Course content

Design of embedded computer systems. Computer architectures and system components for industrial applications. Microcontrollers and specialized microprocessors. Parallel and serial bus systems. Datacommunication in industrial environments. Analog/digital interfaces.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:
- Understand the essential requirements for computers and computer equipment that are intended to operate in dedicated applications and industrial environments (hereinafter referred to as embedded systems - ES).
- Understand the purpose of customizing of computers to the application's scale and complexity.
- Detailed knowledge of the most important components included in a typical ES:
- microcontrollers with typical peripherals
- memory types and architectures
- specialized I/O systems
- methods for interconnecting hardware components at different levels, including robust solutions for data communication in industrial environments
- power supplies and other supporting systems including packaging
- Overview with respect to principles of low level computer programming and driver development.
- Detailed knowledge of the different phases and the tools involved in the realization of ES.

Skills:
- Assess current application areas of ES independently and make concise requirements specifications in cooperation with the problem owner.
- Contribute to sound design choices and component specifications with respect to adaptation of the computer hardware to application requirements.
- Design, debug and document simple ES independently in conjunction with smaller projects, and actively contribute to the realization of large projects.
- Specify, develop and document low-level computer programs and drivers for ES in C.
- Master essential development tool for ES development, eg. multimeter, oscillocope, logic and code programmers, integrated development environments, cross-compilers, linkers, emulators and debugging tools.

General competence:
- Understand the role of ES plays in modern society.
- Be able to explain the difference between traditional computers and computers that are designed for industrial and dedicated applications.
- Be able to explain ES fundamental structure and function at different levels for both non-technical and technically qualified personnel.
- Communicating technical issues with both specialists and general public.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and exercises. Compulsory project work: design and implementation of an embedded computer system. Portfolio evaluation is the basis for the final grade in the subject. Parts of the portfolio are final exam in writing 60% and project 40%. The result for each part is given in percentage units, while evaluation of the entire portfolio (the final grade) is given as a letter. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may change from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge of electronics and computers.

Course materials

Textbook and/or lecture notes will be announced at start of the semester.

Credit reductions