Embedded System Design

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

200 hours

Prerequisite for this subject is:

None

None

None

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

AIMS

This subject provides a practical introduction to the design of microprocessor-based electronic systems. The lectures and project work will expose students to the various stages in an engineering project (design, implementation, testing and documentation) and a range of embedded system concepts.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Topics covered may include: digital computer architecture, example microprocessor architectures, pipelining and caching, system-level programming in assembly language and C for a specific microprocessor ; bus standards and protocols, bus interfacing, interrupt servicing; operating systems concepts, multi-tasking, resource management and real-time issues; interfacing to the analog world via analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters; standard software tools, including compilers and debuggers, schematic and PCB layout with an emphasis on design for high speed switching circuits.

This material will be complemented by exposure to standard software tools, including compilers and debuggers, schematic and board layout software. The subject will include a level of industry engagement, to provide broader examples of engineering projects, through guest lectures

This subject has been integrated with the Skills Towards Employment Program (STEP) and contains activities that can assist in the completion of the Engineering Practice Hurdle (EPH).

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)

1. Design, build and test the hardware components (microprocessor, bus and peripheral interfacing) of an embedded system
2. Develop and test the low-level software components of an embedded system
3. Conduct a small embedded system design project

• One written examination, not exceeding three hours at the end of semester, worth 60%
• Continuous assessment of submitted project work, not exceeding 40 pages over the semester (approximately 55-60hours of work per student), worth 40%.

Hurdle requirement: Students must pass the written exam to pass the subject.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 and 2 are assessed in the written exam and submitted project work. ILO 3 is assessed in the submitted project work.

TBA

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
• In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
• Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance
• Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning
• Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member
• Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large

To complete the assessment, students are required to purchase a kit of electronic parts from the university book room. The cost of this kit is approximately $85-$100.

LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

The subject is delivered through lectures and a semester long design, build and code project, workshop classes to assist with the project.

INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES

Students are provided with lecture slides, worked problem sets, project specifications, and reference text lists.

CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

The subject includes a level of industry engagement, to provide broader examples of engineering projects, through guest lectures.