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 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 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