Module Code: NIE2206

Module Title: Embedded Systems

School(s) Involved in Delivery: Computing and Engineering
Name of Course(s): MEng/BEng(Hons) Electronics Programme
Module Leader: Dr B. Mehrdadi, Department of Engineering and
Technology
Location: Queensgate
Module Type: Compulsory
Credit Rating: 20
Level: H
Learning Methods: Lecture 24 hours
Practical 36 hours
Unsupervised 140 hours
Pre-requisites: -
Recommended Prior Study: C programming language
Co-requisites: -
Professional Body Requirements: -
Graded or Non-Graded: Graded
Barred Combinations: -
Synopsis
The module provides an understanding of the hardware and software aspects of
microcomputer interfacing and extends students' design skills in both software and hardware
in implementing microcontrollers in embedded systems.
Outline Syllabus
1 INTERFACING TECHNIQUES
Architecture of computers consisting of a microprocessor, memory devices and address
decoders.
Principles of computer interfacing, including bufers, ports and peripheral devices.
Parallel interfacing principles, digital input/output.
Interfacing analogue signals: ADC and DAC.
Serial interfacing and communication standards.
Comparison of polling, interrupts and DMA.
Software development for interface applications.
Case studies showing the solutions of typical design problems involving a selection of input
devices and output actuators.
Approved: SAVP September 2007
Version: 04
Effective: 2007-08
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2 EMBEDDED MICROCONTROLLERS
Comparison of microcontroller architectures.
Microcontroller on-chip hardware: memory, I/O ports, timers, counters, interrupts, serial ports
and ADCs.
Software development for microcontroller-based applications.
Development tools for microcontrollers: compiler, linker, assembler, software simulators and
monitors, hardware emulators, EPROM emulators, in-circuit emulators.
Microcontroller hardware design: single chip and expanded modes, I/O interfacing.
Case studies showing the solutions of typical embedded systems design problems consisting
microcontrollers and their constituent components.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
a) Explain the operation of microcomputer- and microcontroller-based systems and their
constituent parts.
b) Interpret manufacturers data sheets to explain and compare the internal architectures
of microcontrollers and their associated interfacing design strategies.
Abilities
c) Develop software solutions to microcomputer- and microcontroller-based system design
problems through the use of appropriate design methods and development tools.
d) Develop hardware solutions to microcomputer- or microcontroller-based system design
problems.
e) Evaluate the performance of microcomputer- and microcontroller-based system designs
and compare alternative solutions.
Assessment Strategy
Formative Assessment
Formative assessment will be provided through tutorial periods and feedback during
practical sessions.
Summative Assessment
- Assessment Tasks Outcomes Weight
1. Solution of a microcomputer interface design problem for
a specifed application, including an understanding of
a,c,d,e 50%
Approved: SAVP September 2007
Version: 04
Effective: 2007-08
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customer and user needs, problem defnition, hardware
and software design, and evaluation of ftness for
purpose.
2. Solution of a microcontroller-based system design
problem for a specifed application, including an
understanding of customer and user needs, problem
defnition, including cost drivers, hardware and software
design, and evaluation of ftness for purpose.
a,b,c,d,e 50%
- Assessment Criteria
Task 1
1.1 Explanation of the operation of a computer and peripherals. Show a clear
understanding of interfacing techniques.
1.2 Ability to develop efcient codes for a given interfacing problem to meet the required
objectives.
1.3 Critical discussion of experimental results in relation to the theoretical expectations.
Task 2
2.1 Explanation of internal architecture of a microcontroller and the application of built-in
peripheral devices. Show a clear understanding of an embedded system.
2.2 Ability to use software design methodologies and structured codes using various
tools to satisfy code-efcient requirements of an embedded system.
2.3 Logical approach to the design of an embedded system and selection of the most
efcient route to achieve the required objectives.
Learning Strategy
Lectres !i"" present t#e nder"$ing princip"es spported b$ ttoria"s to address otcomes %a&
b'( )#e practica" "aborator$-based e*ercises !i"" a""o! t#e "earner to deve"op re"evant s+i""s
%otcomes %c',%d'( )#e nspervised "earning time !i"" be sed b$ stdents to conso"idate
t#eir +no!"edge and s+i""s(
-ormative assessment and feedbac+ !i"" consist of observation of performance in practica"
sessions& inspection of programs and "ogboo+s(
)#e mod"e !i"" ma+e se of ./0) b$ providing e*amp"e codes on t#e 1niversit$ net!or+
and dedicated !eb sites organised b$ ma2or manfactrers and interest grops( )#e
recommended boo+s are a"so accompanied b$ a .3 456 containing compi"ers and
demonstration programs(
Approved: SAVP September 2007
Version: 04
Effective: 2007-08
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Resources required
Embedded S$stems "aborator$: 78 #ors spervised(
Stdents !i"" #ave access to t#e Embedded S$stems "aborator$ and its #ard!are9soft!are
faci"ities otside timetab"ed practica" sessions(
Indicative References
JAMES, K : "PC Interfacing and Data Acquisition Techniques for Instrumentation and
Control", (Newnes 2001)
HUTCHINGS, Howard: "Interfacing with C", (Newnes 2000)
Katzen, Sid: The quintessential PIC microcontroller, (Springger 2005)
Huang, Han way: PIC microcontroller: an introduction to software and hardware interfacing,
(Thomso Delmar Learning 2004).
Bates, Martin: PIC microcontroller: an introduction to microelectronics, (Elsevier 2004).
Lovine, John: PIC robotics a beginners guide to robotics projects using PIC micro,
(McGraw-Hill 2004).
Smith, D.W: PIC in practice, (Newnes 2006).
Bates, Martin: Interfacing PIC microcontrollers : embedded design by interactive simulation,
(Newnes 2006).
Wilmshurst, Tim: Designing embedded systems with PIC microcontrollers : principles and
applications, (Newnes 2007).
Approved: SAVP September 2007
Version: 04
Effective: 2007-08
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