Embedded Systems II for Science Students

This course focuses on embedded systems and computer architecture, covering the theory and practices for the design and analysis of embedded systems, embedded operating systems, modeling and simulation of embedded systems, and an introduction to Hardware Description Language (HDL) programming. This course builds on the Embedded Systems I course. The course is split into two parts. Part 1 (10 credits) concerns the design process, modelling and analysis of embedded systems designs, the structure of an operating systems, cross-compiling toolchains, and relevant related theories. Techniques for execution time analysis, resource control protocols, and methods for modelling and simulation of computer systems are studied. Practicals concern using and embedded operating system, building applications using a cross-compiler, hardware/software interfacing, and using a single board computer embedded platform. Part 2 (6 credits) introduces HDL programming and techniques and tools for developing gateware and simulating HDL designs. A miniproject (Project A) is performed which involves implementing a state machine and performing thorough analysis of its design and performance. A more significant computer system design project (Project B), that counts 2 credits, is to be completed by computer science students.

DP requirements: Completion of all practical assignments as well as both projects. Minimum 50% for the weighted sum of practicals and project marks.

Assessment: Practicals (14%); ProjectA (10%); ProjectB (11%); Tests (15%); Exam (50%)

The University of Cape Town awards credits based on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to determine course and contact hour recommendations per course. 1 NQF credit represents roughly 10 notional hours of work which includes study time, assignments and examinations. Notional hours may very per courses depending on the course level and modality therefore, CEA recommends using NQF credits as a basis to determine U.S. equivalencies (1 NQF=.222 semester credits)