Electrical Engeering BA (B), Introduction to Embedded System Programming, 6 Credits

Aim

The course aims to provide a basic understanding of what embedded systems are, what they can be used for, and how they are programmed. Student will learn to program a modern microcontroller-based embedded system and to utilize its resources in order to perform application tasks.

Course objectives

After passing the course, students should be able to:
- describe what differentiates embedded computing from personal computing,
- describe the internal resources of a microcontroller,
- handle a development environment for a modern microcontroller,
- write simple programs for a microcontroller using C/C++ programming language,
- test programs/functions with the help of a debug environment,
- handle both analog and digital signals to / from microcontrollers,
- link the microcontroller with other devices through serial interface such as SPI, I2C, UART,
- use and program time information within a microcontroller,
- use interrupt and polling to react in software to events in the outside world.

Content

The course is divided into three parts :

1. Introduction to embedded systems
- Computers and computer history
- Embedded system applications
- Embedded systems vs. personal computing
- Internal resources of microcontrollers

2. Programming in embedded C/C++
- Structured Programming in C/C++
- C/C++ programming for embedded systems
- Development environments for microcontrollers
- Planning and documentation of embedded system software

3. I/O management
- Volatile and non-volatile memory
- General purpose input/output (GPIO)
- Serial communication interfaces (e.g., UART, SPI, I2C)
- A/D - D/A converters
- Interrupt and polling
- Timers

Entry requirements

Electrical Engineering BA (A), course in digital electronics.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Instruction is given in the form of lectures and programming exercises.

The workload of the entire course is normally 160 hours. This means that in addition to the scheduled activities a considerable amount of time needs to be spent for individual studies. The amount of teaching hours for a specific course instance is defined by the course schedule.

Lectures can be given in Swedish or English.

Examination form

1.5 ECTS, T101: Written examination
Grades: A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. A-E are passed and Fx and F are failed.

1.5 ECTS, T102: Written examination
Grades: A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. A-E are passed and Fx and F are failed.

3.0 ECTS, L101: Laboratory
Grades: Pass or Fail

Grading criteria for the subject can be found at www.miun.se/gradingcriteria.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

Other information

Previous knowledge in programming is recommended.