Week 1 and Syllabus

Course Title: Embedded Systems
Course Code: CE/ECE 401

Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Engr. Lanz Harry D. Castro
Semester: 2024-2025 1st Semester
Class Schedule: [Days and Time]
Location: [Room/Building]
Course Description:
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of embedded systems, covering both the
hardware and software aspects. Students will learn about microcontrollers, real-time operating
systems (RTOS), interfacing peripherals, and developing embedded applications. The course
combines theoretical concepts with hands-on experience through lab exercises and projects.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Understand the architecture and operation of microcontrollers.

2. Develop embedded software for microcontrollers using C/C++ and assembly language.
3. Interface various peripherals with microcontrollers (e.g., sensors, actuators,
communication modules).
4. Understand and implement real-time operating systems (RTOS).
5. Design, develop, and test embedded systems for real-world applications.
Prerequisites:
 Digital Logic Design

 Computer Architecture
 Programming in C/C++
Course Outline:
Week Topics Reading/Resources Assignments/Assessments

Introduction to Embedded Systems:
1 Overview, applications, design Textbook Ch. 1 -
challenges, and components
Microcontroller Architecture: CPU,
2 Textbook Ch. 2 Homework 1
memory, I/O ports, and timers
Embedded C Programming: Basics,
3 Textbook Ch. 3 Lab 1
GPIO programming, interrupts
Peripherals Interfacing: ADC, DAC,
PWM, sensors
5 Communication Protocols: UART, Textbook Ch. 5 Lab 2
Week Topics Reading/Resources Assignments/Assessments
SPI, I2C, CAN
Real-Time Operating Systems
6 (RTOS): Concepts, tasks, scheduling, Textbook Ch. 6 Midterm Exam
and multitasking
RTOS Programming: Implementing
7 Online Resources Lab 3
tasks, semaphores, and queues
Embedded System Design: Design
flow, debugging, and testing
Power Management in Embedded
9 Systems: Low power design, sleep Textbook Ch. 8 Lab 4
modes
Embedded Networking: Wireless
10 Online Resources Project Proposal Due
communication, IoT basics
Advanced Topics: FPGA, DSP, and
11 Instructor Notes -
SoC
Security in Embedded Systems:
12 Online Resources Homework 4
Encryption, secure boot, authentication
Case Studies: Automotive, industrial,
13 Research Papers Lab 5
healthcare embedded systems
Final Project Work: Implementation
14 - -
and testing
15 Project Presentations - Final Project Due
16 Final Exam - -
Textbook:
 "Embedded Systems: Introduction to ARM Cortex-M Microcontrollers" by Jonathan W.

Valvano
Assessment:
 Homework: 20%
 Labs: 20%
 Midterm Exam: 20%
 Final Project: 20%
 Final Exam: 20%
Lab Work:
Labs will involve programming microcontrollers, interfacing with various peripherals, and using
development tools like IDEs and debuggers. Lab sessions are crucial for understanding practical
aspects of embedded systems.
Final Project:
The final project will require students to design and implement a fully functional embedded
system. This project should demonstrate the application of course concepts and include a detailed
report and presentation.
Office Hours:
Policies:
 Attendance is mandatory for all classes and labs.

 Late submissions will incur a penalty unless prior arrangements are made.
 Academic integrity is expected; plagiarism or cheating will result in disciplinary action.
Embedded Systems Pretest

Name: ______________________________
Date: _______________________________
Instructions: Select the best answer for each question. Use black ballpen
1. What is an embedded system?

a) A system designed for general-purpose computing
b) A dedicated system designed for specific tasks
c) A real-time operating system
d) A system used only in desktop computers
2. Which of the following is a common microcontroller?

a) Intel Core i7
b) Arduino Uno
c) AMD Ryzen
d) NVIDIA GeForce
3. What is the main role of an interrupt in an embedded system?

a) To handle power supply
b) To increase clock speed
c) To handle events and respond immediately
d) To store data permanently
4. Which component is typically integrated into a microcontroller?

a) GPU
b) Memory, I/O ports, and CPU
c) Hard drive
d) Power supply
5. What does ADC stand for in embedded systems?

a) Analog Digital Control
b) Analog-to-Digital Converter
c) Automatic Data Communication
d) Advanced Device Controller
6. Which of the following is NOT a communication protocol used in embedded systems?

a) SPI
b) I2C
c) UART
d) HTTP
7. What does RTOS stand for?

a) Real-Time Operating System
b) Ready-To-Operate System
c) Run-Time Optimization Software
d) Remote Terminal Operating System
8. What is the primary purpose of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)?

a) Data encryption
b) Controlling analog devices with digital signals
c) Increasing processor speed
d) Data compression
9. Which memory type is typically used to store the firmware of an embedded system?
a) RAM
b) ROM
c) Cache
d) HDD
10. Which of the following is an example of an embedded system?

a) A web server
b) A smartphone
c) A washing machine control unit
d) A desktop PC
11. Which language is most commonly used for programming microcontrollers?

a) Python
b) C/C++
c) JavaScript
d) Ruby
12. What is the function of a watchdog timer in an embedded system?

a) To prevent overheating
b) To reset the system in case of a malfunction
c) To monitor battery level
d) To increase processing speed
13. Which of the following is a feature of an embedded system?

