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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Embedded Systems
Reference EN3544 Version 5
Created December 2022 SCQF Level SCQF 9
Approved May 2019 SCQF Points 15
Amended August 2023 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide the student with the ability to evaluate the operation of ARM microprocessor-based systems and to design and implement software for interfacing and real-time operation.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Formulate understanding bare metal programming techniques on ARM based microcontroller systems.
2 Experiment comprehensive knowledge to learn key features of Arm processors and architectures as the basis of modern embedded computing.
3 Demonstrate the integrated approach to prototype a real work application based on logbook activities.
4 Assemble a real world application to investigate a complex system prototyping and their security risk.

Indicative Module Content
Microprocessor system design: nature of embedded real-time systems, hardware requirements, impact on software development, exceptions and interrupts, industrial applications, case studies. Integrated and external peripherals: timers, analogue to digital and digital to analogue conversion, serial peripheral interfaces (e.g. SPI, I2C), serial bus peripherals and memory; working with manufacturers data sheets and application notes. Software development: software development process; cross-compilation and linkage of C and assembly language; debugging support; input/output programming - polled and interrupt driven (e.g. ADC, SPI, Key Wakeup);

Module Delivery
Full-time students: This module is delivered by a combination of lectures and tutorials. It will be supported by practical examples and activities including computer based laboratory exercises. Part-time students: This module is delivered by a combination of lectures and tutorials online. It will be supported by drop-in evening sessions and labs on campus. Assessments will primarily be online although exams will be held on campus with the full-time cohorts.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 40 40
Non-Contact Hours 110 110
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 150
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 50% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3
Description: Portfolio of lab activities of firmware development exercises involving microprocessor interfacing and control.
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 50% Outcomes Assessed: 4
Description: Individual project real-world prototype development by employing the concepts covered in the ARM microcontroller laboratory exercises.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The module has 2 components and to gain an overall pass a minimum D grade must be achieved in each component. The component weighting is as follows: C1 is worth 50% and C2 is worth 50%.
Coursework:
Coursework: A B C D E F NS
A A A B B E E
B A B B C E E
C B B C C E E
D B C C D E E
E E E E E E F
F E E E E F F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module EN2542 or Equivalent
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 The Definitive Guide to ARM® CORTEX®-M3 and CORTEX®-M4 Processors Book, 3rd Edition, 2014.
2 Nucleo Boards Programming with the STM32CubeIDE by Dogan Ibrahim
3 AZIDI, M.A., NAIMI, S. and NAIMI, S., 2016. ARM Assembly Language Programming and Architecture. MicroDigitalEd.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781