Course syllabus - Embedded systems I

Objectives

The main objective for this course is to introduce the students to the subject of Embedded Systems and explain what differs this type of systems from traditional computer systems found in e.g., desktop computers. After taking this course, the students will posses such knowledge and understanding that they will be able to apply different technical solutions for development of embedded real-time systems in a structured way.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, student will:

- Acquire a basic knowledge about embedded systems and how to program those.
- Be able to identify the hardware components that can be a part of an embedded system, and that influence the choice of the programming model used.
- Be able to develop and debug simple computer programs for embedded systems, where the communication with the environment is done directly via the peripheral devices (e.g., via interrupts)
- Be able to develop and debug more complex software for embedded systems by using the support from a real-time operating system.
- Be able to develop applications with predictable timing behavior, so called real-time applications, for embedded systems.
- Be able to perform different performance evaluations, e.g., CPU and memory usage, in embedded devices.
- Be able to use different tools to develop embedded systems, e.g., RTOS, debuggers, and IDEs.

Course content

This course provides a basic knowledge and understanding about the methods and techniques for engineering of robust embedded system and real-time applications. Issues such as concerns to an environment, safety, scarce resources, real-time computing, predictability and robustness will be introduced. The course will be focused on hands-on practical issues through as set of programming exercises in C (and some Assembler), where the student will get acquaintance with an actual physical hardware platform that introduces concepts such as cross compilation, loading and starting an application, and debugging an application. Furthermore, the students will learn how to use existing tool support, e.g., real-time operating systems, debuggers and IDEs, to develop, test and run an application on that platform.

Tuition

Lectures and programming exercises.

Specific requirements

At least 90 ECTS credits in an engineering subject or computer science, of which at least one semester (30ECTS credits) in computer engineering, computer science or electronics thatinclude courses in programming corresponding 15 ECTS credits. Foreign students are required to submit a TOEFL test result, minimum score 550 with a TWE score of at least 4 (PBT) or 79 with a TWE score of at least 17 (iBT) or an IELTS test result with an overall band score of minimum 6,0 and no band score below 5,0 or equivalent. The English test is COMPULSORY for all applicants except citizens of EU countries, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and USA. The TOEFL code you must use is SWEDEN 9520.

Examination

Exercise, laboratory work (LAB1), 3.5 credits, marks Pass (G)
Examination (TEN1), 4 credits, marks 3, 4 or 5

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass with credit, Pass, Fail

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

Students that have previously taken MDH course "Programming of embedded systems" and "Real-time Systems I" should not take this course, since they overlap significantly.