AME 3623: Embedded Real-Time Systems
(Spring 2006)

This course provides an introduction to integrated hardware/software solutions in computational systems with sensing and actuation. Today, devices including microwave ovens, VCRs, high-speed trains, automobiles, cochlear implants, and artificial limbs routinely employ a variety of embedded microcontrollers for process control. We will explore the concepts fundamental to these applications while designing and building our own robot controllers.

The goals of this course include:

• achieve an understanding of hardware and software systems consisting of an embedded processor, an electronic interface, and a physical system,
• develop analytical skills and design tools at the intersection of engineering and computer science,
• develop organization and communication skills that will enable students to work effectively as members of interdisciplinary teams,
• and learn to build and debug embedded devices.

This is a very hands-on class: every student will be involved in the design, implementation, and programming for the laboratory exercises. Note that this component of the class will involve a non-trivial amount of time; students should plan their schedules accordingly.

Topics will include:

• digital logic and Boolean Algebra,
• sequential logic,
• number representations and arithmetic,
• basic processor design,
• embedded system development environments,
• processor input/output implementations and electronic interfaces,
• serial protocols and implementation,
• basics of operating systems (including concurrency and real-time issues), and
• issues in embedded hardware design.

Instructor: Andrew H. Fagg
Office: EL (Computer Science Department) 152
Email: fagg@ou.edu
Phone: 325-8606
Office hours: T 10:30-3:30 and Th 12-5, or by appointment
Until project 1 is assigned: T 10:30-11:30 and Th 1-2

Teaching assistant: Alois Winterholler
Office: EL 124 (the lab)
Email: alois@ou.edu
Office hours: M 1-5 and F 1-5, or by appointment

Lecture Time: T/Th 9:00-10:15
Lecture Location: Felgar 303

Textbooks (will be available through the OU book store):

• Embedded Systems Architecture: A comprehensive guide for engineers and programmers, Tammy Noergaard (2005), Elsevier/Newnes, ISBN: 0-7506-7792-9

• Embedded C Programming and the Atmel AVR, Richard H. Barnett, Sarah Cox, Larry O'Cull (2003), Thomson/Delmar Learning, ISBN: 1401812066

Important Pages

• course syllabus

• semester schedule

• Desire to Learn

• lecture notes

• homework assignments

• projects

• Exams
  • Midterm: (in postscript and pdf)
    Solutions (in postscript and pdf).

    Midterm version 2: (in postscript and pdf)
    Solutions (in postscript and pdf).

  • Final exam (in postscript and pdf)
    Solutions (in postscript and pdf).

fagg at ou.edu

Last modified: Wed May 10 08:14:09 2006