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227-0124-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET , D-MAVT , D-INFK , D-MATH
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Embedded Systems

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Lothar Thiele
VVZ CR 4.16

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:22

Abstract

An embedded system is some combination of computer hardware and software, either fixed in capability or programmable, that is designed for a specific function or for specific functions within a larger system. The course covers theoretical and practical aspects of embedded system design and includes a series of lab sessions.

Objective

Understanding specific requirements and problems arising in embedded system applications. Understanding architectures and components, their hardware-software interfaces, the memory architecture, communication between components, embedded operating systems, real-time scheduling theory, shared resources, low-power and low-energy design as well as hardware architecture synthesis. Using the formal models and methods in embedded system design in practical applications using the programming language C, the operating system FreeRTOS, a commercial embedded system platform and the associated design environment.

Content

An embedded system is some combination of computer hardware and software, either fixed in capability or programmable, that is designed for a specific function or for specific functions within a larger system. For example, they are part of industrial machines, agricultural and process industry devices, automobiles, medical equipment, cameras, household appliances, airplanes, sensor networks, internet-of-things, as well as mobile devices. The focus of this lecture is on the design of embedded systems using formal models and methods as well as computer-based synthesis methods. Besides, the lecture is complemented by laboratory sessions where students learn to program in C, to base their design on the embedded operating systems FreeRTOS, to use a commercial embedded system platform including sensors, and to edit/debug via an integrated development environment. Specifically the following topics will be covered in the course: Embedded system architectures and components, hardware-software interfaces and memory architecture, software design methodology, communication, embedded operating systems, real-time scheduling, shared resources, low-power and low-energy design, hardware architecture synthesis. More information is available at https://www.tec.ee.ethz.ch/education/lectures/embedded-systems.html .

Resources

Lecture Notes

The following information will be available: Lecture material, publications, exercise sheets and laboratory documentation athttps://www.tec.ee.ethz.ch/education/lectures/embedded-systems.html.

Literature

P. Marwedel: Embedded System Design, Springer, ISBN 978-3-319-56045-8, 2018. G.C. Buttazzo: Hard Real-Time Computing Systems. Springer Verlag, ISBN 978-1-4614-0676-1, 2011. Edward A. Lee and Sanjit A. Seshia: Introduction to Embedded Systems, A Cyber-Physical Systems Approach, Second Edition, MIT Press, ISBN 978-0-262-53381-2, 2017. M. Wolf: Computers as Components – Principles of Embedded System Design. Morgan Kaufman Publishers, ISBN 978-0-128-05387-4, 2016.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
Schriftliche Unterlagen sowie Taschenrechner sind erlaubt. Keine Hilfsmittel, die der Kommunikation dienen koennten.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Embedded Systems
- Lecture: Mon 14-16 h (remote) - Theoretical exercise: Wed 16 - 17 h and Fri 16 -17 h - Practical exercise alternates weekly with the theoretical exercise: Wed 16 - 18 h or Fri 16 -18 h The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
  • Mon 14:00-16:00 (ON LI NE)
  • Wed 16:15-18:00 (ETZ D 61.1)
  • Wed 16:15-18:00 (ETZ D 61.2)
  • Wed 16:15-18:00 (ETZ D 96.1)
  • Fri 16:15-18:00 (ETZ D 61.1)
  • Fri 16:15-18:00 (ETZ D 61.2)
  • Fri 16:15-18:00 (ETZ D 96.1)
4 h weekly

Offered In