Module Details

Module Code: ELTR7019
Title: Microcomputer Applications
Long Title: Microcomputer Applications
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5230 - Electronic Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module examines the application of digital embedded electronic microprocessors and microcontrollers in the fields of electronic, control and commmunications systems.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe and contrast current microprocessor and microcontroller systems and select the appropriate models for particular applications.
LO2 For particular embedded applications, identify the inputs/outputs and requirements and select the most appropriate microprocessor/microcontroller for that application.
LO3 Use an industry standard micro-controller (16/32 bit) to measure time, generate output patterns, perform Analog/Digital (A/D) conversion and communicate with other devices.
LO4 Interface complex devices such as keypads, displays, communication modules with microcontrollers.
LO5 Test, analyse and debug electronic circuits using industry standard tools.
LO6 Examine embedded device life cycle, reliability, support and environmental issues, and their impact (legal & business) in particular applications.
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).
Students will have completed Level 6 courses (or equivalent) in Programming and Digital Electronics.
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 Microcontrollers Vs General Purpose Microprocessors
Comparison of the example of microprocessors (Intel x86 family) and microcontrollers (Raspberry Pi). Introduction to PIC 24 or Arm Cortex microcontroller as embedded controllers. Examples of typical microcontrollers.
Microchip PIC 24 or ARM Cortex Family & Hardware
Instruction set and physical architecture.
Building Basic Controller Systems
Identifying inputs - digital, analog, complex sources. Identifying outputs - digital, analog, PWM. Timed signals algorithms.
Microcontroller Modules
Digital I/O, timers, A/D converters, PWM, serial port, interrupt operations.
Interfacing External Components
Multi-line LCD, matrix keypads, wireless modules, IoT interfaces.
Testing & Debugging
Debugging tools, logic analysers, serial/parallel data capture and extraction.
Device Lifecycle
Case studies looking at lifecyle of devices, length of support, discontinuation of products, environmental disposal requirements and industry legal practice.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Successful completion of a programme of laboratory, group based mini project, and research exercises to demonstrate competence, understanding and critical analysis, i.e. (a) lab exercises including A/D conversion/serial communication using 16/32 bit microcontroller and industry standard communication modules, (b) choosing an appropriate microcontroller and developing a prototype for a group mini-project, (c) report/presentation on component life cycle in the automobile electronics industry.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

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 Theory incl worked examples Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practicals based on various hardware and software assignments Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture notes, resources, preparation for assessment deliverables. 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 Theory incl. worked examples Every Week 1.50 1.5
Lab Contact Practicals based on various hardware and software assignments Every Week 1.50 1.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture notes, resources, preparation for assessment deliverables. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Microchip Inc. (2013), PIC24FJ64GA004 FAMILY, Microchip inc, Online -Microchip.com, [ISBN: NONE].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Robert B. Reese, J. W. Bruce, Bryan A. Jones. (2014), Microcontrollers: From Assembly Language to C Using the Pic24 Family, 2nd edition. Cengage Learning PTR, [ISBN: 978-130507655].
  • Jonathan Volvano. (2011), Embedded Systems: Real-Time Interfacing to Arm Cortex-M Microcontrollers, 5th Edition. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, p.600, [ISBN: 978-146359015].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EELES_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronic Engineering 5 Mandatory
CR_EELXE_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering 5 Mandatory