School of Engineering and Technology, (SET)
AT81.15 : Embedded Systems Architecture  3(3-0)
Course Objectives:

The objective of the course is to provide students fundamental knowledge on Embedded System Architecture. This course focuses on complexities of embedded system design including multiprocessors, Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW), and superscalar architectures, and power consumption. Fundamental challenges in embedded computing are described, together with design methodologies and models of computation. It also provides an in-depth and advanced treatment of all the components of embedded systems with discussions of the current developments in the field and numerous examples of real-world applications.

Learning Outcomes:
The students on the completion of this course would be able to:
•         Apply knowledge learned on embedded system architecture design in practice
•         Analyze the function and performance of the microprocessor architecture
•         Select the appropriate Microprocessor architecture for real world applications
Pre-requisite(s):

None
Course Outline:
I.             Introduction to Embedded Computing
1.      Applications
2.      Design methodologies
3.      Models of computations

II.          Microprocessor Architecture
1.      RISC architecture
2.      DSP architecture
3.      VLIW architecture

III.       Multiprocessor architectures
1.      Interconnect network design
2.      Memory subsystems

IV.       Software/Compiler
1.      Code generation/backend optimization
2.      Program performance analysis
V.          Real-Time Operating Systems
1.      Real-time process scheduling
2.      Operating system design

VI.       Multiprocessor Software
1.      Multiprocessor operating systems
2.      Design verification

VII.    Hardware/Software Co-design
1.      Hardware/Software co-synthesis
2.      Hardware/Software co-simulation
3.      Hardware/Software partitioning
Laboratory Sessions:

None
Textbook:
1.     W. Wolf: Performance Embedded Computing: Applications in Cyber-Physical Systems and Mobile Computing, Elsevier Science & Technology Books, 2nd edition, 2014
Reference Books:
1.     F. Vahid, and T. D. Givargis: Embedded System Design: A Unified Hardware/Software introduction Wiley, 1st edition, 2001
2.     P. Marwedel: Embedded System Design, Springer, 1st edition, 2005
3.     T. Noergarrd: Embedded Systems Architecture: A Comprehensive Guide for Engineers and Programmers, Elsevier Science & Technology Books, 1st edition, 2005
Journals and Magazines:
1.     IEEE Transactions on Computer, IEEE
2.     IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems, IEEE
3.     IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, IEEE
4.     IEEE Transactions on VLSI Systems, IEEE
5.     IEEE Transactions on CAD of Integrated Circuits and Systems, IEEE
6.     IEEE Design & Test of Computers, IEEE
7.     ACM Transactions on Embedded Computing Systems, ACM
8.     ACM Transactions on Design Automation on Electronic Systems, ACM
Time Distribution and Study Load:
•         Lectures: 45 hours
•         Presentations: 3 hours
•         Self-study: 135 hours
Teaching and Learning Methods:
The lectures provide the students with the basic understanding of the subject. To increase understanding on the subject and become active learners, the students are required to do laboratory assignments, literature review, and presentation. The laboratory assignments strengthen their understanding and give them a chance to work in group. The literature review is the individual assignment. The presentation is a part of the individual assignment for personal development and knowledge sharing.
Evaluation Scheme:
The final grade will be computed according to the following components: midsem exam 30%; final exam 30%; assignments 5%; presentation 5% and project 30%. Open-book examination is used.

An “A” would be awarded if a student can demonstrate clear understanding of the knowledge learned in class as well as from the laboratory assignments and literature reviews.

A “B” would be awarded if a student can understand the basic principles of the knowledge learned in class, from the laboratory assignments and from literature reviews.

A “C” would be given if a student can understand partially the basic principles of the knowledge learned in class, from the laboratory assignments and from literature reviews.

A “D” would be given if a student shows lack of understanding of the knowledge learned in class, from the laboratory assignments and from literature reviews.
Instructor(s):
SECTION NAME
A