Embedded Systems 2

Description

Overview:
So you want to build an embedded system? And you want to make the hardware reliable? Oh, and you want to be able to meet electromagnetic compatibility regulations so you can sell it without affecting someone's pacemaker or an aircraft's fly-by-wire system? Unfortunately, as a consequence of improved integrated circuit technology, embedded systems hardware continually gets smaller, faster, and more complicated.  Due to the fast switching speeds of output signals we need to consider them as analogue signals and cannot neglect the parasitic components not shown on a schematic.  We also need to understand the advanced peripherals of modern microcontrollers and consider voltage levels, timing requirements, and how to make a multi-layer printed circuit board to make them work reliably.

The focus of this course is the hardware interfacing aspects of embedded systems. It is based around the Wacky Racers project where groups of six students build remotely controlled vehicles using surface mount technology. The course is structured in two sections: (1) electrical characteristics of digital devices and signal integrity and (2) advanced microcontroller peripherals, hardware and software aspects.