Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Embedded Systems
Module Code	EE202
School	School of Electronic Engineering
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Robert Sadleir Semester 2: Robert Sadleir Autumn: Robert Sadleir
Module Teacher	Robert Sadleir
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

An embedded system is a special purpose computer system that is designed to carry out a specific task. This module will introduce the student to embedded systems, focusing in particular on microcontroller based embedded systems. The ultimate aim of the module is to provide the student with the hardware and software skills necessary to create microcontroller based embedded systems for use in real world applications.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the operation of a known microcontroller, or a previously unseen microcontroller from the same family, based on an evaluation of the relevant datasheet.
2. Design bespoke, microcontroller based, embedded systems hardware.
3. Develop custom software and algorithms for use in microcontroller based embedded systems.
4. Use optimisation techniques such as lookup tables in order to create more efficient programs.
5. Write hybrid microcontroller programs that combine the benefits of using a high-level language with benefits associated with using assembly language.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Laboratory	15	Module labs
Lecture	24	Module lectures
Tutorial	10	Module tutorials
Independent learning time	76	Independent learning time
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to embedded systems.
Definition of an embedded system, architecture of embedded systems, overview of software development tools used for embedded systems software design..

Introduction to microcontrollers.
Microcontroller architecture, program counter, pipeline, instruction decoder, file address register, file data register, arithmetic logic unit, status register, working register, program store, data store, instructions, assembly, addressing modes..

The PIC16F84A microcontroller.
Features, internal architecture, the fetch unit, the execute unit, the data store, special function registers, general purpose registers, data input/output, EEPROM, timer..

Addressing modes and the instruction set.
Inherent addressing, literal addressing, absolute addressing, file direct addressing, file indirect addressing, bit addressing, movement instructions, arithmetic instructions, clearing/setting instructions, logical and shifting instructions, program counter instructions..

Programming examples.
Arithmetic operations, code conversion..

Subroutines.
The stack, the call instruction, subroutine guidelines, lookup tables..

Interrupts.
Polling, interrupt sources, interrupt operation, servicing interrupts, interrupt control..

High-level language.
Compilation, variables, data types, hybrid C and assembly, handling interrupts.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	25%	Examination Weight	75%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Laboratory	Introduction to the MPLAB Integrated Development Environment	5%	Week 2
Laboratory	Instructions and Addressing Modes	5%	Week 4
Laboratory	Programming Exercises	5%	Week 6
Laboratory	Subroutines	5%	Week 8
Laboratory	Interrupts and High‐level Programming	5%	Week 10

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

R. Sadleir: 2008, EE202 Embedded systems course notes,
T. Wilmshurst: 2009, Designing embedded systems with PIC microcontrollers, Second, Newnes,
S. Katzen: 2007, The Quintessential PIC Microcontroller, Second, Springer,
J. Morton: 2005, The PIC Microcontroller: Your Personal Introductory Course, Third, Newnes,

Other Resources

None

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