Core Module Information
Module title: Advanced Embedded Systems

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: ELE11120
Module leader: Abdelfateh Kerrouche
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Cyber Security and Systems Engineering
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

The module content will focus on three key areas of embedded systems. The first section will explore the selection and application of embedded system components, including microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, and communication interfaces, while considering real-world constraints. The second section will critically evaluate the accuracy, precision, and environmental influences on analytical sensor elements within embedded applications, addressing challenges such as sensor drift, noise, and calibration. The final section will examine the integration of intelligent instrumentation into industrial and environmental systems, highlighting the role of real-time processing, adaptive control, and embedded AI in enhancing automation and system performance.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Analyse and justify the selection of embedded system components including microcontrollers, sensors, actuators and communication interfaces, considering performance, efficiency, and real-world constraints.

LO2: Critically evaluate the limitations of accuracy, precision, and environmental influences on analytical sensor elements in embedded applications, considering factors such as sensor drift, noise, and calibration challenges.

LO3: Assess the role and impact of intelligent instrumentation in diverse industrial and environmental settings, demonstrating how embedded AI, real-time processing, and adaptive control enhance system performance and automation.

LO4: Investigate and apply structured design methodologies for embedded systems development, including hardware/software design, real-time constraints, and system integration, ensuring robustness and scalability.

LO5: Critically appraise the design, implementation and lifecycle management of intelligent control systems considering factors such as power efficiency, scalability, and long-term reliability.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Abdelfateh Kerrouche
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 Lectures explore the architecture, design and implementation of modern embedded systems with a focus on real-time performance, low-level hardware interaction and intelligent control. They will prepare students to develop robust, scalable embedded solutions for applications in robotics, industrial automation, sensor networks and cyber-physical systems.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 20 Lab sessions provide simulation and hands-on experience with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems and sensor integration. Students learn to program embedded hardware using C, configure peripherals like ADCs and timers, and implement real-time multitasking using RTOS tools. Labs also involve interfacing with various analogue and digital sensors, applying communication protocols such as I²C, SPI, and UART, and integrating devices.
Online Guided independent study 149 Independent study for coursework projects allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to a self-directed practical challenge. Under guided supervision, students identify a real-world problem often related to robotics, sensing, or automation and develop an embedded solution, such as a custom sensor interface, a data acquisition system or a real-time control application.
Total Study Hours189
Expected Total Study Hours for Module189


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 50 1~2~5 Week 7 , WORDS= 2000-3000 The coursework report should demonstrate a detailed understanding, critical evaluation, and practical application of embedded systems in the design of a Robot or smart autonomous vehicle. The report should include a comprehensive analysis of selected embedded system components, such as microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, and communication modules, justifying their selection based on performance, efficiency and real-world constraints while comparing alternatives. Additionally, it should critically evaluate the accuracy, precision and reliability of the sensors used in the system, discussing potential errors, sensor drift, noise, environmental influences, and calibration challenges while exploring compensation techniques like sensor fusion and filtering methods. Furthermore, the report should assess the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of the intelligent control system, focusing on power efficiency strategies, scalability for future improvements and long-term reliability, including maintenance, software updates, and end-of-life considerations. The final report should be 2000-3000 words and structured with an introduction, system components analysis, sensor accuracy evaluation, control system and lifecycle assessment, followed by a conclusion and properly referenced sources in IEEE format. Clear technical explanations, supporting diagrams, and experimental data should be incorporated to ensure a well-structured and insightful submission that demonstrates critical thinking and an in-depth understanding of the embedded system design.
Report 50 3~4 Week 12 , WORDS= 2000- 3000 The coursework report should critically assess the role and impact of intelligent instrumentation in various industrial and environmental applications, demonstrating how embedded AI, real-time processing and adaptive control enhance system performance and automation. It should explore how these technologies contribute to improving efficiency, reliability, and decision-making in autonomous systems, providing real-world examples and case studies where applicable. Additionally, the report must investigate and apply structured design methodologies for embedded systems development, covering key aspects such as hardware and software design, real-time constraints, and system integration. This includes discussing the implementation of modular programming, embedded software development practices and design validation techniques to ensure robustness and scalability. The report should provide a systematic breakdown of the design process, from design to implementation, including considerations for fault tolerance, power management and communication protocols. A well-structured document of 2000-3000 words is expected, incorporating an introduction, intelligent instrumentation assessment, embedded system design methodologies, real-world applications, and a conclusion. Technical diagrams, simulation results, and references in IEEE format should support the discussion, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the subject matter that demonstrates analytical depth and practical understanding.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
ELE11120 Advanced Embedded Systems