Course Title: Introduction to Embedded Systems

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Introduction to Embedded Systems

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

EEET2256

City Campus

Undergraduate

125H Electrical & Computer Engineering

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 2 2016

EEET2256

City Campus

Undergraduate

172H School of Engineering

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2017,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 2 2024

EEET2505

RMIT University Vietnam

Undergraduate

172H School of Engineering

Face-to-Face

 Viet1 2018,
Viet3 2019,
Viet3 2020,
Viet2 2021,
Viet3 2021,
Viet2 2022,
Viet3 2022,
Viet2 2023,
Viet3 2023,
Viet1 2024,
Viet3 2024

Course Coordinator: Dr. Glenn Matthews

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2091

Course Coordinator Email: glenn.matthews@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 10.07.07

Course Coordinator Availability: Email for appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge

  • Have a basic understanding of digital logic systems and physical implementation skills such as those developed in OENG1206 (Digital Fundamentals) or equivalent.
  • Have the ability to develop code using a High-Level Programming Language (HLL) such as C/C++ or Java
  • Have an understanding of general computing systems and a high-level appreciation of the various interfaces
  • Are able to research tasks and find information from a variety of sources such as textbooks and the internet. 


Course Description

This course provides an introduction to Embedded Systems.

Through the use of simulation software and hardware interfaced to a physical embedded system, you will develop competence in microprocessor-based digital system design.

This course lays the foundation for later year Computer Systems Engineering subjects and is an essential prerequisite for Embedded System Design and Implementation (EEET2096). 

Particular topics investigated will include: 

  • Introduction to Digital Hardware Technologies.
  • Introduction to Computer Systems & Architectures.
  • Introduction to Assembler-level firmware for Embedded Systems.
  • Introduction to Interfacing Computer Systems to External Hardware.
  • Use of C/C++ programming language to implement functionality in embedded hardware.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for Bachelor of Engineering plans ending in P23 and specialising in:

PLO 1 Demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of scientific theories, principles and concepts and engineering fundamentals within the engineering discipline​
PLO 2 Demonstrate a coherent and advanced body of knowledge within the engineering discipline
PLO 4 Apply knowledge of established engineering methods to the solution of complex problems in the engineering discipline
PLO 5 Utilise mathematics, software, tools and techniques, referencing appropriate engineering standards and codes of practice, in the design of complex engineering systems
PLO 6 Use a systems engineering approach to synthesize and apply procedures for design, prototyping and testing to manage complex engineering projects.
PLO 8 Communicate engineering designs and solutions respectfully and effectively, employing a range of advanced communication methods, in an individual or team environment, to diverse audiences.​​
PLO 10 Critically analyse, evaluate, and transform information, while exercising professional judgement, in an engineering context.
PLO 11 Collaborate and contribute as an effective team member or leader in diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to First Nations peoples and/or globally inclusive perspectives and participation in an engineering context.​

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.


On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Interpret a microcontroller instruction set and evaluate how the instructions are physically performed based on an 8-bit microcontroller.
2. Design, test and critically evaluate embedded systems solutions to real-world problems using industry standard hardware platforms.
3. Recognise the key features of embedded systems in terms of computing hardware and be able to discuss their functions.
4. Develop software systems for embedded devices using both the assembler and C/C++ programming languages.
5. Clearly communicate the firmware development process for embedded systems to professional audiences.
6. Collaborate and contribute as an effective team member or leader in group projects.


Overview of Learning Activities

Student Learning occurs through the following experiences and evaluation processes:

  • Comprehensive review of recorded lectures where syllabus material will be presented and explained. The lectures will contain demonstrations and examples to reinforce key concepts and processes;
  • Completion of lectorial questions and laboratory projects designed to give further practice in the application of theory and procedures, and to give feedback on student progress and understanding;
  • Completion of written laboratory reports consisting of firmware and other embedded design problems requiring an integrated understanding of the course topics;
  • Private study, working through the course as presented in classes and learning materials.

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and / or online discussions, through individual and group feedback on practical exercises and by individual consultation (where possible).


Overview of Learning Resources

You will be able to access course information and learning materials through RMIT University’s online systems.

Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided.

You will be expected to have access to suitable computing equipment for embedded system development. Required software (Microchip Studio - Microsoft Windows-based) is freely available. 

Customised hardware will be made available during laboratory sessions only. 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Laboratory Tasks, 30%, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4 and CLO5
Assessment Task 2: Lectorial Quizzes, 15%, CLO1, CLO3 and CLO4
Assessment Task 3: Project (Group), 25%, CLO2, CLO3 , CLO4, CLO5 and CLO6
Assessment Task 4: Timed Assessment, 30%, CLO1, CLO3, CLO4 and CLO5