MODULE SPECIFICATION FORM
Module Title:
Embedded Systems Design
Module code:
(if known)
ENG560
Cost Centre:
Semester(s) in which to be offered:
1/2
Office use only:
To be completed by AQSU:
Existing/New:
New
Originating Academic
area:
Module duration (total
hours)
Scheduled learning and
teaching hours
Independent study hours
Placement hours
Level:
GAEE
JACS2 code:
Date approved:
Date revised:
Version No:
Sept 12
Engineering
Module
Leader:
20
H651
September 2012
N/A
1
Y. Hu
Status: core/option/elective
(identify programme where
appropriate):
Option
72
128
0
Percentage taught by Subjects other than
originating Subject (please name other
Subjects):
None
Programme(s) in which to be offered:
•
Credit Value:
With effect from:
Title of module being
replaced (if any):
200
5
MEng/BEng(Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Eng.
Pre-requisites per
programme (between
levels): None
Module Aims:
1.
Demonstrate knowledge and awareness of microprocessor capabilities both as the
2.
central processing element in a computer system and as an embedded element in an
electronic system;
To develop previous studies into a knowledge and understanding of combinational
and sequential circuit analysis and design using a range of current techniques,
including modelling via VHDL (computer-based modelling using a Hardware
Description Language).
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and awareness of microprocessor capabilities both as the
central processing element in a computer system and as an embedded element in an
electronic system;
2. Design appropriate hardware interfacing;
3. Design, test and evaluate assembly-level programs.
4. Design sequential and combinational logic systems using a range of established
methods;
5. Apply circuit design to digital programmable devices technology;
6. Write VHDL programs and thus design digital systems using VHDL and EDA tools.
Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes:
1.
2.
3.
System analysis and design;
Apply design;
Apply Technology.
Assessment: please indicate the type(s) of assessment (eg examination, oral, coursework,
project) and the weighting of each (%). Details of indicative assessment tasks must be
included.
Assessment One: is by means of writing a correctly documented assembly-language
programme to enable a microprocessor to respond to inputs from and control outputs to
external hardware, for example to control a stepper motor speed and direction, including
acceleration and deceleration profiles. It will cover outcomes 1 to 3.
Assessment Two: is by means of a portfolio of practical exercises in the use of hardware
programming, including a major programming exercise using VHDL. For example, to design a
hardware multiplier. It will cover outcomes 4 to 6.
*Derogations from Academic Regulations are in place for this module for some programmes.
Please see the programme specification for further details and to check applicability.
Word count
(or
equivalent if
appropriate)
Assessment
number
Learning
Outcomes to
be met
One
1,2,3
Coursework
50%
2,000
Two
4,5,6
Portfolio
50%
2,000
Type of assessment
Weighting
Duration
(if exam)
Learning and Teaching Strategies:
The module will be delivered through lectures, tutorials, and practical laboratory exercises.
Case studies will be used to illustrate applications in the module content.
Syllabus outline:
Digital conventions: Bit, byte, word; binary, hexadecimal, octal; binary arithmetic, logical
operations; Gray code, BCD, ASCII.
System architecture: Clock, CPU, memory, interfaces, bus systems and controlling logic;
CPU internal architecture; Van Neumann model - fetch/execute cycle; instruction set,
timing. Pipeline and multi-processing architectures.
Memory structures: Main memory address, access and structures; device types and
parameters, memory map.
Interfaces: Functional treatment of parallel ports, serial ports - UARTs etc, ADC/DACs.
Dedicated interfaces eg to drive 'power' equipment. Memory-mapped I/O and I/Omapping. Communication: polling and interrupts. Bus systems e.g. VME, STE, I²C.
Design, writing and testing: of assembly language programs for a microcontroller (eg PIC)
or a personal computer processor. Development tools (editor, assembler, ICE), use of
subroutines, functions, to carry out an engineering task.
Digital system design process: Combinational simplification: tabular method. Sequential
system design and analysis for components and circuits.
D/A and A/D conversions
Introduction to FPGA/CPLD:
Hardware description language (HDL): VHDL basic concepts, main elements, top-down
design, data types, subprograms, vhdl operators, concurrent and sequential
assignments, etc.
Hardware:
structural description, behavioural description, design organization and
parameterization
Practical examples of VHDL design of digital systems
Practical/IT session includes: comparison types of FPGA/CPLD, introduction to EDA
software, VHDL coding practices, further programs, working towards digital system design
assignment.
Bibliography
Essential reading:
Bates, M. (2011) The PIC Microcontroller: An Introduction to Microelectronics, 3rd Edn.,
Newnes.
Kafig, W. (2011) VHDL 101: Everything you Need to Know to Get Started, Newnes.
Hughes, E. et al. (2012) Electrical and Electronic Technology, 11th Edn., Pearson.
Wakerly, J.F. (2005) Digital Design: Principles and Practices, 4th Edn., Prentice-Hall.
Recommended reading:
Wilmshurst, T. (2009) Designing Enbedded Systems with PIC Microcontrollers: Principles
and Applications, 2nd Ed., Newnes.
Nilsson, J.W. and Riedel, S. (2010) Introduction to Multisim for Electric Circuits, 9th Edn.,
Prentice-Hall.
Navabi, Z. (2007) VHDL Modular Design and Synthesis of Cores and Systems, McGraw-Hill.
Morton, J. (2005) The PIC Microcontroller: Your Personal Introductory Course, 3rd Edn.,
Newnes.
Katzen, S. (2005) The Quintessential PIC Microcontroller; 2nd Edn., London: Springer-Verlag.
Smith, D.W. (2006) PIC In Practice: A Project –based Approach, Elsevier.
Yalamanchili, S. (2003) Introductory VHDL From Simulation to Synthesis, Prentice-Hall.
Key Website References:
Microchip Technology Inc: http://www.microchip.com/;
PIC Microcontrollers – Free online Book – mikroElektronika:
http://www.mikroe.com/eng/products/view/11/book-pic-microcontrollers/;
Xilinx, Inc: http://www.xilinx.com/university/index.htm.
IEEE Xplore Digital Library (http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/guesthome.jsp) including: IEEE
Transactions on Computer-Aided Design of Integrated Circuits and Systems.