a) High power consumption
b) General-purpose operation
c) Dedicated to specific tasks
d) Large storage capacity
14. What is the primary purpose of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in an embedded

system?
a) Converting digital data into analog signals
b) Amplifying analog signals
c) Storing digital data
d) Filtering noise
15. Which of the following is a typical use of an interrupt in an embedded system?
a) To slow down system processing
b) To respond to real-time events
c) To manage power supply
d) To store data
16. Which communication protocol is best suited for short-range communication between
devices?
a) CAN
b) SPI
c) Bluetooth
d) Ethernet
17. What is the role of a sensor in an embedded system?

a) To execute code
b) To convert physical parameters into signals
c) To display output
d) To store data
18. Which of the following is NOT typically found in a microcontroller?

a) CPU
b) RAM
c) Hard Drive
d) I/O Ports
19. Which type of memory is used for temporary data storage while the microcontroller is
operating?
a) ROM
b) EEPROM
c) Flash memory
d) RAM
20. Which tool is commonly used to develop embedded system software?

a) Visual Studio Code
b) Keil MDK
c) Adobe Photoshop
d) Blender
Embedded Systems Pretest Answer Key
1. b) A dedicated system designed for specific tasks

2. b) Arduino Uno
3. c) To handle events and respond immediately
4. b) Memory, I/O ports, and CPU
5. b) Analog-to-Digital Converter
6. d) HTTP
7. a) Real-Time Operating System
8. b) Controlling analog devices with digital signals
9. b) ROM
10. c) A washing machine control unit
11. b) C/C++
12. b) To reset the system in case of a malfunction
13. c) Dedicated to specific tasks
14. a) Converting digital data into analog signals
15. b) To respond to real-time events
16. c) Bluetooth
17. b) To convert physical parameters into signals
18. c) Hard Drive
19. d) RAM
20. b) Keil MDK
Microcontroller Scavenger Hunt

Group Members:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Date: _______________________________
Instructions:
1. Use the clues provided below to identify the unlabeled components on the microcontroller
board diagram.
2. Research the function of each component and describe its role in the system.
3. Once you have identified all components, label them on the diagram and prepare to share your
findings with the class.
Microcontroller Diagram:
![Microcontroller Diagram Placeholder]

(Insert an image of the microcontroller board here, with certain components unlabeled or
blacked out)
Clues:
1. Clue 1:
“I’m responsible for stabilizing the clock speed; find me if you can keep time!”
Component: ______________________________
Function: ______________________________________________________
2. Clue 2:
“Without me, your board can’t talk to your computer. I’m the gateway to power and
data.”
Component: ______________________________
Function: ______________________________________________________
3. Clue 3:
“I store the program that tells the microcontroller what to do; without me, nothing
happens.”
Component: ______________________________
Function: ______________________________________________________
4. Clue 4:
“I’m the brain of the board, executing all instructions and managing the flow of data.”
Component: ______________________________
Function: ______________________________________________________
5. Clue 5:
“I regulate voltage, ensuring all components receive the power they need—no more, no
less.”
Component: ______________________________
Function: ______________________________________________________
6. Clue 6:
“I connect sensors, LEDs, and more; I’m the bridge between your ideas and reality.”
Component: ______________________________
Function: ______________________________________________________
Component Identification:
Component Identified? (Yes/No) Function

Capacitor ____________________ __________________________________________
USB Interface ____________________ __________________________________________
Microcontroller
____________________ __________________________________________
Unit (MCU)
Voltage
____________________ __________________________________________
Regulator
GPIO Pins ____________________ ___________________________________________
Crystal
____________________ __________________________________________
Oscillator
Presentation Notes:
 Prepare to explain the function of two components from your list. Highlight why they are
crucial for the microcontroller’s operation.
Reflection:
What did you learn from this activity? How will understanding these components help you in
programming and designing embedded systems?

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Course Title: Embedded Systems

Course Code: CE/ECE 401

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the architecture and operation of microcontrollers.

 Digital Logic Design

Week Topics Reading/Resources Assignments/Assessments

 "Embedded Systems: Introduction to ARM Cortex-M Microcontrollers" by Jonathan W.

 Attendance is mandatory for all classes and labs.

Embedded Systems Pretest

1. What is an embedded system?

2. Which of the following is a common microcontroller?

3. What is the main role of an interrupt in an embedded system?

4. Which component is typically integrated into a microcontroller?

5. What does ADC stand for in embedded systems?

6. Which of the following is NOT a communication protocol used in embedded systems?

7. What does RTOS stand for?

8. What is the primary purpose of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)?

10. Which of the following is an example of an embedded system?

11. Which language is most commonly used for programming microcontrollers?

12. What is the function of a watchdog timer in an embedded system?

13. Which of the following is a feature of an embedded system?

14. What is the primary purpose of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in an embedded

17. What is the role of a sensor in an embedded system?

18. Which of the following is NOT typically found in a microcontroller?

20. Which tool is commonly used to develop embedded system software?

Embedded Systems Pretest Answer Key

1. b) A dedicated system designed for specific tasks

Microcontroller Scavenger Hunt

![Microcontroller Diagram Placeholder]

Component Identified? (Yes/No) Function

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