The aim of this course is to introduce students to the problems of, and solutions to, developing systems involving hardware with relatively severe operating constraints.

The course includes the following topics: Introduction to Embedded Systems; Embedded Processors and Micro-controller architecture; Real Time Scheduling; Interrupts and interrupt handling, Design and test strategies for embedded systems; Software development for embedded systems, Cross-Compilation; Debugging; Higher level architectures for embedded systems, including J2ME, the .NET Micro-Framework, Communications technologies and their application for interconnecting embedded components, including I2C; CAN, UART/ USART, PWM; AtoD and DtoA. Emerging wireless interconnects, IEEE 802.15.4, sensors and actuators, sensor networks, energy efficiency.

Be aware that this course is designed to be challenging and demands a significant number of extra hours. Past students found the course heavy but very interesting and we hope at least the latter will be the case for you. You should ensure that your other studies are not neglected.

The course runs as an ad hoc set of lectures, workshops and practicals.