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Embedded Systems
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:15:07
Abstract
An embedded system is a 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 ThreadX, a commercial embedded system platform, and the associated design environment.
Content
An embedded system is a 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 theoretical lecture, the course is complemented by laboratory sessions where students learn to program an embedded system platform including sensors using C, to base their design on the embedded operating system ThreadX, 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, and hardware architecture synthesis.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Lecture material, publications, exercise sheets, and laboratory documentation will be available on the course's Moodle page.
Literature
Yifeng Zhu: Embedded Systems with Arm Cortex-M Microcontrollers in Assembly Language and C - Fourth Edition, E-Man Press LLC, ISBN: 978-0982692677, 2023 Giorgio C. Butazzo: Hard Real-Time Computing Systems. Predictable Scheduling Algorithms and Applications, Springer, ISBN 978-1-4614-3019-3, 2011
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Course Webpage
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- Written documents as well as calculators are allowed. No aids that could serve communication.
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 300
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Embedded Systems
Exercises in groups. The exercises in the first week will not take place.
|
|
4 h weekly |
Offered In
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Mechatronics and Robotics (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Marco Hutter)
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Electives (Students may also choose courses from the Master's program in Computer Science. It is their responsibility to make sure that they meet the requirements and conditions for these courses.)
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5th Semester: Third Year Core Courses (Can be freely combined, a list of recommendations is available under )
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Robotics, Systems and Control (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
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Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
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Track: Computers and Networks (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Computers and Networks", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Computers and Networks". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
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Foundation Core Courses (Fundamentals at bachelor level, for master students who need to strengthen or refresh their background in the area.)
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