QUESTION BANK

MICROPROCESSOR AND MICROCONTROLLER BTEC- 23504 5th Sem [ ECE]

UNIT–1: History, Introduction, Architecture and Programming

of 8085 Microprocessor
Content :
History and Evolution of Microprocessors, Architecture Philosophy, 8085 Microprocessor,
Memory Interfacing, 8085 Microprocessor Programming Model. Introduction to 8085
Instructions, Basic Programming Techniques, Time Delays, Stack and Subroutines,
Interrupts.

Short Answer Questions [ 2 Marks ]

1. What is a microprocessor?
2. Mention two major milestones in the evolution of microprocessors.
3. What is meant by architecture philosophy of a microprocessor?
4. State two differences between CISC and RISC architectures.
5. What is the word length of the 8085 microprocessor?
6. Write any two features of the 8085 microprocessor.
7. What is the function of the Program Counter (PC) in 8085?
8. What is the role of Stack Pointer (SP) in 8085 microprocessor?
9. What are flags in 8085? Name any two flags.
10. What is memory interfacing? Why is it required in 8085?
11. What is the maximum memory addressing capability of 8085?
12. What is an instruction set?
13. What are the three types of instructions in 8085?
14. What is meant by basic programming techniques in 8085?
15. How is a time delay generated using 8085 microprocessor?
16. What is a stack in 8085 microprocessor?
17. What is the function of CALL and RET instructions?
18. What is a subroutine? State one advantage of using subroutines.
19. What is an interrupt in 8085 microprocessor?
20. Name any two hardware interrupts of 8085.

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Long Answer Questions [ 5 Marks ]

1. Explain the history and evolution of microprocessors with suitable examples.

2. Describe the architecture philosophy of microprocessors and explain CISC and RISC
concepts.
3. Explain the internal architecture of the 8085 microprocessor with a neat block
diagram.
4. Describe the memory interfacing technique used in the 8085 microprocessor.
5. Explain the programming model of the 8085 microprocessor and the function of its
registers.
6. Classify the 8085 instruction set and explain each class with examples.
7. Explain basic programming techniques used in 8085 microprocessor programming.
8. Explain how time delays are generated using the 8085 microprocessor.
9. Describe the concept of stack and subroutines in the 8085 microprocessor.
10. Explain interrupts in the 8085 microprocessor, including types and priority levels.

Very Long Answer Questions [ 10 Marks ]

1. Explain the history and evolution of microprocessors, highlighting major

technological advancements up to the 8085 microprocessor.
2. Describe the architecture philosophy of microprocessors. Explain the internal
architecture of the 8085 microprocessor with a neat block diagram.
3. Explain memory interfacing in the 8085 microprocessor. Discuss its memory
addressing capability and interfacing signals.
4. Explain the programming model of the 8085 microprocessor. Also classify the 8085
instruction set with suitable examples.
5. Explain basic programming techniques used in 8085 microprocessor programming.
Discuss time delay generation, stack, subroutines, and interrupts in detail.

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 UNIT–2: 2. Introduction and Architecture of 8051
Microcontroller
Content: 8051 Microcontroller Comparison of Microprocessor and Microcontroller,
Microcontroller and Embedded Processors, Architecture and Pin Configuration of 8051.

Short Answer Questions [ 2 Marks ]

1. What is a microcontroller?
2. State any two applications of the 8051 microcontroller.
3. Write two differences between a microprocessor and a microcontroller.
4. Why is a microcontroller preferred over a microprocessor in embedded systems?
5. What is an embedded processor?
6. Mention two differences between a microcontroller and an embedded processor.
7. Write the main features of the 8051 microcontroller.
8. What is meant by Harvard architecture in 8051?
9. Name the main functional blocks of the 8051 architecture.
10. How many I/O ports are available in the 8051 microcontroller?
11. How many pins are there in the 8051 microcontroller?
12. State the function of Port 0 in the 8051.
13. What is the role of Port 3 pins in the 8051?
14. What is the function of the Program Counter in the 8051?
15. Define the function of the Accumulator in 8051.
16. What is the purpose of the ALE pin in the 8051?
17. State the function of the EA (External Access) pin.
18. What is the use of the RST pin in the 8051?
19. What is the clock frequency of the standard 8051 microcontroller?
20. What is the function of the PSEN pin in the 8051?

Long Answer Questions [ 5 Marks ]

1. Compare a microprocessor and a microcontroller with respect to architecture,
memory, applications, and power consumption.
2. Explain the difference between a microcontroller and an embedded processor. Give
suitable examples.
3. Describe the architecture of the 8051 microcontroller with the help of a neat block
diagram.
4. Explain the pin configuration of the 8051 microcontroller. Describe the functions of
all ports.
5. Discuss the features and applications of the 8051 microcontroller.
6. Explain the internal memory organization of the 8051 microcontroller.
7. Describe the role and functions of special function registers (SFRs) in the 8051.
8. Explain the functions of control and status pins of the 8051 microcontroller.
9. Discuss the significance of Harvard architecture in the 8051 microcontroller.
10. Explain how the 8051 microcontroller is suitable for embedded system applications.

