Embedded Systems

About this course

The module focuses on system aspects of distributed embedded real-time systems and conveys the central requirements (e.g., real time, determinism, reliability, composability) as well as suitable methods for supporting them. Students learn about different paradigms and design principles for embedded systems. A focus area is coping with contradicting system requirements (e.g., flexibility vs. composability, open system vs. temporal guarantees) and competence for using the most appropriate design principles and methods in a given problem scenario. The course conveys information about new developments (e.g., Internet of things) in addition to basic knowledge (e.g., global time, scheduling), thereby providing the foundation for research in the area of embedded real- time systems. The theoretical knowledge is complemented bycase studies and system architectures from different domains (e.g., automotive, avionics). The lab provides further insight and offers practical experience based on the content of the lecture (e.g., programming of embedded systems with microcontrollers, scheduling, timing analysis).

Expected learning outcomes

LO 1 – Students learn requirements, paradigms, concepts, platforms and models of embedded systems and be able to describe them
LO 2 – Students will be able to describe non-functional properties for embedded systems and to describe methods for real-time and fault tolerance.
LO 3 – Apply concepts and methods for real-time and fault tolerance.
LO 4 – Students will also become familiar with different components and design principles
LO 5 – Apply different components and design principles in concrete application problems
LO 6 – Students will be able to evaluate opposing design approaches (such as time control and event control)
LO 7 – Apply design approaches (such as time control and event control) to new application problems
LO 8 – Students will also be able to assess platform technologies such as communication protocols, processors, and operating systems for their suitability for given real-time real-time, security and reliability requirements

Indicative Syllabus

• Context and requirements of embedded real-time systems.
• Modelling of embedded real-time systems
• Global time and temporal relations
• Reliability
• Real-time communication
• Real-time operating systems
• Real-time scheduling
• Environment interaction
• Design of embedded systems
• Validation
• Internet of Things
• Examples of system architectures for embedded Real-Time Systems