EGB202 Microprocessors and Digital Systems
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | EGB202 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | EGB103 and (EGB120 or EGD120). EGB120 can be enrolled in the same teaching period as EGB202. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EGB202 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | EGB103 and (EGB120 or EGD120). EGB120 can be enrolled in the same teaching period as EGB202. |
| Equivalent: | CAB202 |
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 advanced embedded systems, robotics and networking, and reflects the real-world practices and skills demanded by the embedded systems and automation industries.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Discuss the relationship between binary forms on microcontrollers to voltages and pins in electronic hardware at an introductory level.
- Employ microcontroller mechanisms and capabilities effectively to perform tasks at an introductory level.
- Develop software solutions for microcontrollers and digital computers using a low-level systems programming language at a developed level.
- Discuss the design implications when developing safety-critical systems at an introductory level.
- Design and build microcontroller-based systems that can sense and interact with their environment at a developed level.
- Use basic network protocols for communicating data between devices.
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 on-campus study. 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: Programming task Portfolio
Throughout the semester, students will maintain a programming task portfolio that documents their development of embedded systems using Assembly language, C and a microcontroller. The portfolio will consist of progressively challenging programming tasks that align with weekly lab exercises and core topics from the unit.
The portfolio should demonstrate an understanding of computer architecture, low-level programming, and hardware interface.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Project (applied)
Design, implement, test, and document a digital system implemented via microcontroller programming.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Examination
The end of semester examination assesses your understanding and application of microcontroller programming concepts introduced throughout the semester. The exam will feature several questions designed to test your core competencies as well as more advanced questions focused on your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, 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
Students are required to either borrow or 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.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
1: Knowledge and Skill Base
Relates to: Programming task Portfolio, Final Examination
Relates to: Programming task Portfolio, Final Examination
Relates to: Programming task Portfolio, Final Examination
2: Engineering Application Ability
Relates to: Project (applied)
Relates to: Programming task Portfolio, Project (applied), Final Examination
Relates to: Project (applied)
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.EN01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Make decisions ethically within the social, cultural, and organisational contexts of professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Project (applied) - Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Programming task Portfolio, Project (applied), Final Examination - Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
Relates to: ULO5, Project (applied) - Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO6, Programming task Portfolio, Project (applied), Final Examination
EV01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Make decisions ethically within the social, cultural, and organisational contexts of professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Project (applied) - Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Programming task Portfolio, Project (applied), Final Examination - Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
Relates to: ULO5, Project (applied) - Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO6, Programming task Portfolio, Project (applied), Final Examination
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EGB202 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | EGB103 and (EGB120 or EGD120). EGB120 can be enrolled in the same teaching period as EGB202. |
| Equivalent: | CAB202 |
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 advanced embedded systems, robotics and networking, and reflects the real-world practices and skills demanded by the embedded systems and automation industries.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Discuss the relationship between binary forms on microcontrollers to voltages and pins in electronic hardware at an introductory level.
- Employ microcontroller mechanisms and capabilities effectively to perform tasks at an introductory level.
- Develop software solutions for microcontrollers and digital computers using a low-level systems programming language at a developed level.
- Discuss the design implications when developing safety-critical systems at an introductory level.
- Design and build microcontroller-based systems that can sense and interact with their environment at a developed level.
- Use basic network protocols for communicating data between devices.
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 on-campus study. 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: Programming task Portfolio
Throughout the semester, students will maintain a programming task portfolio that documents their development of embedded systems using Assembly language, C and a microcontroller. The portfolio will consist of progressively challenging programming tasks that align with weekly lab exercises and core topics from the unit.
The portfolio should demonstrate an understanding of computer architecture, low-level programming, and hardware interface.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Project (applied)
Design, implement, test, and document a digital system implemented via microcontroller programming.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Examination
The end of semester examination assesses your understanding and application of microcontroller programming concepts introduced throughout the semester. The exam will feature several questions designed to test your core competencies as well as more advanced questions focused on your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, 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
Students are required to either borrow or 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.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
1: Knowledge and Skill Base
Relates to: Programming task Portfolio, Final Examination
Relates to: Programming task Portfolio, Final Examination
Relates to: Programming task Portfolio, Final Examination
2: Engineering Application Ability
Relates to: Project (applied)
Relates to: Programming task Portfolio, Project (applied), Final Examination
Relates to: Project (applied)
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.EN01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Make decisions ethically within the social, cultural, and organisational contexts of professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Project (applied) - Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Programming task Portfolio, Project (applied), Final Examination - Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
Relates to: ULO5, Project (applied) - Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO6, Programming task Portfolio, Project (applied), Final Examination
EV01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Make decisions ethically within the social, cultural, and organisational contexts of professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Project (applied) - Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Programming task Portfolio, Project (applied), Final Examination - Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
Relates to: ULO5, Project (applied) - Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO6, Programming task Portfolio, Project (applied), Final Examination