NG1S901 - Introduction to C programming and Embedded Systems 01 Sep 2020 - 31 Aug 2022 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG1S901
Module Title: Introduction to C programming and Embedded Systems
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Information and Electronics
Faculty Sub Group: Electronics
Module Leader: Ben Mehenni
Module Team: Jurgen Richter, Ali Roula, Sivagunalan Sivanathan, Eurfyl Davies, Alexandre Oleon
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100163 - electrical and electronic engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Sep 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2022

Module Aims

To use the C programming language as a tool in developing embedded hardware solutions for intelligent measurement and control applications. This will require students to understand the mechanics of programming with high level languages along with the constructs and syntax of the programming language. The focus will be on the development of embedded solutions using the Microchip microcontrollers and the Proteus VSM schematic entry and simulation environment.

Content Summary

The course content will develop the students understanding of designing with simulation tools and developing firmware for microcontrollers using the C programming Language and industry standard cross compilers and debuggers.

The course content will include:-

Introduction to the VSM development environment for both hardware and software simulation

Introduction to Microcontroller Architectures along with essential circuits

  • Oscillator circuits
  • Reset Circuits

Data Representation

Linking Hardware and Software

  • Memory mapped peripherals
  • SFR configurations

Introduction to the C programming language for embedded software solutions

  • Basic Program Structure
  • Superloop software architectures for Embedded Applications
  • Elements of a Program
  • Declarations and Expressions
  • Assignment Statements
  • Decision and Control Statements
  • Arrays, Strings and Pointers
  • User Defined functions

Software control of interfaced components to demonstrate I/O capabilities of microcontroller

  • LEDs
  • Switches

Development of software application requiring user interfaces

  • 4x4 keypads
  • LCD Displays

Introduction to interrupts and available interrupt sources

  • External interrupt pins
  • Timers?

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Practical classes and workshops 48
Independent Study 98
Directed Study 30
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Will be able to understand the constructs and concepts of the 'C' programming language
LO2 Will understand the organisation of Microcontroller's architecture, peripheral sets and special function register configurations in the deign of simple embedded solutions

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Written Examination Written Examination - Open Book (Unseen) 1 End of year examination 120 N/A 50 No 40
Practical _Practical Assessment 1 Schematic circuit design and Embedded C code simulated in the Proteus VSM environment 720 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Written Examination - Open Book (Unseen) 1
_Practical Assessment 1

Reading List

Deitel H.M and Deitel P.J(2001), C How To Program, Prentice Hall, 3rd Edition, ISBN: 0-13-089572-5

Daniel W. Lewis(2002), Fundamentals of Embedded Software, Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0-13-061589-7

Sutter E.(2002), Embedded Systems: Firmware Demystified, CMP Books, ISBN: 1-57820-099-7

Pont M.J.(2003), Embedded C, Addison Wesley, ISBN: 0-201-79523-X

Mazidi M.A., McKinlay R.D., Causey D.(2008), Pic Microcontroller and Embedded Systems, Pearson, ISBN 978-0-13-119404-5 

Interactive Simulation(2013), Interfacing PIC Microcontrollers: Embedded Design, Newnes; 2nd Revised edition edition, ISBN-13: 978-0080993638,