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

EEET2505

RMIT University Vietnam

Undergraduate

172H School of Engineering

Face-to-Face

Viet1 2018

Course Coordinator: 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

EEET2256 does not require prerequisite courses. 

This course assumes that you:

Have a basic understanding of digital logic and programming skills such as those developed in EEET2251 Digital Systems Design 1 and EEET2246 Engineering Computing respectively, or equivalent courses, or provide evidence of equivalent skills and capabilities.
 


Course Description

This course provides an introduction to Embedded Systems.
Through the use of simulation software, real devices interfaced to a PC and with embedded devices, you will develop competence in microprocessor based digital system design and interfacing.

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 to investigate will include: 

  • Introduction to Digital Hardware Technologies.
  • Introduction to Computer Systems & Architectures.
  • Introduction to Assembler-level software 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:

1.1 Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.

1.2 Conceptual understanding of the, mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.

1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.

2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.

2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. 

3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.


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

  • Implement combinatorial logic and sequential systems in terms of basic digital building blocks using simulation software. You will be able to perform some optimisations.
  • Design, test and critically evaluate embedded solutions to real world situations using digital components (sequential and combinatorial).
  • Recognize the key features of embedded systems in terms of computer hardware and be able to discuss their functions. You will be aware of the key factors affecting computing hardware evolution.
  • Develop software systems for embedded devices using assembler and C/C++ programming languages.
  • Design, test and critically evaluate embedded solutions to real world situations using (embedded) computer systems interfaced to digital hardware.


Overview of Learning Activities

Student learning occurs through the following experiences and evaluation processes. 

  • Lectures which provide the necessary framework to develop an understanding of the underlying embedded hardware and corresponding programming languages. 
  • Problem-solving sessions where you will work through practical design and implementation problems. 
  • Laboratories are also provided to allow you to put in to practice your development skills. 


Overview of Learning Resources

  • Lecture Notes (as part of course learning guide) prepared by the Teaching staff.
  • Prescribed textbook/s: None, but see the course guide available at the start of classes.
  • Recommended reference books: See the course guide available at the start of classes.
  • You will be expected to have access suitable computing equipment for system development. Required software will be made available where possible.
  • Relevant embedded equipment and software will be made available in laboratories and for loan where possible.
  • Course content will made available on-line


Overview of Assessment

The following will be used to assess competency and learning: 

  • Laboratory exercises.
  • Problem-solving sessions. 
  • Three online tests.
  • Group major project.
  • Written final exam. 

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Laboratory Exercise 1
Weighting 7% (breakup 3% for lab task and 4% for laboratory test)
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 & 2

Assessment Task 2: Laboratory Exercise 2
Weighting 10% (breakup 5% for lab task and 5% for laboratory test)
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, & 4

Assessment Task 3: Laboratory Exercise 3
Weighting 18% (breakup 12% for lab task and 6% for laboratory test)
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, & 4

Assessment Task 4: Problem Solving Exercise 1
Weighting 5% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 3 & 4

Assessment Task 5: Problem Solving Exercise 2
Weighting 5% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 3 & 4

Assessment Task 6: Major Project
Weighting 25% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Assessment Task 7: Final Written Exam
Weighting 30%
This assessment supports CLOs 3  & 4