Embedded Systems Hardware Design

Developing an embedded system requires knowledge

in both software and hardware design. The embedded systems engineering industry is showing an increasing demand for software engineers with a background in hardware design.

Embedded systems can be found in many industries including consumer electronics, automotive, aviation, transportation, agriculture, medical devices, and scientific research. It is also widely used in industrial automation including robotics, motion control systems, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.

This course is intended for technical professionals looking to acquire solid foundational knowledge necessary to design embedded systems. Students will learn definition and main components (modules) of embedded systems, hardware design aspects, Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) embedded modules, microcontrollers (DSP/DSC) used in embedded systems, I/O and communication interfacing and memory types.

At course completion, student will be capable of designing embedded systems to perform dedicated function(s).

Course Highlights:

• Architecture of Embedded Systems and their Internal Communications Channels
• Hardware Design Aspects - COTS Modules
• Selecting Appropriate Microcontroller (DSC)
• Design Memories for Embedded Systems
• Selecting Sensors - Designing Conditioning Circuits
• Internal Communication Channels
• Printed Circuit Board - Specifications and Requirements
• Downloading Firmware and Testing the System

Course Learning Outcomes:

• Construct a block diagram of the required embedded system
• Design proper interfaces between the modules of an embedded system
• Design the required sensors and actuators
• Building and testing an embedded system

Hardware: STM32 IOT Discovery Node 915MHZ - Mfg. Part # B-L475E-IOT01A. Part can be purchased from MOUSER Electronics or Digi-Key Electronics or any other reputable electronics dealer. This microcontroller is used in all four required courses in this program.

Course Typically Offered: Online in Winter and Summer quarters.

Prerequisite: ECE-40153 Introduction to Embedded Systems or equivalent knowledge and experience. Knowledge of electronic components and modules and the ability to read and understand electrical schematics required for this course. Working knowledge of KiCAD and LTSpice will be very helpful to students in this course but not required.

Next Step: After completing this course, consider taking ECE-40291 Embedded Controller Programming with Embedded C to continue learning.

Contact: For more information about this course please email unexengr@ucsd.edu

Course Number: ECE-40292
Credit: 3.00 unit(s)
Related Certificate Programs: Embedded Systems Engineering