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1.1.3Embedded systems

OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277) · Computer systems (Paper 1) › Systems architecture

Practise Embedded systems. 12 exam-style questions on this subtopic, at up to four difficulty levels, with full mark schemes and a progress tracker. Free, no account needed.

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Sample questions

Written for this site in the style of OCR exam questions. They are not taken from real past papers.

Question 1Easy3 marks
(a) State what is meant by an embedded system.[1]
(b) Which two of the following are most likely to contain an embedded system?
Tick (✓) two boxes.[2]
  • Dishwasher
  • Laptop computer
  • Central heating thermostat
  • Desktop PC used for office work
Show the answer and mark scheme
(a)
  • a computer system built into a larger device / machine to carry out a dedicated (specific) function
(b) Answer: Dishwasher; Central heating thermostat
Question 2Medium4 marks
Describe two characteristics of embedded systems.[4]
Show the answer and mark scheme
  • dedicated / single purpose
  • only runs one program / carries out one task, e.g. controlling a washing machine
  • small in size
  • so it fits inside the device it controls
  • low power consumption
  • so it can run from batteries / is cheap to run
  • low cost
  • so it can be mass-produced for everyday products
  • program stored in ROM / firmware
  • so it cannot easily be changed by the user
  • limited or no user interface
  • e.g. just a few buttons and a small display
  • reliable / real-time
  • responds to inputs immediately and runs for long periods without failing
Question 3Hard4 marks
Compare the embedded system in a washing machine with a general-purpose computer such as a laptop.[4]
Show the answer and mark scheme
  • the washing machine system carries out one dedicated task, whereas a laptop can run many different programs
  • the washing machine's program is fixed / stored in ROM, whereas software on a laptop can be installed, changed and updated by the user
  • the washing machine has a simple interface (buttons, dial, small display), whereas a laptop has a keyboard, large screen and pointer
  • the washing machine system is small, cheap and uses little power, whereas a laptop is more powerful and more expensive
  • the laptop's hardware can often be upgraded, whereas the embedded system's hardware cannot

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