Module Details

Module Code: SOFT8037
Title: Embedded Systems Programming
Long Title: Embedded Systems Programming
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: Embedded software is essential to the operation of many of the machines and devices that power modern society and resides in everything from pacemakers to unmanned aerial vehicles. Embedded software is fundamentally different to application software as it is strongly dependent on the underlying hardware and requires knowledge of both hardware and software to be developed effectively. In this module the learner will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to develop effective embedded software for the Advanced RISC machine architecture.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Compare and contrast contemporary microprocessor architectures.
LO2 Evaluate and employ embedded software design best practices.
LO3 Design embedded software systems for a specific microprocessor using an appropriate machine language instruction set.
LO4 Deploy, test and debug software developed for an embedded system.
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
Microprocessor Architectural Overview
Microprocessor review, CISC/RISC/MISC architecture comparison.
Advanced RISC Machine Architecture
Registers, addressing modes, hardware debugging support, applications.
Advanced RISC Machine Assembly
Instruction set, instruction format, data types, pipelining, debugging.
Embedded Software Design
Program structure, design patterns, design validation, concurrent programming, formal embedded software design (FSMs/ASMs/SFGs), security and reliability considerations.
Programming Embedded Devices
Special data types and access, program flow, combining mid and low level languages, device libraries, optimization techniques.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
A written report assessing the learners understanding of contemporary micro-controller architectures and the implication of particular architectures on embedded software design.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
An in-class exam that will require the learner to demonstrate understanding of the theoretical content of the module.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
A project in which the learner will be expected to design, develop, deploy, test and debug an embedded software system for a given design 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
  • Elecia White. (2011), Making Embedded Systems: Design Patterns for Great Software, O'Reilly Media, [ISBN: 9781449302146].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Chris Hobbs. (2015), Embedded Software Development for Safety-Critical Systems, CRC Press, [ISBN: 9781498726702].
  • Joseph Yiu. (2013), The Definitive Guide to ARMĀ® Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 Processors, 3rd. Newnes, [ISBN: 9780124080829].
  • James W. Grenning. (2011), Test Driven Development for Embedded C (Pragmatic Programmers), Pragmatic Bookshelf, [ISBN: 9781934356623].
  • Gary Stringham. (2009), Hardware/Firmware Interface Design: Best Practices for Improving Embedded Systems Development, Newnes, [ISBN: 9781856176057].
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 8 Mandatory