Studiegids

nl en

Embedded Systems and Software

Vak
2019-2020

Admission requirements

Not applicable.

Description

Embedded Systems are application domain specific information processing systems that are tightly coupled to their environment. They appear in home appliances, copy machines, automotive entertainment systems, medical imaging systems, wireless and portable multimedia terminals, distributed sensor networks, and more.

The course first introduces the notion of and some basic concepts in embedded systems and software. Then it deals with basic methods, techniques, algorithms, and components that are found in embedded systems.

In a second part, the course focuses on methods, techniques, and tools for system-level design, programming and implementation of Embedded Multi-processor Systems-on-Chip (MPSoC). In particular, the DAEDALUS framework for system-level design of MPSoCs will be studied in detail. DAEDALUS features: 1) automated translation of sequential application code to equivalent parallel specification code; 2) automated system-level synthesis of specific MPSoCs; 3) automated mapping of the parallel specification code to the synthesized specific MPSoC; 4) fast implementation/prototyping of the whole MPSoC embedded system on FPGA-based prototyping boards.

In a third part – that is integrated with the second part – the course takes the form of laboratory hands-on sessions in which the DAEDALUS framework is used to design and prototype a relatively simple MPSoC.

It is recommended but not mandatory that the students have taken the Digital Techniques, Computer Architectures, and Compiler Construction courses.

Course objectives

The Embedded Systems and Software course intends to introduce students to state-of-the-art methods, techniques, and tools to design, program, implement, and use embedded systems. This is done through a series of lectures, hands-on sessions, and discussions on relevant journal/conference paper.

Timetable

The most recent timetable can be found at the students' website.

Mode of instruction

From 23 March 2020:

  • Interactive on-line lectures using video conference tools.

  • Interactive on-line hands-on sessions using video conference tools AND remote login to the course servers at LIACS using SSH as explained/done during the “Introduction to Hands-on” lecture given on Feb. 28, 2020.

NOTE: For information on when/how to join the video conference lectures and hands-on sessions, please regularly check the course website and your email for the latest instructions! Also, you can contact the lecturer by email for more information, clarifications, and support!

Course load

Hours of study: 168:00 hrs (= 6 EC)
Lectures: 20:00 hrs
Practical work: 60:00 hrs
Examination: 80:00 hrs
Other: 8:00 hrs

Assessment method

There is no traditional written exam. The final grade is a combination of grades for: (1) presentation on a given topic related to the course material OR delivery and presentation of a design project (40%); (2) performance during the (on-line interactive) hands-on sessions (40%) and; (3) pro-active attitude during the (on-line interactive) lectures and paper discussions (20%).

Reading list

List with selected journal/conference papers and book excerpts will be provided to the students. All this literature could be downloaded from Internet. Slides will be provided to the students for download.

Registration

  • You have to sign up for courses and exams (including retakes) in uSis. Check this link for information about how to register for courses..

  • Due to limited capacity, external students can only register after consultation with the programme coordinator/study advisor (mailto:mastercs@liacs.leideuniv.nl).

Contact information

Lecturer: dr. Todor Stefanov

  • E-mail: t.p.stefanov@liacs.leidenuniv.nl

  • Skype: todor_stefanov74

  • Course website: Embedded Systems