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EEEN30270

Academic Year 2026/2027

Embedded Systems (EEEN30270)

Subject:
Electronic & Electrical Eng
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Electrical & Electronic Eng
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Deepu John
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module deals with the design and implementation of embedded systems, involving a processor, software (or firmware) and other hardware. Topics include architectures and interfacing of typical processors, programming in C and assembly language to interact with hardware in real time, and design and verification of systems involving a mix of hardware and software.

This module requires an ability to program in the C language - the language most often used for efficient embedded system software. It also requires some understanding of digital hardware design.

The module will have an emphasis on problem-based learning. Design assignments will require significant time during the trimester, and will involve working in a team and collaborating with others. Assessment of these assignments will be largely based on written reports, supplemented by interview where necessary.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Design a digital system involving an embedded processor and other hardware;
2. Write software for an embedded system;
3. Use appropriate software tools in the design and verification of such systems;
4. Work in a team and collaborate effectively with other members of the team;
5. Maintain proper documentation and communicate the results of their work.

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages 4

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all 3

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation 1

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable 2
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

16
Autonomous Student Learning

64
Lectures

24
Laboratories

12
Total

116

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module uses a mix of lectures and problem-based learning. Some reasonably large design assignments will account for more than half of the total workload in this module - that will be a mix of hands-on work in the laboratory and design work that can be done elsewhere.

Lectures will be (mostly) in person, and attendance will be expected.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Mandatory Prerequisites: EEEN20010, EEEN20020, EEEN20040


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
EEEN20010 - Computer Engineering, EEEN20020 - Electrical&Electronic Circuits, EEEN20040 - Electronic Circuits

Incompatibles:
EEEN3007J - Embedded Systems, EEEN3012J - Embedded Systems and Software, EEEN40280 - Digital & Embedded Systems

Additional Information:
Must have taken these above modules and EEEN20050. Biomed students who haven't taken EEEN20050 will need to self-learn relevant content.


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Design assignments, where most of the work takes place during scheduled sessions in the lab. Assessment may be partly based on 1) report submitted and/or 2) in-class quiz. Timing is indicative only. Week 6, Week 8, Week 11 Graded No
50
 No
Exam (In-person): Final exam at the end of semester End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 4 Thurs 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 6 Thurs 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3 Thurs 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 1 Week(s) - 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 11 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 5, 7 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 6, 9, 10, 12 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
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