| CODE | CCE2014 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Microcontroller Based Systems | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Communications and Computer Engineering | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit introduces microcontrollers, their use in embedded systems and the associated low level programming skills, and provides a controlled environment for team-based development. A practical approach is adopted, first by working through the implementation of different small examples, then through team-based development of a small project, both on a current architecture. The implementation work and subsequent analysis gives practical experience and an understanding of the difficulties involved. The teamwork models the usual practise in industry, where different team members have various responsibilities and roles, including project management, risk management, acquisition of knowledge, design, implementation, documentation, testing and quality control. Study-Unit Aims: From a technical perspective, the study-unit aims to develop the student's knowledge of the architectural features that define a microcontroller, and their ability to implement solutions to a variety of real world problems using microcontroller based embedded systems. A number of case studies are considered to illustrate facets of the subject. The study-unit will use C/C++ and assembly language as needed to access the various features of the architecture used. The study-unit also aims to provide an environment where students can experience the development of a larger embedded systems project in a team. This allows students to appreciate the need for appropriate task division and management, proper documentation, communication skills and team management. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - describe the architectural features that define a microcontroller; - identify and explain the constraints imposed by a microcontroller based system; - interface a microcontroller with physical sensors and actuators; - apply appropriate methods for the design, implementation, and testing of a substantial development project; - use effective planning, management and organisation of the team to achieve agreed milestones; - recognise the need for appropriate procedures and standards to successfully complete an embedded systems project. 2. Content: - Introduction to microcontroller systems: Motivation; History; Constraints; Applications; - Input/Output & Interfacing (digital and analogue); - Interrupts and exceptions; real-time issues; - Timers; - Serial data communications with external devices; - Software development lifecycle. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - William Hohl and Christopher Hinds, “ARM Assembly Language: Fundamentals and Techniques”, Second Edition, CRC Press, 2014. Online Texts: - E. A. Lee and S. A. Seshia, “Introduction to Embedded Systems - A Cyber-Physical Systems Approach”, Second Edition, LeeSeshia.org, 2015. Supplementary Readings: - Vincent Mahout, "Assembly Language Programming: ARM Cortex-M3", Wiley, 2012. ISBN: 978-1-84821-329-6. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | This study-unit builds on Computer Logic 1 (CCE1013) and Computer Logic 2 (CCE1014). Leads to: Projects on Embedded Systems and CPS3234 |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Independent Study, Practicum & Tutorial | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Johann A. Briffa |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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