48434 Embedded Software Systems

6cp
Requisite(s): 48441 Introductory Digital Systems AND 48450 Real-time Operating Systems
Subject coordinator: Dr Adel Al-Jumaily

An embedded system is a part of a product which an end user does not directly interact with or control. Products containing embedded systems include modems, disk drives, digital cellular phones, radios, audio CD players, music synthesisers, videodisc players, sonar, radar, confocal microscopes, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems, video telephones and missiles. The fundamental problem facing the designer of embedded systems is heterogeneity. Multiple styles of algorithms (e.g. signal processing, communications and controls) are implemented using a variety of technologies (e.g., digital signal processors, microcontrollers, field-programmable gate arrays, application-specific integrated circuits and real-time operating systems).

This subject focuses on the design and implementation of software for programmable embedded systems. It surveys modern methods of specifying algorithms, simulating systems and mapping of specifications onto embedded systems. The methods are formal in that they have a solid mathematical basis; they support heterogeneity in that they can be composed to characterise heterogeneous systems; and they are general in that both hardware and software can be synthesised from them. The subject introduces the technologies used in the design and implementation of programmable embedded systems, including electronic devices such as programmable processors, cores, memories and dedicated and configurable hardware, as well as software tools such as compilers, schedulers, code generators and system-level design tools.

This subject focuses on the design and implementation of embedded (small) software for programmable embedded systems. It deals with information about hardware types and software methodology for specifications, designing and implementing embedded systems. The methods are general in that both hardware and software can generally be used with them. The subject introduces the technologies used in the design and implementation of programmable embedded systems, including DSP, micro-controller and CPLD devices, hardware and software.

Assessment: Assignments (40 per cent), examination (60 per cent).

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus
Spring semester, City campus

Fee information

2006 contribution for 2005/06 commencing Commonwealth-supported undergraduate students: $872.38
2006 amount for undergraduate domestic fee-paying students: $2,310.00
Subject EFTSL: 0.125
Note: The above fees are applicable in 2006 for 2005/06 commencing Commonwealth-supported and domestic fee-paying undergraduate students only. Pre-2005 Commonwealth-supported undergraduate students should consult the Student contribution charges for Commonwealth supported students webpage.
Not all students are eligible for Commonwealth supported places, and not all subjects are available to Commonwealth supported students. Other students (such as postgraduate students and international students) should refer to the Fees webpage.

Access conditions

Note: The requisite information presented in this subject description covers only academic requisites. Full details of all enforced rules, covering both academic and admission requisites, are available at Access conditions and My Student Admin.