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Module

EEE8087 : Real Time Embedded Systems

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Nick Coleman
  • Owning School: Engineering
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

Embedded computer systems form a huge part of the world economy. Significant expansion of design activities in this sector is expected in the near future, due both to market demands and to the inability of silicon technology to maintain exponential growth.
The working of these systems will be covered in depth, including the underlying microprocessor hardware and its machine interface, direct programming of the hardware for simpler or time-critical applications, and the design of a real-time operating system and its deployment in more complex cases. Emphasis will be on the software side using a simulator, since the large numbers will be difficult to accommodate in the hardware labs.

Outline Of Syllabus

Embedded computer systems form a huge part of the world economy. Significant expansion of design activities in this sector is expected in the near future, due both to market demands and to the inability of silicon technology to maintain exponential growth.
The working of these systems will be covered in depth, including the underlying microprocessor hardware and its machine interface, direct programming of the hardware for simpler or time-critical applications, and the design of a real-time operating system and its deployment in more complex cases. Emphasis will be on the software side using a simulator, since the large numbers will be difficult to accommodate in the hardware labs.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion170:0070:00Assessment project - programming
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion110:0010:00Assessment project - report
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture82:0016:00Timetabled lectures
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical42:008:00Timetabled optional labs for catch up
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical44:0016:00Timetabled labs
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study180:0080:00Weekly programming exercises and preparation and completion of formative assessment
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The subject combines specific knowledge of real-time embedded design with general knowledge and skills of electronics design and programming. The theory taught in the lecture sessions forms the basis of the applied study carried out as computer practicals. Essential design skills, which include analysis, synthesis and implementation, together with project management and technical writing, are also exercised in practicals and in the assessment.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Report1M100A large assignment, for which students work in groups of three. Maximum of 4000 words.
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Practical/lab report1MAssessment of the progress, feedback. Maximum 2000 words.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Technical theory, design skills including analysis, synthesis and implementation, together with project management and technical communication, are assessed in the programming assignment and associated written report.

The formative assessment allows the student the opportunity to assess their progress and receive feedback.

Reading Lists

Timetable