Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Award up to two marks for a linked description such as:

• It is a computer/processor built into a larger device (1) to carry out a single dedicated task/function (1)
• It is a combination of a processor, memory and input/output in one unit (1) that controls the device it is part of (1)
• It is a computer that forms part of another device (1) so it is not used as a general purpose computer (1)

Allow 'forms part of another device' or 'inside another device' for the first mark.

Do not award the second mark for a separate fact that is not linked to the first point, e.g. 'It is built into a device and it uses little power' would earn only the first mark (1).

Do not accept 'a small computer' on its own, with no reference to being part of another device or performing a dedicated task.

Do not accept 'a computer that controls a device' on its own, with no reference to it being built into/part of a larger device or carrying out a dedicated task.

Do not accept 'it performs a single dedicated task' on its own, with no reference to it being built into/part of a larger device.

Do not accept descriptions of a general purpose computer, e.g. 'it can run many different programs' or 'new software can be installed'.

Do not accept 'it is a system that is embedded in another system' as this repeats the term in the question.

Award up to two marks for a linked description such as:

• It reads/monitors the temperature/humidity/light level using sensors (1) to switch the heaters/vents/lamps/watering system on or off when the reading is outside the set range (1)
• It compares the readings from the sensors with the set values/thresholds stored in its memory (1) to decide whether the conditions need to be changed (1)
• It monitors the light level using a light sensor (1) and turns the lamps on when the light falls below the level the plants need (1)
• It monitors the soil moisture using a soil moisture sensor (1) and turns the water pump/irrigation on when the soil is too dry (1)

For the second mark, the action/response must be linked to the sensor reading given in the first point.

Allow named sensors (temperature/humidity/light/soil moisture) and named outputs (heater, fan, vent/window, lamp, irrigation/water pump).

Do not accept answers that only name a sensor or only name an output, e.g. 'it has a temperature sensor and a heater', as there is no link between the reading and the control action.

Do not accept answers where a person switches the equipment on or off, as the embedded system controls the conditions automatically.

Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:

• (The ECU) is more reliable/less likely to crash (1) because it only runs the one program/has a single purpose (1)
• (The ECU) cannot be affected by other software/viruses (1) because it cannot run other software/it can only run the program it was made for (1)
• (The ECU) is cheaper (1) because it has limited processing resources/less memory/simple components (1)
• (The ECU) uses less power (1) because it has limited processing resources/a simpler processor (1)
• (The ECU) is smaller (1) because it has fewer components/less memory than a general purpose computer (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.

A suitable benefit stated on its own earns one mark.

Do not accept a description or a location given as the reason, e.g. 'because it is part of the car', 'because it is inside the engine', 'because it is embedded'.

Do not accept a description of an embedded system on its own as the benefit, e.g. 'it does one specific job' or 'it is part of the car'.

Do not accept 'it is faster'/'it has a more powerful processor' as embedded systems have limited processing resources.

Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:

• RAM is volatile (memory) (1) because it needs a constant/continuous power supply to hold/store the data it contains (1)
• Data is held in RAM as electrical states/charges (1) so when the power supply is removed these states cannot be kept/refreshed and the data is lost (1)
• RAM is used as short-term storage for the data and instructions currently in use (1) because it can only hold them while the computer has power (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement and must link the loss of the data to the power supply being removed.

Accept 'RAM is volatile' on its own for the first mark; the second mark is only awarded for a linked reason about the power supply.

Do not accept 'RAM is temporary/short-term memory' or 'RAM is cleared when the computer is switched off' on its own for both marks, as neither gives a reason.

Do not accept answers that say the data is deleted/cleared/erased by the computer or the operating system, or that the data is saved/moved to secondary storage, without saying why the data cannot be kept (e.g. because RAM needs power/is volatile).

Indicative content

What an embedded system is

• An embedded system is a computer system that forms part of a larger device, such as the fitness tracker.
• It performs a single, dedicated or specific task rather than being a general purpose computer.
• It is often built around a microcontroller, which contains the processor, RAM and ROM on a single chip.
• Its software is held in ROM so the tracker can run its program as soon as it is switched on.

Functions in the tracker

• Monitoring the heart rate using a sensor and processing the readings so that they can be displayed on the screen.
• Counting steps using an accelerometer and using the count to calculate the distance walked or the calories burned.
• Tracking sleep by monitoring the wearer's movement during the night.
• Controlling the touch screen so that the user can move between displays.
• Managing the battery, for example stopping the charging when the battery is full and saving power when the tracker is idle.
• Sending the collected data to a smartphone using Bluetooth so that it can be viewed in an app. Accept any other specific function of the fitness tracker that an embedded system could control.

Why an embedded system is suitable for this device

• It has low power consumption, so the battery lasts longer between charges, which matters for a device that is worn all day.
• It is small and light, so it can be fitted into a wristband.
• Its dedicated function means it does not need a full operating system, so it is reliable and does not need restarting.
• The program is small and stored in ROM, so the tracker needs only a small amount of memory.
• It can be optimised for its specific tasks, so it responds quickly to the readings from its sensors.
• The low cost per unit keeps the tracker affordable for the customer.

Levels

• Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content.
• Level 1 (1–2 marks): Basic, independent points are made, showing elements of understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion will contain basic information with little linkage between points made or application to the context. (AO2)
• Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates adequate understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion shows some linkages and lines of reasoning with some structure and application to the context. (AO2)
• Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science to support the discussion being presented. (AO1) The discussion is well developed, with sustained lines of reasoning that are coherent and logically structured, and which clearly apply to the context. (AO2)

Additional guidance

• Level 3 responses must cover what an embedded system is, the functions it performs in the tracker and why it is suitable for the tracker.
• Do not award installing new software/apps, functions the tracker does not perform (such as playing music) or 'it is like a phone'.