Embedded Computing Systems

3 units

This course introduces the issues, challenges, and methods for designing embedded computing systems -- systems designed to serve a particular application and which incorporate the use of digital processing devices. Examples of embedded systems include cellular phones, appliances, game consoles, automobiles, and drones. Emphasis is given to aspects of design that are distinct to embedded systems. The course examines hardware, software, and system-level design. Hardware topics include microcontrollers, digital signal processors, memory hierarchy, and I/O. Software issues include languages, run-time environments, and program analysis. System-level topics include real-time operating systems, scheduling, power management, and wireless sensor networks. Students will perform a course project on a real embedded system testbed.