Level:
Correct: 0
Incorrect: 0
Marks: 0/0
Exam Practice
Subject:
Topics:
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (Paper 1) Smart practice A mixed round aimed at your weak spots
Unit 1
Data representation
Number systems
Binary, denary and hexadecimal conversions
0%
Uses of hexadecimal
0%
Binary addition and overflow
0%
Logical binary shifts
0%
Two's complement
0%
Text, sound and images
Character sets: ASCII and Unicode
0%
Representing sound
0%
Representing images
0%
Data storage and compression
Data storage units and file size calculations
0%
Data compression
0%
Unit 2
Data transmission
Types and methods of data transmission
Packets and packet switching
0%
Methods of data transmission
0%
The USB interface
0%
Methods of error detection
Parity, checksum and echo check
0%
Check digits and ARQ
0%
Encryption
Encryption
0%
Unit 3
Hardware
Computer architecture
The CPU, Von Neumann architecture and the FDE cycle
0%
Cores, cache and clock speed
0%
Instruction sets and embedded systems
0%
Input and output devices
Input devices
0%
Output devices
0%
Sensors
0%
Data storage
Primary storage: RAM and ROM
0%
Secondary storage: magnetic, optical and solid-state
0%
Virtual memory and cloud storage
0%
Network hardware
Network hardware: NIC, MAC and IP addresses, routers
0%
Unit 4
Software
Types of software and interrupts
System software, application software and operating systems
0%
Firmware and interrupts
0%
Programming languages, translators and IDEs
High-level languages, low-level languages and assembly language
0%
Compilers and interpreters
0%
Integrated development environments (IDEs)
0%
Unit 5
The internet and its uses
The internet and the world wide web
The internet, the world wide web, URLs and HTTP(S)
0%
Web browsers, locating web pages and cookies
0%
Digital currency
Digital currency and blockchain
0%
Cyber security
Cyber security threats
0%
Keeping data safe: security solutions
0%
Unit 6
Automated and emerging technologies
Automated systems
Automated systems
0%
Robotics
Robotics
0%
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence
0%
Avg
score:
–
Topics
done:
0/39

Instruction sets and embedded systems

Practise 24 exam-style questions on Instruction sets and embedded systems for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (Paper 1). Write your answer as you would in the exam and get it marked in seconds against the mark scheme, point by point, with an AI tutor on hand if you get stuck.

  • 24 questions
  • 1–6 marks each
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20 questions, marked as you go

Sample questions with model answers

Here are 4 of the questions in this topic, each with a model answer, an explanation of why it earns the marks and the mark scheme an examiner would use.

Question 1

1 mark

Give one example of an embedded system that is found in a car.

Model answer

The engine management system.

Explanation

A modern car contains dozens of embedded systems, each controlling one function. The engine management system, for example, uses sensor readings to control fuel injection and ignition timing.

Mark scheme
  1. 1 mark

    Any one from: engine management system; anti-lock braking system (ABS); airbag control; cruise control; satellite navigation (sat nav); climate control / air conditioning; parking sensor system; electric windows; central locking; in-car entertainment system

    do not accept 'the car' or 'the engine' on its own

Question 2

2 marks

Give two characteristics of an embedded system.

Model answer

An embedded system performs one dedicated function, and it has low power consumption.

Explanation

Most characteristics follow from the dedicated function: because the system only does one job, it needs little processing power and memory, so it can be small, cheap and use little power.

Mark scheme
  1. 1 mark

    Performs a dedicated / specific function

    max 2

  2. 1 mark

    Built into / part of a larger device

  3. 1 mark

    Small (physical) size

  4. 1 mark

    Low power consumption

  5. 1 mark

    Low cost / cheap to mass produce

  6. 1 mark

    Program stored in ROM / firmware that the user cannot (easily) change

  7. 1 mark

    Simple / limited user interface, e.g. a few buttons

  8. 1 mark

    Often responds in real time to inputs, e.g. from sensors / very reliable

    do not accept fast on its own

Question 3

3 marks

An office has a smart lighting system that switches lights on when someone enters a room and dims them when there is enough daylight. It is controlled by an embedded system.

Describe the characteristics of the embedded system that make it suitable for this task.

Model answer

The embedded system performs one dedicated function: controlling the lights. It reads its motion and light sensors and responds straight away, running its program from firmware without anyone needing to operate it. It is small enough to fit into the light fittings and uses very little power, which matters because it is on all the time.

Explanation

Lighting systems are named in the syllabus as a common use of embedded systems. Link each characteristic to the context: a dedicated job, automatic sensor-driven operation, small size and low power for a system that is always on.

Mark scheme
  1. 1 mark

    It performs a dedicated function: controlling the lights

    max 3; characteristics must be linked to the lighting system

  2. 1 mark

    It takes input from sensors (e.g. motion / light sensors) and responds immediately / in real time

  3. 1 mark

    Its program is stored in ROM / firmware and runs automatically, with no user needed

  4. 1 mark

    It is small, so it can be fitted in the light fittings / switches / walls

  5. 1 mark

    It has low power consumption, important as it runs all the time

  6. 1 mark

    It is cheap, so many can be installed throughout the office

  7. 1 mark

    It needs little or no user interface

Question 4

4 marks

State whether each statement is true or false.

Statement 1: An instruction set is a list of all the commands that can be processed by a CPU.
Statement 2: The commands in an instruction set are written in a high-level language.
Statement 3: An embedded system is designed to perform many different functions.
Statement 4: A washing machine contains an embedded system.

Model answer

Statement 1: true
Statement 2: false (they are machine code)
Statement 3: false (it performs a dedicated function)
Statement 4: true

Explanation

Instruction set commands are machine code, not a high-level language. Embedded systems perform a dedicated function; it is general-purpose computers that perform many functions.

Mark scheme
  1. 1 mark

    Statement 1: true

  2. 1 mark

    Statement 2: false

  3. 1 mark

    Statement 3: false

  4. 1 mark

    Statement 4: true

    ignore any reasons given

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