Microprocessors and Sensors
Input Devices
Sensors, Microprocessors and Transducers
Feedback Systems
Ethical and Social Issues
100

They are used to measures the amount of water content in the air.

What is a humidity sensor used for?

100

This is any device that allows data to pass from the outside world into a computer system.

What is an input device?

100

It is a device that converts one form of energy into another which is measurable in the form of an electrical signal.   

What is a transducer?

100

It is the difference between desired output and measured output.

What is error in a feedback system?

100

The level of independence given to machines, particularly in AI-powered embedded systems (like self-driving cars).

What is Autonomy?

200

They are integrated circuits with one or more processor cores which are designed to manage specific tasks within embedded systems without requiring a complex operating system.

What are microcontrollers?

200

Scanning goods at a supermarket checkout, checking library books in and out, tracking packages out for delivery.

What are some common uses for a barcode scanner?

200

It converts electrical signals into sound waves.

What is a speaker?

200

It is the reference or setpoint used for control. 

What is the desired output of a feedback control system?

200

The monitoring of individuals’ activities, which is facilitated by embedded systems like cameras and sensors, leading to ethical questions about consent and oversight.

What is Surveillance?

300

They are used to convert real world values into discrete digital values.

What is an analog to digital converter used for?

300

Key presses are converted into a digital signal, which the computer then interprets.

How does a keyboard work?

300

It is a type of transducer that requires an external power source in order to operate.

What is an active transducer?

300

It is unexpected environmental changes causing the system output to behave in an undesired way.

What is disturbance in a feedback control system?

300

The extent to which embedded technologies are available and usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. Ethical considerations include ensuring these systems are inclusive and equitably distributed.

What is Accessibility?

400

The purpose of this device is to read or record data and send the data to a processor.

What is the use or purpose of a sensor?

400

Navigation and interaction with almost all elements of a graphical user interface (GUI).

What is a mouse used for? (Accept pointing device used with a GUI)

400

Results in physical output from electrical input.

What is an actuator used for?

400

It is an unwanted signal affecting the measured output value.

What is noise in the sensor of a feedback control system?

400

The right of individuals to control their personal data. Embedded systems often collect data (e.g., smart home devices), raising concerns about data security.

What is Privacy?

500

It is a device that measures the proper rate of change of velocity of an object.

What is an accelerometer?

500

They are capacitive, infrared, and resistive.

What are the three main types of touchscreens?

500

It is a continuous signal which travels in waves.

What is an analog signal?

500

It is the object whose output is trying to control the feedback system.

What is the plant in a feedback control system?

500

The degree to which an embedded system consistently performs as expected. Failures in critical embedded systems (e.g., in medical devices) can have serious consequences, highlighting the ethical responsibility for accuracy.

What is Reliability?