Module Details

Module Code: ELTR6031
Title: Microcontroller Systems
Long Title: Microcontroller Systems Interfacing
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2021/22 ( January 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5230 - Electronic Engineering
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: Operation and applications of micro controllers. Emphasis is placed on understanding manufacturer datasheets and hence the hardware and software interfacing of the system to different peripherals and HMIs.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the role of micro-controllers in contemporary systems, including common consumer products.
LO2 Use datasheets, understand configuration bits, identify components, trace signal paths in order to select the most appropriate microprocessor/microcontroller for any application.
LO3 Demonstrate familiarity with common micro-controller subsystems, such as timer modules, oscillators, communications, etc.
LO4 Demonstrate an ability to use both polling and interrupt-driven approaches for interfacing a microcontroller with peripheral devices.
LO5 Work alone and in teams to analyse and test various microcomputer hardware circuits/modules and to write, test, debug and document simple software routines using high level programming languages and modern tools.
LO6 Communicate laboratory outcomes using a short laboratory report to a professional engineering standard.
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
Role of Micro-controllers
What is a microcontroller? Differences with microprocessors. Microcontroller families, architectures. typical applications, limitations. Use in consumer products and industrial settings. IOT. Industry 4.0.
Number Systems
Review of signed and unsigned binary number systems, sign extension, range of possible values, BCD system, hexadecimal notation, use of status flags in number processing.
Datasheets & Configuration Bits
Gain familiarity with Manufacturer Datasheets. Importance of Configuration Bits. Example of use through configuration of oscillator settings.
I/O
Overview of different i/o techniques, e.g. memory-mapped/isolated. Serial/parallel transfers. Elementary i/o circuits. Programmable i/o circuits - e.g parallel i/o, serial i/o - block diagrams and interfacing to mpu.
Polling and Interrupts
Polling techniques. Use of interrupts. Differences between the two.
Timers
Using timers. Timer modules. Setting up interrupt and non-interrupt based timers.
Comms Protocols
Serial Communications.e.g RS232. Modern High Speed e.g I2C, Bluetooth.
Development
Gain familiarity with developing applications using high level languages and industry standard development toolchains.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Laboratory. Weekly maintenance of a design file detailing work to be completed during laboratory sessions.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Short ( c.1000 words) report on topics as they arise in class
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
End of semester closed book exam
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 lectures 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 and recommended material and preparation of reports for selected laboratory sessions 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 Lectures 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 and recommended material and preparation of reports for selected laboratory sessions 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
  • Joseph Yiu. (2015), The Definitive Guide to ARM® Cortex®-M0 and Cortex-M0+ Processors, 2nd. Newnes, [ISBN: 9780128032770].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Robert B. Reese, J. W. Bruce, Bryan A. Jones. (2014), Microcontrollers: From Assembly Language to C using the PIC24 Family, 2nd. Cengage Learning PTR USA, [ISBN: 978130507655].
  • Lucio Di Jasio. (2011), Programming 16-Bit PIC Microcontrollers in C, 2nd. Newnes, USA, [ISBN: 9781856178709].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_ESMPR_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Smart Product Engineering 3 Mandatory