Microcomputer and DSP programmability: Evaluate the statement — “In microcomputer/DSP systems, you can electronically control devices and manipulate data by executing an application-specific program of instructions.”

Introduction / Context:
Microcomputers (MCUs/CPUs) and digital signal processors (DSPs) are programmable engines that execute instruction streams stored in memory. Through code, they read sensors, process data, and drive actuators or communication interfaces, enabling flexible, updatable system behavior.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Program instructions reside in nonvolatile or downloadable memory.
• Peripherals (GPIO, timers, ADC/DAC, UART/SPI/I2C) are available for I/O.
• DSPs offer specialized instructions for signal math; MCUs offer general-purpose control.

Concept / Approach:
Software orchestrates hardware blocks: it configures registers, schedules tasks, reacts to interrupts, and manipulates data using arithmetic and logic instructions. This flexibility contrasts with fixed-function hardware, allowing field updates and feature expansion.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Common examples include motor control firmware on MCUs, audio filtering on DSPs, and protocol stacks managing communication. Code changes alter system behavior without hardware modification.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Incorrect: Ignores fundamental programmability of MCUs/DSPs.
• Floating-point only / external ROM only / no peripherals: All are unnecessary constraints; fixed-point and internal flash are common, and peripherals are typical but not required to manipulate data in memory.

Common Pitfalls:
Poor real-time scheduling; inadequate interrupt handling; misconfigured peripherals; assuming software alone can overcome hardware bandwidth limits.

Final Answer:
Correct