Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit covers the four major areas:

Digital Systems:

A brief overview of digital system components before moving on to advanced digital circuitry, function units, embedded system design and safety systems.

Embedded Microprocessors and Microcontrollers:

Structured design of a complete CPU (central processing unit), RAM, ROM, addresses and memory access, computer architecture, interfacing and integration.

Instrumentation:

Sensor and actuator types, interface standards, digital and analog I/O, shaft encoders, motor driver hardware, PWM (pulse width modulation), standard communication protocols

Programming for Embedded Systems:

Embedded programming in Python and C, sensor and image data processing, PID motor control, interrupt handling, background timer and multi-threading.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 core unit in the Automation and Robotics Engineering; Biomedical Engineering; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Software Engineering major sequences
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) design combinational and sequential logic circuits for embedded systems of moderate complexity; (2) design a CPU from digital components as a building block; (3) develop embedded systems including interfacing sensors and actuators; (4) design software for embedded systems; (5) identify the appropriate type of digital implementation technology for a given task, with an appreciation of its advantages and limitations; (6) work effectively in a team; and (7) assess risk, reliability and safety aspects of embedded systems.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) laboratories; (2) group project; and (3) examinations. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Thomas Braunl
Unit rules
Prerequisites
GENG2000 Engineering Practice 2 and
CITS1001 Software Engineering with Java
or CITX1001 Software Engineering with Java
or CITS1401 Computational Thinking with Python
or CITX1401 Computational Thinking with Python
or CITS2005 Object Oriented Programming
or CITS2401 Computer Analysis and Visualisation (ID 343)
and Enrolment in
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or an associated Combined Degree
Incompatibility
ELEC4403 Digital and Embedded Systems
and ENSC3020 Digital Embedded Systems
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.