarchical structure for sensor data logging.

SQLite: Embedded database for efficient querying.

Example (C++ openFrameworks):

11. Bluetooth Communication

Modules: HC-05 / HC-06.

Peer-to-peer setup: One as master, another as slave.

Limitations: Short range (~10 m), interference, low speed.

12. IoT in Industries

Applications: Predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, automation.

Integration: Arduino sensors → Cloud → Analytics dashboards.

Exam Tips

Write block diagrams for DAC, ADC, and networking setups.

Include pin diagrams of Arduino UNO, ESP8266, and Bluetooth modules.

Highlight code snippets with comments for clarity.

Prepare comparison tables (Arduino vs Raspberry Pi, UART vs SPI).

Explain sensor calibration and data visualization workflows.

ofxXmlSettings XML; XML.setValue("sensor:temperature", 25); XML.saveFile("data.xml");

WiFiClient client; HTTPClient http; http.begin("https://api.thingspeak.com/update?api_key=XYZ&field1=" + String(temp)); http.GET(); http.end();

import serial ser = serial.Serial('COM3', 9600) while True:    cmd = input("Enter 1 to turn ON LED: ")    ser.write(cmd.encode())

WiFiClient client; if (client.connect(server, 80)) {    client.print("Temperature=");    client.println(temp); }