Module Details

Module Code: COMP8049
Title: Embedded Systems Engineering
Long Title: Embedded Systems Engineering
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module gives an introduction to the engineering of software architectures for embedded and cyber physical systems. The focus of the module is on tools and design modelling for embedded and cyber-physical systems software development. The learner will apply these engineering principles to practical case studies of embedded and cyber-physical systems. The compilation and debugging focus is on the development of efficient high level language constructs for embedded systems.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate an embedded system platform and runtime environment.
LO2 Discuss the role of a compiler in the optimisation of an embedded system.
LO3 Apply modeling techniques to embedded system design.
LO4 Evaluate the techniques and algorithms used in embedded and cyber-physical system design.
LO5 Develop efficient programming language constructs 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).
12689 SOFT7019 C Programming
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 System Runtime Environment
Platforms; Bare metal runtime environment; Bootloaders; Using Virtual Platforms; Simulation e.g. QEMU; Debugging embedded systems.
Modelling Embedded Systems
Embedded systems modelling languages e.g. SystemC; Modelling computational machines; Communication models; Automata; Finite State Machines.
Compiling a language
Phases of a Compiler; Symbol tables; Executable file layout; Linkers; Stack and heap layout; Analysis of high level language and generated machine code; The Abstract Syntax Tree. Case study e.g. how the Clang AST models a C program.
Cyber Physical System Design
Sensors and Actuators; Tasks; Concurrency; Communication; Input/Ouput; Case study e.g. quadcopter firmware design.
Software Synthesis
Implementing a design of an embedded architecture in C; Target machine model; Portability; Optimisation; Firmware architecture e.g. the STM32Cube MCU Package. Case study e.g. the Cleanflight flight controller software architecture.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Labs based on lectures, which will re-enforce the students learning. For example:
a) the development of a bare metal runtime for an embedded application board.
b) modification of the firmware for a quadcopter flight controller.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Essay on a topic related to embedded system design.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Development of a embedded systems design model with software synthesis for an embedded platform e.g. design and development of a firmware for a quadcopter flight controller.
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 Lectures delivering the theory underpinning the learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting the learning outcomes and content delivered in lectures. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent study. 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 Lectures delivering the theory underpinning the learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting the learning outcomes and content delivered in lectures. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent Study. 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
  • Peter Marwedel. (2018), Embedded System Design, 3rd Edition. Springer, [ISBN: 9783319560434].
  • Aho, Lam, Sethi, and Ullman. (2006), Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools, 2nd. Addison Wesley, [ISBN: 9780321486813].
  • Edward A. Lee and Sanjit A. Seshia. (2017), Introduction to Embedded Systems, A Cyber-Physical Systems Approach, 2nd Edition. MIT Press, [ISBN: 9780262533812].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Jonathan Valvano. (2011), Embedded Systems: Real-Time Interfacing to ARM Cortex M Microcontrollers,, 2nd Edition. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, [ISBN: 9781463590154].
  • Joseph Yiu. (2010), The Definitive Guide to the ARM Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 Processors, 3rd Edition. Newnes, [ISBN: 9780124080829].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Dömer, Rainer, et al.. (2008), System-on-chip environment: a SpecC-based framework for heterogeneous MPSoC design, EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems, vol. 5.
  • Andreas Gerstlauer, Shuqing Zhao, Daniel D. Gajski and Arkady M. Horak. (1999), Design of a GSM Vocoder using SpecC Methodology, UC Irvine, Technical Report ICS-TR-99-11.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KSDEV_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development 7 Mandatory
CR_KDNET_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems 7 Mandatory