| Unit name | Embedded and Real-Time Systems |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EENG34030 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Kris Nikov |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) | |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Microprocessors are routinely embedded within the heart of modern electronic systems and this unit is designed to deal with the key topics concerned with implementing a microprocessor-based system and programming it to meet the real-time demands of embedded systems. The unit compares the concepts and techniques of real time and embedded systems with those of more traditional computer systems. The unit focuses on ARM technology and in this context microprocessors are described, their interconnect components explained and programming approaches discussed.
Topics addressed include embedded system architecture, embedded software design principles, general purpose inputs and outputs (GPIOs) and their programming, analogue interfaces, data-acquisition systems, interrupts, finite state machine controllers, programming real-time systems, the real-time scheduler, and synchronising parallel processes. This unit will use Problem Based Learning (PBL) with an assessment consisting of 100% coursework. The hardware part of the unit focuses on power efficient processors from ARM (e.g. Cortex) and how these processors can be used to build embedded. The unit will also provide an overview of the unique concepts and techniques needed to design and implement a system having real-time response requirements in an embedded environment.
The assessment is formed by a set of realistic industry-focus problems gradually increasing in complexity. All the assessment components will involve hands on exercises related to embedded software design, debugging and testing using a state-of-the-art embedded system platform including a real-time embedded system development (RTOS).
On successful completion of the unit a student will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, practical activities supported by drop-in sessions, problem sheets and self-directed exercises.
Formative: Online Test 1
Summative: Coursework 1 (50%), Coursework 2 (50%)
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EENG34030).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
