ECEA 5315 Concept and Practices
1st course in the Real-time Embedded Systems Specialization.
Instructor: Sam Siewert, Ph.D., Associate Professor Adjunct
In this course, students will design and build a microprocessor-based embedded system application using a real-time operating system or RT POSIX extensions with Embedded Linux. The course focus is on the process as well as fundamentals of integrating microprocessor-based embedded system elements for digital command and control of typical embedded hardware systems.
Prior knowledge needed: C Programming and Compilation Pipeline, Computer System Architecture, Operating Systems Concepts, Linux based Systems
Syllabus
Duration: 13 hours
This module gives an introduction to real-time theory , challenges faced in designing real-time systems and scheduling policies implemented while comparing the Linux POSIX real-time threads to RTOS and MFE systems.
Duration: 14 hours
This module describes the utility curves used for analysis of real-time systems along with Rate Monotonic Scheduling Policy and its Least Upper Bound Condition. It also describes the absolute time and date standards which are critical parameters for real-time services.
Duration: 11 hours
This module covers the methods of sequencing of service requests along with software scheduling and real-time scheduling policies.
Duration: 15 hours
This module discusses the use of multi core microprocessors for real-time applications and gives an overview of RTOS Options (Open and Proprietary) and OS with POSIX Real-Time Extensions for real-time systems.
Duration: 2 hours
Final exam for this course.
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Grading
Assignment | Percentage of Grade |
| Quizzes | 10% |
| Programming Assignments | 30% |
| Peer Reviews | 30% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
Letter Grade Rubric
Letter Grade | Minimum Percentage |
| A | 95% |
| A- | 90% |
| B+ | 87% |
| B | 84% |
| B- | 80% |
| C+ | 77% |
| C | 74% |
| C- | 70% |
| D+ | 67% |
| D | 60% |
| F | 0% |
Component List
Note: All starter code for this specialization is tested on the Raspberry Pi 3B+ with Raspberry Pi OS.
Hardware (Required)
- Windows or Mac computer (for Raspberry Pi remote access)
- Home network with internet access (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) for Raspberry Pi access
- SSH enabled on the Raspberry Pi
- Embedded Linux hardware platform (Raspberry Pi 3B+ or equivalent)
- MicroSD card (16 GB minimum; 32 GB recommended)
- 5V / 2.5A power supply with switch
- UVC-compatible USB camera (USB 2.0 or better)
- HDMI cable
- HDMI monitor + keyboard + mouse (initial setup only)
Hardware (Recommended)
- VNC enabled on the Raspberry Pi (optional, for remote desktop access)
Bill of Materials (BOM)
Software
- MobaXterm (recommended for Windows)
- PuTTY
- VNC Viewer
Course Syllabi
- ECEA 5315 Concept and Practices (0.6 credits)
- ECEA 5316 Theory and Analysis (0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5317 Mission-Critical, SW Applications (0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5318 Real-Time Embedded Systems Project (0.8 credits)