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Very Long Answer Questions [ 10 Marks ]
1. Explain in detail the differences between a microprocessor and a microcontroller.
Compare them with respect to architecture, memory organization, peripherals,
applications, cost, and power consumption.
2. Define embedded processors. Explain how microcontrollers differ from embedded
processors with suitable examples and applications.
3. Describe the complete architecture of the 8051 microcontroller with a neat and
labeled block diagram. Explain the function of each block in detail.
4. Explain the pin configuration of the 8051 microcontroller in detail. Describe the
functions of all 40 pins with suitable grouping.
5. Discuss the internal architecture and memory organization of the 8051
microcontroller, including program memory, data memory, and special function
registers.

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 UNIT–3 : Assembly Language Programming of 8051
Microcontroller
Content :
8051 Assembly Language Programming, Introduction to 8051, 8051 Flag bits and PSW
Register, Assembly Programming, Register Banks and Stack, Jump Loop and Call
Instructions, I/O Port Programming, Addressing Modes and Accessing Memory using various
Addressing Modes, Arithmetic Instructions and Programs, Logic Instructions and Programs,
Single Bit Instructions and Programming, Timer/Counter Programming and Interrupts in
8051.

Short Answer Questions [ 2 Marks ]

1. What is meant by 8051 assembly language programming?

2. State any two features of the 8051 microcontroller.
3. What is the function of the Program Status Word (PSW) register in 8051?
4. Name any four flag bits present in the PSW register.
5. What is meant by register banks in 8051? How many register banks are available?
6. What is the purpose of the stack in 8051 microcontroller?
7. Define stack pointer (SP) and mention its default value after reset.
8. What is a jump instruction? Give one example from 8051.
9. Differentiate between CALL and RET instructions in 8051.
10. What is meant by I/O port programming in 8051?
11. How many I/O ports are available in 8051? Name them.
12. Define addressing mode in 8051.
13. List any two addressing modes used in 8051 microcontroller.
14. What is meant by direct addressing mode?
15. Name any two arithmetic instructions of 8051.
16. What is the function of ADD and SUBB instructions in 8051?
17. Name any two logical instructions used in 8051.
18. What are single-bit instructions? Give one example.
19. What is the difference between Timer and Counter in 8051?
20. What is meant by an interrupt in 8051? Name any one interrupt source.

Long Answer Questions [ 5 Marks ]

1. Explain the architecture and important features of the 8051 microcontroller with a
neat block diagram.
2. Describe the Program Status Word (PSW) register of 8051. Explain the function of
each flag bit.
3. Explain 8051 assembly language programming with the structure of an assembly
language program.

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 4. Discuss the register banks and stack operation in 8051. Explain the role of stack
pointer with example.
5. Explain jump, loop, and call instructions in 8051 with suitable examples.
6. Explain I/O port programming in 8051. Describe the structure and operation of all I/O
ports.
7. Explain the addressing modes of 8051 microcontroller and explain how memory is
accessed using these modes.
8. Describe the arithmetic and logical instructions of 8051 with suitable examples or
programs.
9. Explain single-bit instructions and bit-level programming in 8051 with examples.
10. Explain timer/counter programming and interrupts in 8051, including modes of
operation and applications.

Very Long Answer Questions [ 10 Marks ]

1. Explain in detail the 8051 microcontroller architecture. Describe its internal blocks,
memory organization, and key features with a neat diagram.
2. Discuss the Program Status Word (PSW) register in 8051. Explain all flag bits,
register bank selection, and their role during assembly language programming.
3. Explain addressing modes in 8051 in detail. Describe how internal RAM, external
RAM, and program memory are accessed using various addressing modes with
examples.
4. Explain arithmetic, logical, and single-bit instructions of 8051 in detail. Write
example programs to demonstrate their operation.
5. Describe timer/counter programming and interrupt structure of the 8051
microcontroller. Explain different timer modes, interrupt sources, priority, and
applications

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 UNIT–4: Serial Communication
Content :Serial Communication 8051 connection to RS-232, 8051 Serial Communication
programming.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is serial communication in 8051?
2. Differentiate between serial and parallel communication.
3. What is the purpose of RS-232 standard in microcontroller communication?
4. Name the two modes of serial communication in 8051.
5. What is the function of TXD and RXD pins in 8051?
6. Define baud rate. Why is it important in serial communication?
7. What is the role of SM0 and SM1 bits in the serial control (SCON) register?
8. What is the purpose of TI (Transmit Interrupt) flag in 8051?
9. What is the purpose of RI (Receive Interrupt) flag in 8051?
10. What is meant by full-duplex serial communication?
11. What is meant by half-duplex serial communication?
12. How is the baud rate generated in 8051?
13. Which timer is usually used for serial communication baud rate generation?
14. What is the function of the SCON register in 8051?
15. Name any two serial communication modes supported by 8051.
16. What is meant by 8-bit UART mode in 8051?
17. How is 8051 connected to a PC using RS-232?
18. What is the function of a MAX232 IC in serial communication?
19. What is the purpose of serial interrupt in 8051?
20. Write any one application of 8051 serial communication.

