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151-0593-00L 4 Credits DR , MSC D-USYS , D-BAUG , D-MAVT , D-INFK , D-MTEC , D-MATH , D-PHYS , D-BIOL , D-ERDW , D-GESS , D-ITET , D-ARCH , D-CHAB

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Embedded Control Systems

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Lino Guzzella, Prof. Jeffrey A. Cook

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:25:11

Abstract

This course provides a comprehensive overview of embedded control systems. The concepts introduced are implemented and verified on a microprocessor-controlled haptic device.

Objective

Familiarize students with main architectural principles and concepts of embedded control systems.

Content

An embedded system is a microprocessor used as a component in another piece of technology, such as cell phones or automobiles. In this intensive two-week block course the students are presented the principles of embedded digital control systems using a haptic device as an example for a mechatronic system. A haptic interface allows for a human to interact with a computer through the sense of touch. Subjects covered in lectures and practical lab exercises include: • The application of C-programming on a microprocessor • Digital I/O and serial communication • Quadrature decoding for wheel position sensing • Queued analog-to-digital conversion to interface with the analog world • Pulse width modulation • Timer interrupts to create sampling time intervals • System dynamics and virtual worlds with haptic feedback • Introduction to rapid prototyping

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes, lab instructions, supplemental material

General Information

Language: English
Levels: DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Embedded Control Systems Vorlesungen/lectures: CNB E121 Übungen/exercises: ML K31	08.09. - 19.09 Date 08:15-10:00 (CNB E 121) 08.09. - 19.09 Date 10:15-12:00 (ML K 31) 08.09. - 19.09 Date 14:15-18:00 (ML K 31)	80 h semesterly

Offered In

Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Studies
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Master
- Core Courses
  - Robotics, Systems, Control
Micro- and Nanosystems Master
- Core Courses
  - Elective Core Courses (To be discussed with the tutor.)
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Majors
  - Computer and Networking (A total of 42 CP must be achieved during the Master Program. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Recommended Subjects (These courses are recommended, but you are free to choose courses from any other special field. Please consult your tutor.)
Energy Science and Technology Master
- Core Courses
  - Elective Core Courses