Embedded Systems

Please note

This document only provides information for the academic year selected and does not form part of the student contract

School:

School of Computing and Engineering

Credit Rating:

Level (including FHEQ):

I (FHEQ Level 5)

Graded or Non Graded:

Graded

Version Valid From:

2022-09-01

Module Leader:

Haydn Martin

Version Number

2022.01

Learning Methods

Practical Classes and Demonstrations

Lecture

Guided Independent Study

Requirements

Recommended Prior Study

Professional Body Requirements

Institution of Engineering and Technology

Synopsis

This module will provide you with an understanding of the hardware and software aspects of microcontroller interfacing and provide you with design skills to implement embedded systems using microcontrollers. You will initially undertake a primer in embedded C before developing your programming skills through a range of practical exercises involving … For more content click the Read More button below.

This module will provide you with an understanding of the hardware and software aspects of microcontroller interfacing and provide you with design skills to implement embedded systems using microcontrollers. You will initially undertake a primer in embedded C before developing your programming skills through a range of practical exercises involving a microcontroller. This will culminate in you undertaking a project where you will develop a ‘real-world’ embedded system which must adhere to a pre-determined specification.

Learning Strategy

In this module the learners will engage in a blend of delivery methods facilitating both individual and collaborative aspects of learning to achieve the specified learning outcomes. In particular, this will require the learner to engage with the VLE materials and to help focus the guided learning process, the tutor will set weekly quizzes/assignments (SAIL). A mix of VLE materials and lectures will be used to present the underlying technical principles throughout the module. Practical exercises delivered through practical laboratory sessions will support the learner to develop the skills required to satisfy the learning outcomes. Guided independent study will be required to complete these practical exercises which will facilitate consolidation of knowledge and skills. The module is supported by the use of BrightSpace VLE including course documentation, pre-recorded lectures, external links, communication/discussion and self-assessment facilities. Students with disability will be accommodated by close adherence to the University of Huddersfield guidelines which inter alia include: (i) pre-recorded materials with captions of suitable size, (ii) Power Point slides following the appropriate font size and colour contrast, (iii) early availability of all materials on VLE – typically at least two weeks in advance.

Outline Syllabus

Comparison of microcontroller architectures.Microcontroller on-chip hardware: memory, I/O ports, timers, counters and interrupts. Software development for microcontroller-based applications. Development tools for microcontrollers: compiler, linker, programmer.Digital input/output.Applications of timers/counters.Responding to interrupts caused by external and internal events.Interfacing analogue signals to microcontrollers using onboard ADCs.Pulse width modulation (PWM) and applications.Case studies showing … For more content click the Read More button below.

Comparison of microcontroller architectures.
Microcontroller on-chip hardware: memory, I/O ports, timers, counters and interrupts.
Software development for microcontroller-based applications.
Development tools for microcontrollers: compiler, linker, programmer.
Digital input/output.
Applications of timers/counters.
Responding to interrupts caused by external and internal events.
Interfacing analogue signals to microcontrollers using onboard ADCs.
Pulse width modulation (PWM) and applications.
Case studies showing the solutions of typical embedded system design problems.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will

Explain the operation of microcontroller-based systems and their constituent parts.

Interpret manufacturers’ data sheets to explain and compare the internal architectures of microcontrollers and their associated interfacing design strategies.

Develop software solutions to microcomputer- and microcontroller-based system design problems through the use of appropriate design methods and development tools.

Develop hardware solutions to microcomputer- or microcontroller-based system design problems.

Evaluate the performance of microcomputer- and microcontroller-based system designs and compare alternative solutions.

Formative Assessment

Assessment 1: Focused classwork observations

Summative Assessment

Assessment 1: Written Assignment

Description:Taught material will contribute an element every week to the SAIL programme (Score As I Learn) submitted via the VLE platform. 11 x 15 minutes weekly assignments. Each assignment will be worth 3%. Taking the best 8 out of 11 scores.

Assessment Weight:24

Assessment Length:10 Hours (Typical Effort)

Module Learning Outcomes:MLO1, MLO2, MLO3, MLO4, MLO5

Individual or Group:Individual

Final Assessment Component:No

Marked Anonymously:Yes

Eligible for Tutor Reassessment:No

Assessment 2: In-Class Test

Assessment 3: Written Assignment

Assessment 4: Project Work

Assessment Criteria

Task 1
SAIL
Task 2
2.1 Explanation of internal architecture of a microcontroller and the application of built-in peripheral devices.
2.2 Ability to configure microcontroller peripherals for a specific task.
2.3 Understanding of embedded C programming concepts.
2.4 Ability to identify and correct errors in embedded C code.
Task 3
3.1 Effective completion of set laboratory activity.
3.2 Efficiency, structure and annotation of coded solution.
3.3 Quality of the description of the design of a code solution including figures/diagrams.
3.4 Structure and clarity of a formal technical report.
Task 4
4.1 Functionality of a coded solution in respective of a design specification for an embedded system assessed via demonstration.
4.2 Efficiency, structure and annotation of coded solution.
4.3 Use of a hardware interrupts to facilitate effective code implementation.

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