CAB202 Microprocessors and Digital Systems


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:CAB202
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:((IFB104 or ITD104) and (IFB102 or ITD102)) or (EGB103 or EGD103 or MZB126 or MZB127 or EGD126)
Coordinators:Jasmine Banks | j.banks@qut.edu.au
Jake Bradford | jake.bradford@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit introduces you to the components inside a computer and how these components work together. The design and development of modern digital electronic systems requires a knowledge of the hardware and software to program the system. This unit identifies design requirements and lets you develop embedded microcontroller-based system solutions. Practical laboratory exercises progressively expose features of a typical microprocessor; and explain how an embedded computer can interact with its environment. This provides a valuable foundation for further studies in areas such as robotics and networking.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Discuss the relationship between binary forms on microcontrollers to voltages and pins in electronic hardware at an introductory level.
    Relates to: ACS CBOK: 3, 3.1, 3.2
  2. Employ microcontroller mechanisms and capabilities effectively to perform tasks at an introductory level.
    Relates to: ACS CBOK: 3, 3.1
  3. Develop software solutions for microcontrollers and digital computers using a low-level systems programming language at a developed level.
    Relates to: ACS CBOK: 3, 3.1
  4. Discuss the design implications when developing safety-critical systems at an introductory level.
    Relates to: ACS CBOK: 3, 3.1
  5. Design and build microcontroller-based systems that can sense and interact with their environment at a developed level.
    Relates to: ACS CBOK: 3, 3.1
  6. Use basic network protocols for communicating data between devices.
    Relates to: ACS CBOK: 3, 3.2, 3.3

Content

  • C Programming
  • Static typing and compilation 
  • Reinforcing sequence, selection and iteration
  • Pointers and machine representations
  • Microcontroller architecture
  • Timers and Interrupts
  • Debouncing
  • Serial Communication
  • Analog - Digital Conversion
  • Pulse Width Modulation

Learning Approaches

This unit is available for you to study in either on-campus or online mode.You can on average expect to spend 10 hours per week involved in preparing for and attending scheduled classes, preparing and completing assessment tasks as well as independent study and consolidation of your learning. This unit presents both principles and their application through:

  • Videos, and accompanying course notes and resources provide an introduction to technical material covering low-level programming. The material covered should be immediately applicable to exercises in studios and tutorials, and assessment tasks.
  • Studios will be led by experienced engineers and/or computer scientists, and focus on the practical application of concepts presented in the weekly videos and learning resources. These sessions are an opportunity to engage in a dialogue with members of the teaching team regarding the weekly topics, programming exercises and assessment tasks. Studios will typically involve hands-on demonstration of programming practices.
  • Interactive tutorial sessions focus on problem-solving exercises to reinforce your understanding of the theory and practical application of embedded programming techniques, with tutorial staff providing immediate guidance and support. Tutorials will focus on low-level programming.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Formative feedback will occur through verbal teaching team and peer interactions throughout the semester. Written and verbal feedback will be provided for assessment tasks and tutorial exercises. Formal written feedback will be provided for each assessment task with reference to the assessment criteria and standards.

Assessment

Overview

This unit imparts basic knowledge about low-level programming and microcontroller and hardware interfaces, which is assessed through a portfolio of programming exercises completed throughout the semester, an applied project and a final exam

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Problem Solving Task

Weekly programming exercises develop core skills and competencies.

Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Throughout semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 6
Related Standards: EASTG1CMP: 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 3, 3.4, 3.5

Assessment: Project (applied)

Design, implement, test, and document a digital system implemented via microcontroller programming. 

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 30
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Late semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Assessment: Final Examination

Examination which will assess your understanding and application of microcontroller programming concepts introduced throughout the semester. This assessment will take the form of a Timed Online Assessment for Online mode students.

Weight: 30
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Central Examination Period
Central exam duration: 2:10 - No perusal
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

A range of reference materials and resources will be provided via Canvas. Recommended readings which complement the weekly topics and learning exercises will be provided for the recommended textbook.

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Deitel, P., & Deitel, H. (2023). C How to Program (9th ed.). Pearson Education.

Other

Online mode students may be required to purchase the specified microcontroller development board for use in tutorial exercises and assessment tasks.

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus or in the field.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

Australian Computer Society Core Body of Knowledge

3: Technology Resources

  1. Hardware and software fundamentals
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, ULO5
  2. Data and information management
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO6
  3. Networking
    Relates to: ULO6

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer

1: Knowledge and Skill Base


  1. Relates to: Problem Solving Task

  2. Relates to: Problem Solving Task

  3. Relates to: Problem Solving Task

  4. Relates to: Problem Solving Task

2: Engineering Application Ability


  1. Relates to: Problem Solving Task

  2. Relates to: Problem Solving Task

  3. Relates to: Problem Solving Task

3: Professional and Personal Attributes


  1. Relates to: Problem Solving Task

  2. Relates to: Problem Solving Task

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

EN01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

  1. Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
    Relates to: ULO2, Problem Solving Task, Project (applied), Final Examination
  2. Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
    Relates to: ULO5, Project (applied)
  3. Engage with and apply regulatory requirements relating to safety, risk management, and sustainability in professional engineering practice.
    Relates to: ULO4, Project (applied)
  4. Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO6, Problem Solving Task, Final Examination
  5. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
    Relates to: ULO3, Problem Solving Task, Project (applied), Final Examination

EV01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

  1. Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
    Relates to: ULO2, Problem Solving Task, Project (applied), Final Examination
  2. Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
    Relates to: ULO5, Project (applied)
  3. Engage with and apply regulatory requirements relating to safety, risk management, and sustainability in professional engineering practice.
    Relates to: ULO4, Project (applied)
  4. Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO6, Problem Solving Task, Final Examination
  5. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
    Relates to: ULO3, Problem Solving Task, Project (applied), Final Examination

IN01 Bachelor of Information Technology

  1. Demonstrate well-developed IT discipline knowledge
    Relates to: ULO1
  2. Employ appropriate IT Methods
    Relates to: ULO2
  3. Critically apply design and problem solving skills
    Relates to: ULO3
  4. Create considered and relevant IT solutions
    Relates to: ULO5