Study information

Microcontroller Engineering - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEMicrocontroller Engineering CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENG2008 MODULE CONVENERDr Isaac Luxmoore (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 15
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit. It is widely used in automatically controlled systems and devices such as appliances, automobiles, robots and mobile phones. In this module, you will be introduced to the fundamental principles of the design, operation and application of microcontrollers. This includes the architecture of microcontrollers and peripherals, such as various types of memories, analogue and digital input/output interfaces, serial communication modules, timers and interrupts. You will also learn how to program a microcontroller using and gain extensive practical experience of designing an embedded system using a microcontroller.

Prerequisite module: Engineering fundamentals (Core Electronics), ECM2118 or equivalent
 

 

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to develop your understanding of the fundamental principles of the design, architecture and applications of a microcontroller. The laboratory sessions concentrate on the microcontroller development system, and you will get the chance to use programming languages to develop a range of microcontroller based applications.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

This module contributes to learning outcomes: SM1p, SM1m, SM4m, EA1p, EA1m, EA3p, EA3m, D4p, D4m, D5p, D5m, EP2p, EP2m, EP3p, EP3m, EP4p, EP4m, EP9p, EP11m, G1p, G1m

A full list of the referenced outcomes is provided online: http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/subjects/engineering/accreditation/


Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: SM1p, SM1m, SM4m, EA1p, EA1m, EA3p, EA3m

1 demonstrate understanding of microcontroller and microprocessor architectures and operation

2 show comprehension of the fundamentals of programming for microcontroller applications

3 exhibit an appreciation of the application areas for microcontroller and microprocessor systems

4 develop simple application routines for the microcontroller


Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge: D4p, D4m, D5p, D5m, EP2p, EP2m, EP3p, EP3m, EP4p, EP4m

5 reveal improved practical electronic laboratory skills, in particular in the area of microcontroller programming and application;

6 exemplify improved knowledge of the operation and application of digital electronic systems

7 illustrate an appreciation of embedded systems design and application


Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills andKnowledge: EP9p, EP11m, G1p, G1m

8 demonstrate improved problem solving skill

9 show improved independent study skills

10 display improved group working skills

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- number systems and binary arithmetic;
- microprocessor review - types and development history;
- microprocessor and microcontroller architectures;
- address, data and control buses;
- memory systems and address decoding;
- general purpose digital input/output;
- analogue interfacing;
- interrupts
- ancillary circuits;
- stepper motor control using microcontroller;
- programming language for microcontroller;
- overall system design, development and application;
- microcontroller development environment.
 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 63 Guided Independent Study 87 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 22 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 11 Tutorials
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 30 Laboratories
Guided independent study 87 Lecture and assessment reading

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Lab tasks 10 hours 1-10 Verbal feedback
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam  60 2 hours 1-4, 7-9 Written (verbal upon request)
Coursework - TMA 1 Problem Sheet 10 3 hours 1-4, 7-9 Written and verbal
Coursework - TMA2 Problem Sheet 10 3 hours 1-4, 7-9 Written and verbal
Coursework - Lab assignment 20 15 hours (9 hours in allocated lab sessions) 1-10 Written and verbal
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
All above Written exam (100% - 2 hours) 1-4, 7-9 August Ref/Def period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by a single written exam only worth 100% of the module. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 40%.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Web based and Electronic Resources:

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

 

 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 16th December 2021 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 17th October 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH microcontrollers; microprocessors; C/assembly language programming

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.