Units
Real-time Computer-based Systems
Unit code: ENB350
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit covers the area of embedded systems and real-time kernels. C programming is reviewed in the context of real-time applications where it is often mixed with assembly language. Data representations, input-output programming, concurrency, scheduling, memory management and system initialisation are discussed. Programming laboratory exercises introduce development tools and reinforce fundamental concepts such as polling, interrupt driven input-output, serial port communication, pre-emptive and non pre-emptive scheduling, resource sharing, priority inversion and deadlock. Students develop a simple real-time process control application using programmable logic and micro-controllers.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Computer-based and embedded systems run our lives today. Appliances such as mobile phones, washing machines, microwave ovens and video recorders have microprocessors in them. Process controllers, industrial robots and avionics systems also do and they have hard response time constraints. In this unit you will learn microcontroller software development with focus on process monitoring and control in a real-time environment. This unit is a core component of the curriculum for computer systems majors and an elective for all engineers. It is placed in the third year of study such that prerequisite knowledge of C programming and fundamentals of microprocessors can be gained in year 2.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to design and develop software for computer-based systems that must interact in a real-time manner with an environment of sensors and actuators.
Objectives
On successful completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate sound knowledge of microcontrollers and embedded systems programming using assembly, C and real-time kernels.
2. Demonstrate ability to design and develop software for a process monitoring and control application problem.
3. Formulate, solve and evaluate the solution to a problem based learning task as a team member.
4. Communicate your problem based learning outcomes through discussion forums, an oral presentation and a written report.
Content
Embedded systems and real-time kernels, microcontroller organisation, data representation and arithmetic, C and assembly programming, polled and interrupt driven input output, interfacing, memory management, multi-tasking, shared resources, semaphores, scheduling, priority inversion and deadlock.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
You will have three parallel streams of learning activity - lectures, structured laboratory exercises and problem based learning. Lectures discuss theory and practice. Study materials are made available via Blackboard and through reference books. Laboratory exercises provide the opportunity for hands-on programming and gradual improvement of practical skills under the supervision of a tutor. A dedicated laboratory is available to support your learning with microcontroller application development boards, miniaturized production line unit and software development environment. A problem based learning task requires you to design and develop the software to monitor and control the production line unit in a team. This task is flexible and performed outside of formal contact hours.
Assessment
Since the unit is intended to be practical and laboratory based, 70% of the assessment is made up of laboratory exercise work and a problem based learning task. Generic skills are assessed through an oral presentation and a written report for the problem based learning. Question sets at the conclusion of every 2 laboratory exercises test individual learning. A final examination worth 30% tests knowledge on an individual basis.Questions are encouraged during lectures and a discussion forum is available on Blackboard. Marks for continuous assessment components, laboratory exercises and quizzes, are made available via Blackboard. You will receive oral feedback from a tutor during the laboratory sessions. You will receive written feedback on the presentation and report for the problem based learning task. These may all be used to build your knowledge and skills progressively.
Assessment name:
Final Exam
Description:
You will answer 50 multiple choice questions on computer mark sense sheets under external invigilation. Knowledge of all content covered in the unit is tested.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Examination period
Assessment name:
Lab exercises and Questions
Description:
You will complete a set of 6 laboratory exercises and demonstrate your knowledge to the tutor at the completion of each exercise.
There will be assessment due every two weeks in the form of a group demonstration of achievement in the laboratory exercise for those two weeks.
Question sets relating to the exercise must be answered individually after every set of two laboratory exercises. The best two scores out of those for the three questions sets are retained for the final grade.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group with Individual Component
Due date:
Week 13
Assessment name:
Problem based assignment
Description:
You will design and develop embedded software for process monitoring and control. You will demonstrate, present and write a report. You will work in a team.
Demonstration and Presentation is due in Week 13.
The Report is due in Week 14.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3, 4
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group with Individual Component
Due date:
Week 14
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Type: Recommended Reference Book
Author: K. Hyder and B. Perrin
Title: Embedded Systems Design using the Rabbit 3000 microprocessor
Year: Publisher: 2005, Newnes (Elsevier)
Edition: First
Web address: http://www.elsevier.com
Other references are listed in the Week by Week Study Document.
Risk assessment statement
You are required to do laboratory work under the supervision of a tutor and technical staff. The laboratory has electrical and mechanical equipment. Miniature production line units use compressed air. You are required to undergo a health and safety induction prior to the commencement of the first laboratory exercise. This is arranged through technical services in the school and you will be issued with a health and safety induction sticker on your identity card on completion. Risk of electrical incidents of any severity is low as you will only be working with data carrying cables operating at low voltages. Cables should not be connected in an unsafe manner. Risk of injury from a moving part is medium and appropriate precautions should be taken while starting and stopping machinery. You will be advised of the need to wear appropriate clothing, shoes and protective items to be granted access and permission for laboratory work during the induction. You must comply with all QUT health and safety policy regulations.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 08-Oct-2012