Long Answer Questions

1. Explain serial communication and its importance in 8051 microcontroller.

2. Differentiate between serial and parallel communication with suitable examples.
3. Describe the RS-232 standard and its role in connecting 8051 to a PC.
4. Explain the function of TXD and RXD pins in 8051 serial communication.
5. Explain the SCON register and its bits used in serial communication.
6. Explain the TI and RI flags in 8051 and how they indicate transmission and reception.
7. Describe the different modes of serial communication in 8051 with examples.
8. Explain baud rate generation in 8051 using Timer 1.
9. Explain full-duplex and half-duplex serial communication with examples.
10. Write a brief 8051 assembly program for sending and receiving data using serial
communication.

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Very Long Answer Questions [ 10 Marks ]

1. Explain in detail the serial communication of 8051 microcontroller. Describe its

importance, advantages, types (synchronous and asynchronous), and applications.
Include a neat diagram of serial connection.
2. Explain the connection of 8051 to a PC using RS-232 standard. Describe the pin
configuration of RS-232, role of TXD/RXD, and use of level converter IC like
MAX232 with a connection diagram.
3. Explain 8051 serial communication programming in detail. Describe the SCON
register, TI and RI flags, baud rate generation using Timer 1, and initialization steps
with an example program.
4. Explain the modes of serial communication in 8051 in detail. Describe all 4 modes,
their frame format, bit length, and suitable applications for each mode.
5. Write and explain a complete 8051 assembly program for serial communication. The
program should include sending a string to the PC, receiving a character, and handling
serial interrupts. Explain step by step how it works.

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 UNIT–5: Interfacing with 8051 Microcontroller
Content : Interfacing of 8051 Microcontroller with LCD, ADC and DAC, stepper motor.

Short Answer Questions [2 Marks]

1. What is meant by LCD interfacing with 8051?

2. Name any two types of LCD displays used with microcontrollers.
3. What is the difference between character and graphical LCD?
4. What is the function of RS, RW, and EN pins in LCD interfacing?
5. What is meant by ADC?
6. Name any two types of ADC used with 8051.
7. What is the purpose of an ADC in microcontroller systems?
8. Define DAC.
9. Name any two types of DAC used with 8051.
10. What is the purpose of a DAC in microcontroller systems?
11. What is a stepper motor?
12. Name the two main types of stepper motors.
13. What is the function of a stepper motor driver in 8051 interfacing?
14. What is meant by full-step mode in stepper motor operation?
15. What is meant by half-step mode in stepper motor operation?
16. How many pins are typically used to interface a 4-bit LCD with 8051?
17. What is the role of clock pulses in ADC operation?
18. What is the difference between unipolar and bipolar DAC?
19. What is the main advantage of using stepper motors in microcontroller applications?
20. Give one real-life application each of LCD, ADC/DAC, and stepper motor with 8051.

Long Answer Questions [5 Marks]

1. Explain the interfacing of a 16×2 LCD with 8051 in 8-bit mode.

2. Explain the interfacing of a 16×2 LCD with 8051 in 4-bit mode.
3. Describe the role of RS, RW, and EN pins in LCD interfacing with 8051.
4. Explain the principle of ADC interfacing with 8051 microcontroller.
5. Explain the principle of DAC interfacing with 8051 microcontroller.
6. Write a brief note on types of ADCs used with 8051.
7. Write a brief note on types of DACs used with 8051.
8. Explain the interfacing of a stepper motor with 8051.
9. Explain the full-step and half-step driving modes of a stepper motor.
10. Write a simple 8051 assembly/program example for LCD display, ADC reading,
DAC output, or stepper motor control

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Very Long Answer Questions [10 Marks]

1. Explain in detail the interfacing of a 16×2 LCD with 8051 microcontroller. Describe
8-bit and 4-bit modes, the role of RS, RW, EN pins, and write a sample program to
display a message. Include a neat diagram.
2. Explain ADC interfacing with 8051 microcontroller. Describe its principle, types of
ADCs used, connection diagram, and an example program to read analog input and
display digital output.
3. Explain DAC interfacing with 8051 microcontroller. Describe its principle, types of
DACs used, connection diagram, and an example program to generate analog output
from digital data.
4. Explain stepper motor interfacing with 8051 in detail. Describe the types of stepper
motors, driving modes (full-step, half-step), required driver circuit, and applications.
Include a connection diagram.
5. Write a complete 8051 program for controlling an LCD, ADC, DAC, or stepper
motor. Explain the program step by step, including initialization, data transfer, and
practical applications. Include block/connection diagram if required.

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