Basics of microcontrollers and microprocessors MCQs

  1. What is the primary difference between a microprocessor and a microcontroller?
    A. A microprocessor has more I/O ports than a microcontroller
    B. A microcontroller contains a CPU, memory, and peripherals on a single chip, while a microprocessor usually only has a CPU
    C. A microcontroller is more powerful than a microprocessor
    D. A microprocessor is designed for embedded systems, while a microcontroller is not

    Answer: B

  2. Which of the following is an example of a microcontroller?
    A. Intel 8086
    B. ARM Cortex-M
    C. AMD Ryzen
    D. Intel Core i7

    Answer: B

  3. Which component is typically found in a microcontroller but not in a microprocessor?
    A. CPU
    B. RAM
    C. Peripherals like ADC, timers, and I/O ports
    D. Cache memory

    Answer: C

  4. The CPU in a microcontroller is responsible for:
    A. Providing power to the system
    B. Executing instructions and controlling other components
    C. Storing data
    D. Connecting to external devices

    Answer: B

  5. What is the primary function of the ROM (Read-Only Memory) in a microcontroller?
    A. Temporarily stores data during processing
    B. Stores the program code permanently
    C. Provides high-speed data storage
    D. Allows external devices to communicate

    Answer: B

  6. Which of the following is commonly used as the programming memory in a microcontroller?
    A. RAM
    B. EEPROM
    C. ROM
    D. Flash memory

    Answer: D

  7. Which language is most commonly used for programming microcontrollers?
    A. Java
    B. C/C++
    C. Python
    D. Assembly language

    Answer: B

  8. In a microcontroller, the I/O ports are used for:
    A. Communication between external devices
    B. Storing data permanently
    C. Power supply distribution
    D. Managing the clock speed

    Answer: A

  9. Which of the following protocols is commonly used for communication in microcontroller-based systems?
    A. HTTP
    B. UART/USART
    C. FTP
    D. SMTP

    Answer: B

  10. What is an Interrupt in the context of a microcontroller?
    A. A signal that temporarily stops the microcontroller’s normal operation to handle urgent tasks
    B. A function used to reset the microcontroller
    C. A type of memory used for fast access
    D. A communication interface for data transfer

    Answer: A

  11. Which of the following is a common application of microcontrollers?
    A. Desktop computers
    B. Embedded systems like home automation, robotics, and automotive control
    C. Cloud storage management
    D. High-performance gaming systems

    Answer: B

  12. Which of the following would typically use a microprocessor instead of a microcontroller?
    A. Digital thermometer
    B. Air conditioning system
    C. Personal computer
    D. Washing machine controller

    Answer: C

  13. What is the function of the Timer in a microcontroller?
    A. To control the clock speed of the processor
    B. To execute tasks at predefined time intervals
    C. To store the program code
    D. To provide power to external components

    Answer: B

  14. What is ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) used for in a microcontroller?
    A. Converting digital signals to analog
    B. Converting analog signals to digital signals
    C. Storing data temporarily
    D. Powering the microcontroller

    Answer: B

  15. Which of the following microcontroller architectures is most commonly used in modern embedded systems?
    A. Intel 8086 architecture
    B. ARM Cortex architecture
    C. Zilog Z80 architecture
    D. IBM PowerPC architecture

    Answer: B

  16. Why do microcontrollers typically have lower power consumption compared to microprocessors?
    A. They are less powerful
    B. They integrate multiple functions on a single chip, reducing the need for external components
    C. They use slower processing speeds
    D. They do not require any external memory

    Answer: B

  17. In which mode does a microcontroller typically consume the least amount of power?
    A. Normal operating mode
    B. Sleep or idle mode
    C. Active mode
    D. Interrupt-driven mode

    Answer: B

  18. What is a typical application of a microcontroller in a wireless system?
    A. Power supply management
    B. Controlling LED displays
    C. Managing communication protocols in IoT devices
    D. Running operating systems

    Answer: C

  19. Which of the following is a feature found in advanced microcontrollers for real-time control?
    A. High clock speed
    B. Low latency
    C. Large memory
    D. Complex operating systems

    Answer: B

  20. Which of the following microcontroller peripherals is responsible for controlling motor speed?
    A. PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)
    B. I2C
    C. UART
    D. SPI

    Answer: A

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