KD6027 - Embedded Systems

The lectures will provide you with essential module content supported by weekly workshops throughout the semester.

Initially the workshops enable you to become familiar and be able to use the ARM IDE (Integrated Development Environment). You will use the IDE to compose programs e.g. using the on board ADC (Analogue to Digital converter). The programs can then be complied and downloaded to the freescale ARM M0+ board where the code can be tested on the board by single stepping the code and by using other available debugging features within the IDE. Once familiar with the IDE and the ARM microcontroller, you will be able to tackle the assignment which will be to develop an embedded system incorporating the ARM M0+ micrcontroller to meet a given specification. The specification will involve controlling a 'real world application', and will require software development and aspects of hardware and enclosure development.

You will be required to produce an embedded systems report, containing all aspects of design, software development. You will also need to complete a PowerPoint presentation of your development to staff and give a practical demonstration of your work.

The use of the ARM processor to develop microcontroller systems allows you to be aware of and use the many variations and adaptions that industry employs.

Module content is provided by lectures. The workshops enable you to become familiar with the IDE and the Freescale ARM M0+ cortex microcontroller. You will be provided with Freescale ARM M0+ boards in the laboratory which will provide the target system for the programs compiled on the IDE.
The workshops also provide a forum for discussion allowing you to ask questions and to receive feedback on your work from staff.

A number of example programs are provided on the e-LP as well as links to appropriate websites.

Successful completion of the assignment will require you to engage in directed and independent learning activities.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate the application of knowledge in the design of embedded systems with application to real worls problems (UK-Spec, 3rd Ed. SM1m, EA1m)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Apply engineering principles to design and analysis an embedded system to meet a given specification in terms of performance, cost and aesthetics (UK-Spec, 3rd Ed. EA1m, EA4m)
3. Build and test an embedded system using IDE software tools and practical test equipment (UK-Spec, 3rd Ed. EA3m)
4. Critically analyse the performance of the embedded system (UK-Spec, 3rd Ed. EA2m, EA4m)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Work effectively as individual and teamwork for design, development and testing analysis (UK-Spec, 3rd Ed. EP11m)

An embedded systems project report is required for the module (100%).

All LOs are addressed through the report.

Feedback provided at organised feedback session, 20 days after submission

EN0565 Programming and Digital Systems (or equivalent)

N/A

You will learn how to incorporate an ARM microcontroller into an embedded system. The architecture, capabilities and features of the ARM microcontroller will be studied in depth. Professional industry standard development tools along with videos and materials provided by the ARM corporation, will be used to learn how to program the microcontroller in assembly, and the C programming languages, in order to implement an embedded system to a given specification.