SHS1 Engineering · Semester 2 Week 17: Embedded Systems

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.4.2.LI.3 - Describe the CISC, RISC and ARISC architectures.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define CISC, RISC, and ARISC architectures and state at least two distinguishing features of each.
Identify real-world devices that use each architecture, including common devices found in Ghanaian homes and workplaces.
Compare and contrast CISC, RISC, and ARISC in terms of instruction complexity, power consumption, cost, and performance.
Explain the trade-offs involved in choosing one architecture over another for a specific embedded application.
Justify the choice of architecture for a given scenario using reasoned arguments based on performance, power, and cost.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Automation and Embedded Systems (Strand 4)
Sub-strand: Embedded Systems (4.2)
Content standard: 1.4.2.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of features and application of embedded systems. 1.4.2.LO.1 Explain the importance and applications of embedded systems. 1.4.2.LO.2 Differentiate between the various microcontroller architectures. 1.4.2.LO.3 Explain the various memory architectures. 1.4.2.LO.4 Use the Arduino IDE and configure the environmental variables appropriately.
Indicator: 1.4.2.LI.3 - Describe the CISC, RISC and ARISC architectures.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 17 (Week 37 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 62

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Initiating Talk for Learning: The facilitator initiates a discussion by introducing embedded systems, their evolution over time, features, application areas and some limitations. Learners cite some electronic products within their environment, discuss the role of embedded systems within them and also propose how some existing products could be improved by embedded systems. Case studies: Learners can study real-world examples of computer systems that use CISC, RISC, and ARISC and learn about the trade-offs between performance, power consumption and cost. For example, they can compare how a modern smartphone using ARM RISC architecture uses less power than traditional x86 CISC-based laptops.
Project-based Learning: Learners research a specific computer architecture or type of memory and present their findings to the class. They can also compare and contrast different architectures and memory types in terms of their features, advantages, and disadvantages.
Collaborative Learning: As learners learn about different computer architectures and memory types, they can engage in class discussions and debates about the pros and cons of each.
Talk for Learning: Inviting a local IT professional or engineer to come and speak to the class about their experiences working with CISC, RISC, ARISC and different types of memory can be a great way to make the material more relatable and engaging for learners.
Experiential Learning: Virtual reality has great potential in teaching computer architectures and memory types. It will help learners to see computer architectures and memory types in an interactive way, making it easy to understand.

Assessment (1.4.2.AS.3). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 3 Strategic reasoning; Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.

Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Arduino Embedded System Kits
- Video documentaries
- Audio-visual equipment and laptops with MS Office installed