OVERVIEW

Cyberphysical systems are central to electronic engineering, integrating sensing, computation, communication, and control to connect digital technologies with the physical world. This teaching unit aims to provide a broad overview of the various types of state-of-the-art cyberphysical systems: synchronous, asynchronous, timed, continuous-time and hybrid systems. The treatment of systems covers modeling, simulation, and verification (model checking). Each topic is addressed through the use of appropriate development tools. The second part of the teaching unit concerns cyberphysical/embedded system development with firmware programming on STM32 microcontrollers.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This teaching unit aims to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art cyberphysical sytems: synchronous, asynchronous and timed. The treatment of systems covers modeling, simulation, and verification (model checking). Each topic is addressed through appropriate development tools. The second part is dedicated to cyberphysical/embedded system development with firmware programming on STM32 microcontrollers.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This teaching unit aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the principal models used to describe and analyse state-of-the-art cyberphysical systems: synchronous, asynchronous, timed, continuous-time, and hybrid systems. It covers their theoretical foundations and the methods used for modeling, simulation, and verification, including model checking where applicable.

Theoretical study is complemented by practical exercises and worked examples, enabling students to apply their knowledge and assess their understanding. Students will gain practical experience with development and analysis tools, including nuXmv, UPPAAL, and MATLAB–Simulink/Stateflow. The final part of the unit introduces firmware development for STM32 microcontrollers.

The examination project, agreed upon with the instructor, develops and assesses students’ ability to design, implement, and evaluate an engineering solution, applying selected concepts and methods to a practical problem.

By the end of the teaching unit, students will be able to:

• Explain the characteristics of the different system models and select an appropriate model for a given engineering problem.
• Model and simulate cyberphysical systems using suitable methods and tools.
• Formulate system requirements and assess whether a model satisfies them, including through model checking.
• Develop basic firmware for STM32 microcontrollers.
• Apply the acquired knowledge to design, implement, and evaluate cyberphysical system solutions, interpreting the results and recognising the limitations of the models and methods used.

PREREQUISITES

Digital systems electronics

Fundamentals of programming

Fundamentals of computer architecture

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, with use of slides, and examples/exercises carried out both on blackboard and PC, using the development/simulation tools indicated in class. Student reception. Proposal, implementation and discussion of a project.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the teacher and the School's contact person for disability at the beginning of teaching to agree on possible teaching arrangements that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning patterns. Contacts of the teacher and the School's disability contact person can be found at the following link 

University Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities or DSAs | UniGe | University of Genoa

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Modeling, simulation and verification of cyberphysical systems

- Introduction.

- Synchronous models

- Safety requirements

- Asynchronous models

- Liveness requirements

- Timed systems

- Continuous-time and hybrid systems

System development with STM32 firmware

- GPIO

- Interrupts

- UART/USART

- DMA

- Clock tree

- Timers

- Pulse Width Modulation (motor control)

- ADC/DAC

- I2C/SPI

- FreeRTOS

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

R. Alur, Principles of Cyberphysical Systems: 
https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/principles-cyber-physical-systems

C. Noviello, Mastering STM32, 2nd edition
https://leanpub.com/mastering-stm32-2nd  

Lecture notes and other material suggested by the lecturer during the teaching unit

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/11970/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam on the first part (first semester) of the teaching unit (modelling, simulation and formal verification of cyber-physical systems), including both theoretical questions and exercises on the topics covered in class.

Project work on the second part (second semester) of the teaching unit, (implementation of a cyber-physical/embedded system, typically on STM32 microcontrollers). 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment includes an oral examination (first semester) and a firmware development project (second semester) to evaluate the theoretical understanding and practical skills identified in the learning outcomes.

The oral examination assesses students’ ability to explain and compare synchronous, asynchronous, continuous-time, and timed system models; select appropriate models for engineering problems; and apply methods for modeling, simulation, and formal verification. Questions and exercises require students to analyse and design cyberphysical systems, formulate safety and liveness requirements, and explain how these requirements can be verified. Students are also expected to interpret analysis results and discuss the assumptions and limitations of the models and methods used.

The project, focusing on embedded system firmware development, typically on STM32 microcontrollers, assesses students’ ability to translate requirements into a working implementation and evaluate its behaviour. Assessment takes place through preparatory discussions, reviews during design and implementation, and a final discussion supported by a written report. It considers the suitability of the design, the correctness of the implementation, the evidence provided by testing, and the student’s ability to justify technical choices and critically discuss the results.

Participation in class discussions and practical activities also contributes to the assessment, providing further evidence of students’ ability to apply concepts, reason about engineering problems, and communicate technical arguments.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in this description of the teaching unit.