OVERVIEW

Embedded systems are electronic processing systems based on different kind of microprocessors (microcontrollers, DSP, FPGA, etc.) specifically designed for a single application and are usually integrated (embedded) into the system they control; they cannot be reprogrammed by the user. They are widely used in automation and mechatronics.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of module, the student will be able to: estimate the main requisites, in terms of resources needed (memory, I/O channels, communication bandwidth, computational power) for an embedded applications; identify the peripherals needed for a given application and program them; design and develop code for real-time applications on microcontrollers; use the tools for compiling and downloading code on microcontrollers.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the module, the student will:

• Know how to analyze simple signal filters and control systems represented by block diagrams

• Know how to derive the functional dependencies of the input and output signals of interconnected subsystems represented by block diagrams.

• Be able to linearize simple continuous time dynamic models, including  multivariable ones.

• Know how to discretise continuous time dynamic models (including multivariable ones) and derive the pseudo code for their digital implementation.

• Know what are embedded systems
• Know how to program an embedded system based on a microcontroller
  • Know how to use the developer tools to compile and download the code
  • Know how to configure and program the main peripherals (digital I/O, timers, ADC, PWM, SPI, UART)
• Have basic knowledge on how to design an embedded system
  • Be able to identify the main requisites in terms of peripherals needed for the specific application

TEACHING METHODS

The module is subdivided in theoretical lessons and laboratory activities (programming embedded systems with the aid of a developer board).

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The content of the module is the following one:

• Overview on dynamic models in the time and frequency domains with particular reference to linear time invariant (LTI) continuous time models. Scalar models (single input - single output, SISO) and their input - output representation in the time and frequency domains. Introduction to state space models with particular reference to continuous-time LTI models. Multivariable systems (multi input - multi output, MIMO). Solution of continuous time state space LTI models and brief overview of modal analysis with examples (navigation systems, electric motors, etc.).

• Block algebra. Reduction and transformation rules of block diagrams for linear operators. Representation of LTI dynamic systems with block diagrams.

• Linearization of nonlinear continuous time dynamic systems.
  Introduction to the problem of discretization of continuous-time LTI dynamic models. References to the sampling problem. Derivation of discrete-time recursive algorithms such as digital realizations of continuous-time LTI dynamic models.

• Overview of the pseudo-code of signal filtering algorithms and for the realization of PID controllers.

• What is an embedded system and what are its main characteristics
• Specific tools for developing code for embedded systems
• Programming embedded systems
  • Peripherals programming
    • digital I/O 
    • Oscillator configuration and timers usage
    • Sensor acquisition through analog-digital conversion (ADC)
    • Motor control through PWM signal generation 
  • Communication with other devices
    • SPI bus to communicate with another microcontroller
    • UART communication with a PC
  • Interrupt and event-based programming

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Slides will be available through aulaweb. In general, notes taken during the module and the slides available on aulaweb will be sufficient to prepare the exam.

The following books can be used for further reading on embedded systems:

• Q. Li, C. Yao, Real-Time Concepts for Embedded Systems, CMP Books, 2003. (ISBN:1578201241).
• D. E. Simon, An Embedded Software Primer, Addison-Wesley Professional, 1999. (ISBN: 020161569X).  

• G. Ricci e E. Valcher, Segnali e sistemi, Progetto Libreria, 2015. 
  (ISBN: 8896477727) 

• P. Bolzern, R. Scattolini, N. Schiavoni, Fondamenti di Controlli Automatici, McGraw Hill, 2015. (ISBN: 8838668825)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MASSIMO NARIZZANO (President)

ENRICO SIMETTI

VITTORIO BELOTTI (President Substitute)

GIOVANNI INDIVERI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/8784/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the level of knowledge required on each argument will be given during the lessons.

The oral exam will be about the theoretical and programming aspects covered during the lessons, with the aim of evaluating if the student:

• has reached an adequate level of knowledge of LTI continuous time models and the elementary techniques of their discretization;
• has reached an adequate knowledge level on embedded systems and their main architectures
• can program microcontrollers in C language (possibly through simple exercise resolution)
• has an adequate knowledge of the different peripherals and their usage

Exam schedule