Embedded systems are used in many electronic devices.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [3] 1 mark for each bullet point (max 3) e.g. • It is difficult to change / update the firmware by the user • Errors cannot be fixed easily // Troubleshooting / fault-finding / repairing is a specialist task / expensive • Functionality cannot be changed/extended easily // Cannot be easily adapted for another task • Faulty / outdated devices are often thrown away rather than repaired • ... leading to e-waste
2. [1] 1 mark from: • DRAM is less expensive to manufacture/purchase than SRAM in the embedded system • DRAM has a higher bit density per chip // more data can be stored per chip
3. [2] 1 mark for each bullet point (max 2) • EPROM uses ultraviolet light to erase data whilst EEPROM uses an electrical signal to do this • EPROM has to be removed from the circuit board when changing the data whilst EEPROM remains in the circuit when the data is changed • EPROM erases all the data, EEPROM can erase parts of the data