Course syllabus - Robust Electronics for Dependable Systems

Objectives

The course will provide knowledge on how to design robust electronic systems that meet specified requirements for dependable systems. 

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to: 

1. explain and relate how the environment affects electronics in dependable systems, 
2. recommend design for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) in challenging environments, 
3. suggest and apply suitable techniques and technologies to enhance the robustness and availability for electronics for dependable systems, 
4. motivate the choice of adequate components for use in dependable systems, and 
5. apply robustness algorithms for verification of correct function under abnormal input conditions and abnormal operating conditions. 

Course content

Distinguishing environments for dependable systems within different disciplines and how these affect electronics will be discussed. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), to ensure electrical/electronic systems can work together without disturbing each other, is an important ingredient in the course. Suitable and unsuitable electronic components, circuit boards, line-replaceable units, interfaces, and data buses for different disciplines will be discussed. During lectures and laboratory work, different techniques will be described and tested for achieving more robust and available functions using electronics and data buses. Verification of functions under abnormal circumstances using different robustness algorithms will also be described during lectures and tested during laboratory work.

Specific requirements

75 credits of which at least 60 credits in completed courses including Electronic Systems 7.5 credits. 

Examination

Laboratory work (LAB1), 3 credits, examines the learning outcome 3, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G). 
Laboratory work (LAB2), 1 credits, examines the learning outcome 5, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G). 
Laboratory work (LAB3), 2.5 credits, examines the learning outcome 2, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G). 
Written assignment (INL1), 3.5 credits, examines the learning outcomes 1, 3 and 4, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G). 

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, Fail

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The course overlaps 7.5 credits with ELA304 Robust Electronics for Aerospace Applications and also 7.5 hp with ELA305 Robust Electronics for Dependable Systems. 

The course can be included in the technology field for Dependable Systems.