Content, progress and pedagogy of the
module
The module is based on knowledge achieved in the module Applied
engineering mathematics or similar.
Learning objectives
Knowledge
- Have knowledge about number systems applied in digital
computers and real-time systems (decimal, binary, hexadecimal),
basic arithmetic operations and representation of fixed and
floating point numbers
- Have knowledge about basic digital logic gates and simple
combinational circuits
- Have basic knowledge about bi-stable components (flip-flops)
and their use in simple clocked sequential circuits
- Have an understanding of how digital signals are represented by
different electrical logic families including their static and
dynamic electrical behaviour
- Have knowledge about general programming methodologies and
understand the program development process from problem formulation
to final implementation
- Have knowledge about the C programming language syntax
including memory management, data types and variables, control
structures, functions, and the use of pointers
- Have basic knowledge about the C language
pre-processor, compile and linker process including the use of
multiple source files and libraries
- Have knowledge about the use of an integrated digital
development environment for C language programming and
debugging
- Have a basic understanding about digital microcontrollers,
their architecture and their use in real-time systems
- Have knowledge about fundamental microcontrollers peripheral
units such as digital input/output ports and analog input/output
ports
- Have knowledge about the operating principles for digital to
analog converters and analog to digital converters including their
use in practical microcontroller designs
- Have knowledge about special peripheral units including
pulse-width modulation and quadrature encoder interface
- Have knowledge about C-programming debugging of
real-time digital microcontroller applications with both
low-priority background tasks and interrupt service routines
- Have knowledge about implementation of discrete-time digital
filters, controllers and pulse-width modulators
- Have knowledge about graphical programming techniques
- Have knowledge about dataflow programming techniques using
basic data types and control structures for both non-deterministic
and real-time applications
- Have knowledge about the use of an integrated development
environment for graphical programming and debugging
- Have knowledge about digital hardware solutions for data
acquisition systems
Skills
- Be able to analyse, design and realize simple combinatorial and
sequential logic circuits
- Be able to outline the main electrical characteristics of logic
families and understand when digital interfacing circuitry is
needed
- Be able to interface digital microcontroller digital and analog
peripherals to external circuits (actuators, sensors, etc.) by
taking relevant electrical characteristics into account
- Be able to select a suitable real-time system and programming
environment for a particular engineering task
- Be able to divide a programming task into smaller modules that
can be programmed and debugged individually
- Be able to develop and test digital applications using
C programming and graphical programming that solve a
specific task that may require real-time behaviour
- Be able to plan, execute and document laboratory experiments
that involve a microcontroller-based real-time system with both
analog and digital inputs and outputs
Competences
- Independently be able to conduct basic design and development
within the area of real-time systems and their programming
- Independently be able to extent knowledge and competences
within the topic beyond the contents of this course
module
Type of instruction
The course is a mix of lectures, workshops, exercises,
self-study, e-learning and mini project.
Extent and expected workload
Since it is a 10 ECTS course, the work load is expected to
be 300 hours for the student.
Exam
Exams
Name of exam | Real-Time Systems and Programming Languages |
Type of exam | Active participation/continuous evaluation
Attendance by at least 80% attendance and approval of mini project
that can be completed in groups; scope of approximately 10 pages
(maximum of 2800 characters per page).
Re-exam is oral exam based on a submitted mini project. |
ECTS | 10 |
Assessment | Passed/Not Passed |
Type of grading | Internal examination |
Criteria of assessment | The criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination
Policies and Procedures |