Module Details

Module Code: SOFT7029
Title: Programming Microcontrollers
Long Title: Programming Microcontrollers
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4814 - Computer Software
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: Microcontrollers are essential to the ongoing operation of most of the machinery that facilitates modern living from aerospace systems to coffee machines. This module provides learner with the specialist skills required to design and develop embedded software for microcontroller sensing/actuation applications.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Appraise contemporary microcontroller architectures and capabilities.
LO2 Evaluate the impact of sensing/actuation requirements on embedded controller software.
LO3 Assess common contemporary microcontroller communication interfaces.
LO4 Develop embedded software for defined sensing and processing constraints.
LO5 Validate embedded software using debugging and emulation techniques and tools.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Embedded Systems Introduction
Overview of embedded systems, microprocessors, micro-controllers, anatomy of contemporary platforms, I/O and processing capabilities and considerations.
Communication Interfaces
Buses and data rates(I2C, SPI,1-Wire, PWM, CAN), internal and external interrupts, interrupt base I/O programming, Direct Memory Access.
Sensing and Actuation
Environmental, motion and contact sensing, motor control, linear actuators and relays, impact of sensing latency and frequency on software design.
Control and Data Handling
Implementation of simple control strategies. Design and implementation of open and closed loop control. Connecting a microcontroller to the internet securely.
Debugging and Emulation
Considerations for embedded systems, low level simulation, developing hardware test strategies, on-board debugging (JTAG), emulation.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Written report evaluating two or more contemporary platforms for a specified application scenario.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
This assessment will evaluate the learners understanding on the theoretical elements of the module.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Project developing, deploying and debugging embedded software for a contemporary platform from a defined specification.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practical computer-based lab supporting learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent & directed learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practical computer-based lab supporting learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent & directed learning. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Joseph Yiu. (2013), The Definitive Guide to ARM® Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 Processors, 3rd. Newnes, [ISBN: 9780124080829].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Jonathan W Valvano. (2012), Embedded Systems: Introduction to Arm Cortex-M Microcontrollers, 5th. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, [ISBN: 9781477508992].
  • Yifeng Zhu. (2015), Embedded Systems with ARM Cortex-M Microcontrollers in Assembly Language and C, 2nd. E-Man Press LLC, [ISBN: 9780982692639].
  • Elecia White. (2011), Making Embedded Systems: Design Patterns for Great Software, O'Reilly Media, [ISBN: 9781449302146].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KDNET_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems 5 Mandatory