Microcontrollers Viva Interview Questions with Answers
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Question-1. What is a microcontroller?
Answer-1: A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. It is designed to execute embedded applications.
Question-2. What are the types of microcontrollers?
Answer-2: There are different types of microcontrollers such as ARM, AVR, MSP, 8051, and so on.
Question-3. Which is the first microcontroller?
Answer-3: The first microcontroller was developed by the Intel Corporation in 1971. It is a 4-bit microcontroller and is shortly called i4004.
Question-4. What are the components of a typical microcontroller?
Answer-4: A typical microcontroller consists of a central processing unit (CPU), volatile and non-volatile memory (RAM and ROM/Flash), input/output (I/O) ports, timers/counters, and serial communication interfaces.
Question-5. 8051 was developed using which technology?
Answer-5: The MCS-51 family from Intel was initially created using NMOS technology, but later iterations, denoted by a letter C in their designation (such as the 80C51), employed CMOS technology and used less power than their NMOS forebears. They become more appropriate for battery-powered devices as a result.
Question-6. What is the difference between a microcontroller and a microprocessor?
Answer-6: A microcontroller is a complete standalone system with built-in memory and peripherals, suitable for embedded applications, whereas a microprocessor requires external support components like memory and peripherals to function. In other words a microprocessor consists of only a processor, whereas a microcontroller consists of several components such as a processor, memory, serial bus interface, and so on.
Question-7. What are some common applications of microcontrollers?
Answer-7: Microcontrollers are used in various applications such as embedded systems in consumer electronics, automotive control systems, industrial automation, medical devices, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices.
Question-8. What is the purpose of flash memory in a microcontroller?
Answer-8: Flash memory in a microcontroller is used to store the program code (firmware) that controls the device's operation. It allows the program to be easily updated or reprogrammed.
Question-9. Explain the role of I/O ports in a microcontroller.
Answer-9: Input/output (I/O) ports in a microcontroller provide interfaces for connecting external devices such as sensors, actuators, and displays. They allow the microcontroller to communicate with and control the external world.
Question-10. What is the function of timers/counters in a microcontroller?
Answer-10: Timers/counters in a microcontroller are used for tasks such as generating precise time delays, measuring the duration of external events, and generating pulse-width modulation (PWM) signals for controlling motor speed or LED brightness.
Question-11. What is the role of interrupts in a microcontroller?
Answer-11: Interrupts in a microcontroller are used to temporarily suspend the execution of the main program to handle high-priority tasks or events in real-time. They improve the responsiveness and efficiency of the system.
Question-12. Explain the concept of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) in microcontrollers.
Answer-12: PWM is a technique used to generate analog-like signals by varying the duty cycle (ratio of ON time to total period) of a digital square wave. It is commonly used for controlling the speed of motors, brightness of LEDs, and generating audio tones.
Question-13. What is the purpose of analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) in a microcontroller?
Answer-13: ADC converts analog signals from sensors or other external sources into digital data that can be processed by the microcontroller. It enables the microcontroller to interface with the analog world.
Question-14. What is the significance of low-power modes in microcontrollers?
Answer-14: Low-power modes allow microcontrollers to reduce energy consumption when idle or performing non-critical tasks, thereby extending battery life in portable devices and reducing overall power consumption in energy-efficient applications.
Question-15. What is EEPROM in a microcontroller?
Answer-15: EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is a type of non-volatile memory that allows data to be written, erased, and re-written electrically. It is often used for storing configuration parameters or small amounts of data that need to be retained when the power is turned off.
Question-16. What are the advantages of using microcontrollers in embedded systems?
Answer-16: Some advantages of using microcontrollers include their small size, low cost, low power consumption, high integration, and ease of programmability, making them suitable for a wide range of embedded applications.
Question-17. Explain the concept of Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) in microcontrollers.
Answer-17: RTOS is a type of operating system designed for real-time applications that require precise timing and responsiveness. It provides task scheduling, interrupt handling, and resource management to ensure timely execution of tasks.
Question-18. How are timers and counters different in a microcontroller?
Answer-18: The timer is used to measure internal clock cycles, whereas the counter counts external events.
Question-19. What are the different types of microcontroller architectures?
Answer-19: Harvard and Von-Neumann are the two types of microcontroller architectures.
Question-20. What is the difference between bit addressable and byte address in microcontroller 8051?
Answer-20: When data is stored in microcontroller registers and may be changed bit by bit, the register is said to be a bit addressable ( 0x20 to 2F). The other is called "byte-addressable," as it manipulates data bytes at a time (GPR register is a byte-addressable).
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