EGH456 Embedded Systems

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

This advanced unit gives you practical experience with advanced software development for embedded systems. It leads on from fundamental computer architecture and C programming covered in first and second-year units. It covers programming microcontrollers with C, microcontroller architecture, serial communication, concurrent software and real-time kernels for embedded systems. It involves practical laboratory exercises and a group project implementation of a device driver and user interface for a real-time embedded system. Embedded Systems builds on the knowledge and skill you acquired in systems programming.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate knowledge of microcontrollers and embedded systems programming using C and real-time kernels at an advanced level
2. Use programming tools to develop software for embedded systems at a mastered level.
3. Formulate a solution to an engineering problem as a team member, at a mastered level.
4. Communicate effectively through an oral presentation and a written report, at a mastered level.

Content

Learning Approaches

Total hours per week: 4
Lectures: 2
Laboratory: 2

This unit includes a 2-hour lecture and a 2-hour computer laboratory session each week. This unit has a strong emphasis on applying theory to practice in labs. During labs you will learn to apply

There is a parallel learning activity in a problem-based framework where you work in a team to design the embedded software to control an external device and present and report the results.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You receive progressive feedback in class on practical laboratory tasks through demonstrating your work to the tutor with immediate feedback. Laboratory work is done in groups of 2 students and formative feedback is received through interaction with partners and discussions with the tutor as you work on each exercise. Feedback on individual learning is received through marks on the question sets that you answer in the laboratory class every 4 weeks. Formative feedback on the problem based learning assignment is available through discussions within your group and with the tutor and an evaluation of your work against requirements and criteria provided for the assignment. You will receive written feedback on the oral presentation and the written report for the problem based learning task which are assessed against criteria.

Assessment

Overview

Assessment is focused on practical and laboratory work and is made up of laboratory exercises (30%) and a group problem-based learning task (30%). Question sets at the conclusion of every 2 laboratory exercises test individual learning on technical content (10%). Communication skills are assessed through an oral presentation and a written report for the group problem-based learning task. A final examination worth 30% tests knowledge on an individual basis.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Portfolio

Laboratory Exercises and Question Sets for Embedded Systems
Complete a set of 6 laboratory exercises that require you to develop software and demonstrate outcomes to the tutor in class.
You also complete short answer questions during the labs that test your individual understanding of the theory and programming tools. Each test is about 15 minutes in duration. A test is conducted every 4 weeks. The best 2 of 3 scores are retained.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Project (applied)

Problem Based Learning Assignment
You are required to design and develop the software for an embedded system to control an external device. You will work in groups and are required to make individual oral presentations and submit a group written report.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Examination (written)

Final Examination
A multiple choice type examination of 2 hours that tests knowledge and understanding of concepts involved in embedded systems software development covered by the unit.

“On Campus invigilated Exam. If campus access is restricted at the time of the central examination period/due date, an alternative, which may be a timed online assessment, will be offered. Individual students whose circumstances prevent their attendance on campus will be provided with an alternative assessment approach.”

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

Resource Materials

Reference book(s)

Author: Daniel W. Lewis
Title: Fundamentals of Embedded Software with the ARM Cortex-M3
Publisher: Pearson Year: 2013
Edition: First

Risk Assessment Statement

You are required to do laboratory work under the supervision of a tutor and technical staff. The laboratory has electrical and mechanical equipment. You are required to do a general health and safety induction online and obtain a certificate and sticker for your identity card. This must be available for inspection by the tutor or technical staff in the laboratory. You will undergo a special health and safety induction at the beginning of the semester for using compressed air equipment. The risk of electrical incidents of any severity is low as you will only be working with data-carrying cables operating at low voltages. The risk of injury from a moving part is medium and appropriate precautions should be taken while starting and stopping machinery. You are required to wear covered shoes for all laboratory sessions. You should not wear loose clothing. You must comply with all QUT health and safety policy regulations.

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

1. 
   Relates to: Portfolio, Project (applied), Examination (written)
2. 
   Relates to: Portfolio, Project (applied), Examination (written)
3. 
   Relates to: Portfolio, Project (applied)

2: Engineering Application Ability

1. 
   Relates to: Portfolio, Project (applied), Examination (written)
2. 
   Relates to: Project (applied)
3. 
   Relates to: Project (applied)
4. 
   Relates to: Portfolio, Project (applied)

3: Professional and Personal Attributes

1. 
   Relates to: Project (applied)
2. 
   Relates to: Project (applied)
3. 
   Relates to: Project (applied)

Course Learning Outcomes

EN01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

1. Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
   Relates to: ULO4, Project (applied)
2. Display leadership, creativity, and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts of professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: ULO3, Project (applied)
3. Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
   Relates to: ULO2, Portfolio, Project (applied)
4. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: ULO1, Portfolio, Project (applied), Examination (written)

EN55 Master of Professional Engineering

1. Apply advanced and specialist knowledge, concepts and practices in engineering design, analysis management and sustainability.
   Relates to: Portfolio, Project (applied), Examination (written)
2. Critically analyse and evaluate complex engineering problems to achieve research informed solutions.
   Relates to: Portfolio, Project (applied), Examination (written)
3. Apply systematic approaches to plan, design, execute and manage an engineering project.
   Relates to: Project (applied)
4. Communicate complex information effectively and succinctly, presenting high level reports, arguments and justifications in oral, written and visual forms to professional and non specialist audiences.
   Relates to: Project (applied)
5. Organise and manage time, tasks and projects independently, and collaboratively demonstrating the values and principles that shape engineering decision making and professional accountability.
   Relates to: Project (applied)

EN60 Graduate Certificate in Communication for Engineering

1. Demonstrate and apply specialised knowledge and technical skills in at least one Engineering discipline.
   Relates to: Portfolio, Project (applied), Examination (written)
2. Critically investigate real world engineering issues and solve complex problems drawing on specialised creative skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, theory and practice.
   Relates to: Portfolio, Project (applied), Examination (written)
3. Employ effective written and oral professional communication skills across social, cultural and discipline domains.
   Relates to: Portfolio, Project (applied)
4. Exercise responsibility and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice including working independently, ethically and collaboratively.
   Relates to: Project (applied)

EN79 Graduate Diploma in Engineering Studies

1. Demonstrate and apply advanced discipline knowledge, concepts and practices as they relate to contemporary Engineering practice
   Relates to: Portfolio, Project (applied), Examination (written)
2. Analyse and evaluate Engineering problems using technical approaches informed by contemporary practice and leading edge research to achieve innovative, critically informed solutions
   Relates to: Portfolio, Project (applied), Examination (written)
3. Apply innovative, systematic approaches to plan, design, deliver and manage Engineering projects in a way that assures sustainable outcomes over their whole lifecycle
   Relates to: Project (applied)
4. Effectively communicate Engineering problems, related complex data and information, and solutions in contemporary professional formats for diverse purposes and audiences
   Relates to: Portfolio, Project (applied)
5. Demonstrate ethically and socially responsible practice, recognising the importance of personal accountability and reflective practice when working in individual and collaborative modes
   Relates to: Portfolio

EV01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

1. Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
   Relates to: Project (applied)
2. Display leadership, creativity, and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts of professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: Project (applied)
3. Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
   Relates to: Portfolio, Project (applied)
4. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: Portfolio, Project (applied), Examination (written)