Embedded and Industrial Computer Systems Design

Design of embedded computer systems. Computer architectures and system components for embedded and industrial applications. Microcontrollers and specialized microprocessors. Parallel and serial bus systems. Datacommunication in industrial environments. Analog/digital interfaces.

Knowledge: - Understand the essential requirements for computers and computer equipment that are intended to operate in dedicated applications and industrial environments (hereinafter referred to as embedded systems - ES). - Understand the purpose of customizing of computers to the application's scale and complexity. - Detailed knowledge of the most important components included in a typical ES: - microcontrollers with typical peripherals - memory types and architectures - specialized I/O systems - methods for interconnecting hardware components at different levels, including robust solutions for data communication in industrial environments - power supplies and other supporting systems including packaging - Overview with respect to principles of low level computer programming and driver development. - Detailed knowledge of the different phases and the tools involved in the realization of ES. Skills: - Assess current application areas of ES independently and make concise requirements specifications in cooperation with the problem owner. - Contribute to sound design choices and component specifications with respect to adaptation of the computer hardware to application requirements. - Design, debug and document simple ES independently in conjunction with smaller projects, and actively contribute to the realization of large projects. - Specify, develop and document low-level computer programs and drivers for ES in C. - Master essential development tool for ES development, eg. multimeter, oscillocope, logic and code programmers, integrated development environments, cross-compilers, linkers, emulators and debugging tools. General competence: - Understand the role of ES plays in modern society. - Be able to explain the difference between traditional computers and computers that are designed for industrial and dedicated applications. - Be able to explain ES fundamental structure and function at different levels for both non-technical and technically qualified personnel. - Communicating technical issues with both specialists and general public.

Lectures and a mandatory laboratory project carried out in groups where a distributed embedded computer system is designed and implemented.