EEE3074W: Embedded Systems

Outcomes and Syllabus

E.B.E.

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Introduction

Details

Labs and Project

Scope: This page indicates the outcomes and syllabus for EEE3074W.

Outcomes

What you get out depends largely on what you put in... You will do well in this course if you approach the work in a serious manner, if you participate actively in the assignments, and set aside time to read the text book and class notes. The following points summarize intended outcomes of this course:

Know what an embedded system is.
Basic understanding of General System Theory (GST), how this applies to embedded system engineers, and how this differs from the traditional mechanistic theory.
Understand the general process of embedded system development
Comprehend important embedded system terminology
Experience common aspects of embedded system development
Understanding of what an embedded system R&D project is, and the activities it involves
Experience of embedded system product conceptualization methods and think tanks
Suggestion of own product concepts
Understanding of a concept presentation
Ability to use ANSI C to develop embedded software
Use of ESAOA Framework to facilitate implementation and knowledge management of embedded software R&D projects
Interface to peripherals, knowledge of typical interfacing standards*
Development of prototype circuit on breadboard (including interfacing to microcontroller, and control from software)
Use of RT UML for system level, hardware, and software modeling, used to: refine concepts, produce system designs, and express ideas.

* General understanding of the standards available, but not details of pin assignments and signal traces.

Syllabus

Aspect	Lectures
Introduction	Definition of what en embedded system is, examples. What the course involves: lectures, pracs, projects, exams. Introduction to general systems theory (GST).
History	A look at the history leading towards the development of the (arguably) first embedded system. Explanation of why so many embedded systems are developed using standard ANSI C, and the increasing popularity of embedded C++.
The Development Environment	Hardware and software tools use in developing an embedded system in relation to general embedded system platforms. We introduce the CSB337 evaluation boards used in the pracs and project. Discuss the "Basic Toolset".
Conceptualization Process	Issues of coming up with new product concepts. The concept presentation. Best practices.
Boot Loaders	Programs that are initially executed at system startup, and are used to load an application programs (boot monitors provide more features).
Advanced RISC Machines (ARM)	Overview of ARM architecture. Introduction to programming an ARM-based microprocessors. Addressing modes, using memory maps, etc. Writing a simple ARM assembly language program. Types of instructions, their mnemonics. Using GCC-ELF-AS, macros, labels, etc.
Special Software Techniques	Using memory mapped peripherals. In-line assembly. Bitwise operations and their C operators and ARM instructions. Volatile variables in C. Speed and code density. Use of interrupts vs. polling. Implementing interrupt service routines.
Modeling	Recap of UML modeling (you are expected to know UML). Introduction to Real-Time UML. The AOD diagram.
Embedded System Design Lifecycle	A broad look at general embedded system development, from the product specification phase, to maintenance, upgrade, and finally retirement. Covers methods used in: 1) Specification, 2) Partitioning, 3) Implementation, 4) Design, 5) Integration, 6) Acceptance test, 7) Maintenance and update.
Real-Time Aspects	Introduction to important real-time requirements and design issues.
Dynamic Behavior	Look StateCharts, using UML timing diagrams, etc. Case study of 1-wire Protocol.
Debugging Tools	On-chip Debugging Standards (BDM, JTAG, and Nexus). In-Circuit Emulation (ICE). We look at the standards, their benefits and drawbacks, but we don't go into detail.
Testing	Strategies for testing embedded systems, and details of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT).
Industry	We plan to have an industry representative talks about local embedded systems industry in South Africa; common difficulties they experience; demonstrate products (e.g. video footage); local employment prospects and what employers like to see.
The Future	What embedded system products, and their design may be like in the future (discussion topic).

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