EEEN40280 Digital & Embedded Systems

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module deals with the design and implementation of complex digital systems, involving application-specific hardware, an embedded processor and software. Topics include architectures and interfacing of typical processors, programming in C and assembly language to interact with hardware in real time, design and verification of systems involving a mix of hardware and software.

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.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Design a complex 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.

Indicative Module Content:

1 - A brief introduction to embedded systems and to the module;
2 - Programming in assembly language, using an 8-bit microcontroller as an example;
3 - Microcontroller hardware, using the same 8-bit microcontroller as an example;
4 - Interfaces in embedded systems, including serial bus protocols;
5 - Programming in C for embedded systems (assuming knowledge of C programming);
6 - Processor bus structures, in general and using AMBA examples;
7 - Review of hardware design at register transfer level and hardware description language (assuming prior knowledge);
8 - Microcontroller hardware and instruction set, using ARM 32-bit microcontrollers as examples;
9 - A brief introduction to caches as used in embedded systems;
10 - A brief introduction to operating systems, with emphasis on embedded systems;
11 - Embedded system design.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Tutorial

4

Laboratories

24

Specified Learning Activities

18

Autonomous Student Learning

48

Total

118

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. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Digital system design at register transfer level is required. Knowledge of a hardware description language is also required. Verilog or SystemVerilog is preferred, but VHDL is acceptable. As an example, the module EEEN30190 Digital System Design provides the required prior knowledge.

Computer programming in C is required. As an example, the module EEEN20010 Computer Engineering provides the required prior knowledge.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Open-book written examination 2 hour End of Trimester Exam Yes Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50

Assignment: Design assignments during the trimester. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

50


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

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

For assignments, each student will submit a report and receive feedback on the report and on the assignment. For the terminal exam, students may request a script viewing (or equivalent if the exam is online).

Name Role
Dr Barry Cardiff Lecturer / Co-Lecturer