EEE8087 : Real Time Embedded Systems
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- 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
Microprocessor and microcontroller system architecture and programming: high-level and assembly languages, I/O programming, real-time performance, process models, concurrent programming, design of an RTOS.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 8 | 2:00 | 16:00 | Timetabled lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 70:00 | 70:00 | Assessment project - programming |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Assessment project - report |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 4 | 4:00 | 16:00 | Timetabled labs |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | Timetabled optional labs for catch up |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 80:00 | 80:00 | Weekly programming exercises and preparation and completion of formative assessment |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 100 | Computer Programming assignment for which students work in groups of three. The students produce a document to describe how their programming works. Maximum 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | Programming work done in class and as homework. |
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.
(M1, M3, M6, M16, M17)
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- EEE8087's Timetable