NG3S900 - Advanced Embedded Systems 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 4

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG3S900
Module Title: Advanced Embedded Systems
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Information and Electronics
Faculty Sub Group: Electronics
Module Leader: Sivagunalan Sivanathan
Module Team: Ben Mehenni, Eurfyl Davies, Ali Roula
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake: 2027
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 6
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 4
Valid From 01 Jul 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

To analyse and conclude the theoretical and practical challenges of designing complex embedded systems for time, safety-critical robust and reliable applications.

Content Summary

This module ensures students have the appropriate skills to develop Safety & time-critical solutions to complex embedded applications by applying current industrial standard software and firmware engineering techniques such as wireless embedded and IoT systems.
The contents may include.
• Embedded Systems Project Life Cycle models.
• Formal specifications
• URS, Analysis, Functional Specifications and Definitions, Outline Systems Design (OSD) considerations
• State machine Design in C Safety-Critical design approaches
• Quality Assurance and Testing- Qualified Software (QSA) and Verified Software (VSA): Verification & Validation with reference to MISRA C and Safety Integrity Level (SIL).
• Criteria for the selection of µ-processor system solution

• Evaluation of the technical literature and other sources such as Datasheet of the microcontroller, peripheraland firmware user manuals, review of hardware schematic diagrams etc to support their Embedded systems design in the laboratory environment.

• Use of real-Time-Operating-Systems (RTOS) for industrial applications:
• Tasks
• Multitasking
• Morphology of RTOS Kernel, Scheduler (preemptive, non - preemptive)
• Use of RTOS objects, especially in Inter-tasks communications
• Designing a simple Scheduler for time-critical applications.

• Advanced embedded connectivity solutions to support wider integrated system design approach

Serial and parallel communication protocols and their usage in embedded system applications. Including UART, I2C, SPI & QSPI, RS- 485, and CAN bus for automotive and robotics applications.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 12
Supervised time in studio/workshop 36
Independent Study 84
Directed Study 34
Formative Assessment - Independent 34
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 The student will be able to evaluate and apply formal design methodologies in the development of complex real-time embedded systems solutions.
LO2 The student will be able to design an advanced embedded system and evaluate appropriate engineering technologies and equipment

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) Exercises undertaken in class or in laboratory aimed at assessing the application of knowledge, analytical, problem-solving or evaluative skills. 0 2000 70 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment (Exam) Onsite Closed Book Examination 1 A test of knowledge and understanding by previously seen or unseen questions, delivered onsite and time constrained to not more than 3 hours 120 N/A 30 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch)
Onsite Closed Book Examination 1

Reading List

J. Labrosse, MicroC/OS-II: The Real Time Kernel. CRC Press, 2002.

A. G. Dean, Embedded Systems Fundamentals with Arm Cortex-M Based Microcontrollers: A Practical Approach Nucleo-F091RC Edition. ARM Education Media, 2021.

A. K. Ganguly, Embedded Systems: Design, Programming and Applications. Alpha Science International Limited, 2014.

E. White, Making Embedded Systems: Design Patterns for Great Software. O'Reilly Media, Incorporated, 2011.

J. L. Jean and K. Fabiano, UC/OS-III for the Renesas RX62N. Micrium, 2010.