KL6007 - Embedded Systems

The lectures will provide you with essential module content supported by weekly workshops throughout the semester.



Initially the workshops enable you to become familiar and be able to use the ARM IDE (Integrated Development Environment). You will use the IDE to compose programs e.g. using the onboard ADC (Analogue to Digital converter). The programs can then be complied and downloaded to the ARM M0+ board where the code can be tested on the board by single stepping the code and by using other available debugging features within the IDE. Once familiar with the IDE and the ARM microcontroller, you will be able to tackle the assignment which will be to develop an embedded system incorporating the ARM M0+ microcontroller to meet a given specification. The specification will involve controlling a 'real world application', and will require software development and aspects of hardware and enclosure development.



You will be required to produce an embedded systems report, containing all aspects of design, software development. You will also need to give a practical demonstration of your work.



The use of the ARM processor to develop microcontroller systems allows you to be aware of and use the many variations and adaptions that industry employs.

Module content is provided by lectures. The workshops enable you to become familiar with the IDE and the Freescale ARM M0+ cortex microcontroller. You will be provided with Freescale ARM M0+ boards in the laboratory which will provide the target system for the programs compiled on the IDE.
The workshops also provide a forum for discussion allowing you to ask questions and to receive feedback on your work from staff.

A number of example programs are provided on the e-LP as well as links to appropriate websites.

Successful completion of the assignment will require you to engage in directed and independent learning activities.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and in-depth understanding of core concept of embedded systems with application to real world problems


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Design an embedded system to meet a given specification in terms of performance, cost and aesthetics as appropriate, with consideration of safety, environmental and commercial matters, and industry standards
3. Build and test an embedded system using IDE software tools and practical test equipment, critically analyse the performance of the embedded system
4. Document design, development, testing analysis and conclusion in the form of a report

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA)

5. Work effectively as individual and teamwork for design, development, testing analysis and practical demonstration with consideration of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)

The module will be assessed by a summative assessment:
1. Project report (100%): A single embedded system project report is required. This report will contain detailed information about the problem to be addressed, project management details about individual responsibility and contributions. (Assessed LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5).



This summative assessment is based on the embedded software developed by the group (usually, of three students) and by individual of each member of the group. The group project consists of three individual sub-projects and one group project (task 4) of integrating all three individual projects (tasks 1,2,3) into a single project to build a fully functional racing car and test it at the lab test track. In the project report, each individual sub-project must be presented as an individual chapter completed by the responsible student, and one chapter of the task 4 (group task). Individual student’s assessment mark consists of 50% from the student’s individual task, and 50% from the group task.



Written feedback from the above summative assessments is provided from a standard written template.



Formative assessment is made throughout the scheduled lab time where each student completes all the lab tasks.

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This module focuses on ARM-based embedded software development, equipping you with the skills to design and program embedded systems using modern microcontroller hardware and embedded software technologies. You will learn both individually and in teams, applying mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles to solve embedded system design challenges. Key topics include embedded system architecture, high-performance ARM Cortex microcontrollers, and their programming. You will explore microcontroller features such as clock generation, GPIO, UART, I2C, timers, PWM, ADC, and interrupts, along with concurrency management.

An integrated approach will be used to address real-world design problems, utilizing industry-standard development tools, ARM-provided materials, and embedded C programming. You will design, build, and test an embedded system using IDE software and practical test equipment, ensuring compliance with performance, cost, safety, environmental, and industry standards. Finally, you will critically analyse your system’s performance and present your findings in a detailed report.