48622 Embedded Mechatronics Systems
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade, no marksRequisite(s): 48510 Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering OR 41099 Introduction to Mechatronics Engineering
Anti-requisite(s): 48441 Introductory Digital Systems
Recommended studies:
basic knowledge in electrical engineering and programming
Description
The objectives of this subject are to enable students to: master the fundamentals of digital and programmable electronic circuits and their engineering applications; master the hardware architecture of a typical small computer system; and understand the principles of low-level programming and gain an ability to write simple embedded software. Students are introduced to the basics of real-time application programming. Topics include: digital sequential circuits; state diagram and its application in the design of digital circuits; basic hardware architectures of the digital computer in terms of its building blocks; how hardware integrates with software at the machine level; low-level language programming; internal architecture and design of a typical register-based central processing unit and a main memory subsystem, and their interdependence; concepts of computer system buses, as well as different types of input and output devices; interrupts; input and output; micro-controller theory; hardware interfacing design techniques; and aspects of real-time programming.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Explain and apply the fundamentals of digital and programmable electronic circuits and their engineering applications. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Explain and apply the fundamentals of microcontrollers. (D.1) |
| 3. | Identify the principles of low-level programming and use ability to write simple embedded software. (C.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
- 1.2. Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject involves a 2-hour workshop and a 2-hour tutorial work/laboratory each week. Students are expected to
watch the Canvas videos introducing key concepts and their interrelations and attempt the practice quiz questions before coming to the workshop.
The workshop will discuss the major issues and questions raised by the students regarding digital logic design and microcontrollers.
The tutorials aim at applying these concepts by solving a variety of design and microcontroller problems to motivate, illustrate and exemplify the concepts presented online and during the workshop. Students will also be familiarised with the main software tools used. In addition, a hardware kit will be used to design simple digital circuits and write embedded software. Several laboratory sessions will run to help students with their practical assignments.
Content (topics)
- Digital combinational and sequential circuits
- State diagram and its application in the design of digital circuits
- How hardware integrates with software at the machine level
- Low-level C language programming
- Internal architecture and design of a typical register-based central processing unit
- Concepts of computer system buses, as well as different types of input and output devices
- Interrupts
- Input and output
- How mechanical devices are interfaced to electronic circuit
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Lab demonstrations
| Intent: | To demonstrate the basic application of digital circuit designs and their implementation into a microcontroller and their demonstration that they achieve a particular set of functional requirements to solve a particular problem. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Demonstration |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 1a) Variable |
Assessment task 2: FPGA project
| Intent: | To demonstrate the application of more complex digital circuit designs and demonstrate that it achieves a particular set of functional requirements to solve a particular problem. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | 2a) Max. 5 mins |
Assessment task 3: MCU project
| Intent: | To configure and program a MCU microcontroller and demonstrate that it achieves a particular set of functional requirements. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | 3a) Max. 5 mins |
Assessment task 4: STM32 Workshop project
| Intent: | Integrate insights from FPGA and MCU project to implement, analyse, and improve a practically relevant complex industry-related problem. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Demonstration |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 20% |
Minimum requirements
To pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Recommended texts
Mano and Kime, Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals, 4th Ed., Prentice Hall, 2004, ISBN 0-13-1911651. Library’s Call Number: 621.395 MANO (ED.4).
M. RAFIQUZZAMAN, Fundamentals of Digital Logic and Microcomputer Design, WILEY-INTERSCIENCE, 2005, ISBN:9780471727842 (ED.5)
The AVR microcontroller and embedded systems using assembly and C, 2nd edition, by Ali Mazidi, Naimi and Naimi, ISBN 9780997925968.