(SEM V) THEORY EXAMINATION 2023-24 PROGRAMMING AND INTERFACING WITH MICROCONTROLLERS

Course: B.Tech (Electronics / Computer / Related Branches)

Semester: V

Subject Code: KOT052

Subject Title: Programming and Interfacing with Microcontrollers

Maximum Marks: 100

Duration: 3 Hours

Paper Type: Theory (Application-based and Analytical)

SECTION A — Short Answer Questions (2 × 10 = 20 Marks)

All questions are compulsory.

a. Challenges for open platform: Security, scalability, hardware compatibility, and interoperability issues.
b. Arduino vs Raspberry Pi:

Arduino: Microcontroller-based, used for hardware control.

Raspberry Pi: Microprocessor-based, runs an OS for advanced applications.
c. Types of ADC: Flash, successive approximation (SAR), delta-sigma, dual slope.
d. C vs C++:

C: Procedural, no OOP.

C++: Object-oriented with classes and inheritance.
e. Block diagram of a sensor: Shows sensing element → signal conditioning → processing → output interface.
f. Features of SPI: Full-duplex, synchronous serial communication, master-slave structure, high speed.
g. SQLite & MySQL: Both are relational database systems; SQLite is file-based, MySQL is server-based.
h. Types of open frameworks: OpenFrameworks, Processing, TensorFlow, PyTorch.
i. UART: Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter — used for serial communication.
j. Define IoT: Network of interconnected physical devices exchanging data via the internet.

SECTION B — Descriptive Questions (10 × 3 = 30 Marks)

Attempt any three.

Creative coding:

Integrates art, design, and programming.

Encourages real-time interactivity and visualization through coding in open platforms like Processing and openFrameworks.

Arduino language compatibility:

Arduino uses simplified C/C++ with libraries for hardware abstraction.

Limitations: Limited memory, slower execution, and restricted multi-threading compared to standard C/C++.

Arduino-compatible microcontrollers:

Examples: ATmega328P, ESP8266, STM32.

Benefits: Cost-effective, vast community support, cross-platform code compatibility.

Advanced I/O in openFrameworks:

Enables interaction with hardware (e.g., cameras, sensors, MIDI devices).

Enhances creative projects like installations and performance systems.

TCP/IP vs UDP in IoT:

TCP: Reliable, connection-oriented (used for data integrity).

UDP: Fast, connectionless (used for real-time streaming, sensor updates).

SECTION C — Analytical and Application-Based Questions (10 × 5 = 50 Marks)

Attempt one part from each question (Q3–Q7).

Q3. Microcontrollers & Basic Electronics

a. PIC Microcontrollers in creative coding:

Used in interactive systems, installations, robotics, and lighting controls.

                                                                       Supports analog/digital I/O and serial communication.
b. Basic electronics principles:

Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s law, voltage-current relationships.

                                                      Essential for building reliable hardware circuits for microcontrollers.

Q4. Raspberry Pi & Digital Ethics

a. Raspberry Pi in creative coding:

Advantages: Full OS (Linux), multimedia processing, GPIO access.

                                                             Challenges: Power management, real-time control limitations.
b. Ethical considerations:

Issues like digital privacy, authenticity, and responsible use of virtual representations.

Q5. Communication Protocols

a. I²C (Inter-Integrated Circuit):

Two-wire interface (SCL, SDA).  Advantages: Multi-master, low pin count, supports multiple devices.

Used in sensors, EEPROMs, RTCs.
b. Serial UART Communication:

Simple, asynchronous serial data exchange.

                                                Used for debugging, Bluetooth, GPS, and serial terminal communication.

Q6. Networking with Arduino

a. Wired vs Wireless Networking:

Wired: Reliable, low interference (Ethernet).      Wireless: Flexible, used for IoT (Wi-Fi, LoRa, Zigbee).

Choice depends on mobility and power constraints.

Q7. IoT Applications

a. IoT Experimentation:

Prototyping with sensors and cloud platforms helps test network, latency, and scalability of IoT systems.
b. Peer-to-Peer via Bluetooth:

Enables short-range device communication without central servers.

Limitations: Range, pairing complexity, and data throughput.

 Key Topics Covered

Open platforms: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, openFrameworks

Microcontroller programming&creative coding  Communication protocols: SPI, I²C, UART, TCP/IP, UDP

IoT fundamentals and practical applications        Wired vs wireless interfacing

Art and technology integration in microcontroller projects