Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module covers topics needed to interface the hardware and software for ubiquitous embedded systems in the industrial internet or Industry 4.0 setting. The Industrial Internet of Things (a.k.a. IIoT) combines embedded systems, sensors, actuators, and the internet to enhance industrial manufacturing, processes, and operational technologies.

The key topics include microcontrollers' (i.e., ARM) architecture, embedded C programming for parallel, serial, time, and analog interfaces, and their integration with peripherals such as sensors and actuators. The module also examines the low-level assembly programming to give students a better understanding of the internal workings for embedded computer systems.

Instead of delivering a plethora of IoT details, this module encapsulates the internet at component levels utilising a working "black box" based on solid examples with solutions to teach students how the internet works. While modifying given systems, students will be exposed to both bottom-up and component-level design processes in industrial practice.

Outline Of Syllabus

• Introduction to embedded systems: About ARM, Introduction to ARM programming.
• Programmer's model, ARM assembler and C programming.
• ARM assembly programming: Basic concepts of ARM assembler programming and practice.
• ARM Embedded C programming (1): Introduction to Input / Output (parallel interface GPIO).
• ARM Embedded C programming (2): Interrupt Programming.
• Timer-based interface: Finite State Machines and PLL.
• Analog interface.
• Serial interfaces.
• Exploring the Internet of Things (IoT) and project.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module, students should be able to:
• Evaluate the State-of-the-Art in the domain of embedded systems in the industrial
context.
• Design the development plan of a sub-system using knowledge of embedded systems'
interfaces such as parallel, serial, time and analog communications.
• Design the development plan of a complete system using knowledge of IoT, the integration
of peripherals, embedded systems, and internets.
• Interpret a problem and devise a solution via the IoT embedded system approach.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module, students should be able to:
• Write and debug Embedded assembly programs to solve given problems.
• Write and debug Embedded C programs to address given problems.
• Modify sensors/actuators interfacing with microcontrollers at both hardware and software
levels for efficient design.
• Evaluate an embedded system and redesign it using the IoT concept.
• Critique existing codes and develop an entirely new system as necessary.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures and practical workshops provide core material, and small group discussions during the class engagement, while the self-study and coursework/project complement the core materials. Moreover, the final examination is to provide feedback on student learning. Teaching materials are made available online for self-study and preparation at their own pace. Workshop classes enable students to ask questions and clarify any doubts on their embedded system implementation.

Due to the emerging Covid-19 situation, it is likely that some or all of the classes are conducted online. Attendance will be taken irrespective of whether the class is online or face-to-face, and students are expected to switch on their camera for online classes.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The practical exam enables students to demonstrate understanding and allows them to apply knowledge and skills acquired to solve engineering problems. Coursework assignment provides students more time to consider a substantial issue and offer engineering solutions. It also allows them to work as a team to handle more significant and complex problems.

Written exercise - Interfacing sensors and actuators using embedded C programming. Individual/team assignment with a report that has a maximum of 1500 words/student and video presentation with a maximum of 10 minute.

Formative exercise - Writing embedded programs to solve engineering problems in both C and assembly language. Individual/group assignment with a report that has a maximum of 1500 words/student and video presentation with a maximum of 10 minute.

General Notes

N/A