Module: Embedded Systems

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Embedded Systems
Module Code	EEN1017 (ITS: EE202)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Electronic Engineering
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

An embedded system is a special purpose computer system that is designed to carry out a specific task. This module will introduce the student to embedded systems, focusing in particular on microcontroller based embedded systems. The ultimate aim of the module is to provide the student with the hardware and software skills necessary to create microcontroller based embedded systems for use in real world applications.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the operation of a known microcontroller, or a previously unseen microcontroller from the same family, based on an evaluation of the relevant datasheet.
2. Design bespoke, microcontroller based, embedded systems hardware.
3. Develop custom software and algorithms for use in microcontroller based embedded systems.
4. Use optimisation techniques such as lookup tables in order to create more efficient programs.
5. Write hybrid microcontroller programs that combine the benefits of using a high-level language with benefits associated with using assembly language.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Module lectures
Laboratory	15	Module labs
Tutorial	11	Module tutorials
Independent Study	75	Preparation time for the lab exercises and the terminal exam
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20420	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	25%	Examination Weight	75%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Robert Sadleir	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Laboratory Portfolio	Introduction to the MPLAB Integrated Development Environment	5%	Week 2
Laboratory Portfolio	Instructions and Addressing Modes	5%	Week 4
Laboratory Portfolio	Programming Exercises	5%	Week 6
Laboratory Portfolio	Subroutines	5%	Week 8
Laboratory Portfolio	Interrupts and High‐level Programming	5%	Week 10
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	75%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to embedded systems
Definition of an embedded system, architecture of embedded systems, overview of software development tools used for embedded systems software design.

Introduction to microcontrollers
Microcontroller architecture, program counter, pipeline, instruction decoder, file address register, file data register, arithmetic logic unit, status register, working register, program store, data store, instructions, assembly, addressing modes.

The PIC16F84A microcontroller
Features, internal architecture, the fetch unit, the execute unit, the data store, special function registers, general purpose registers, data input/output, EEPROM, timer.

Addressing modes and the instruction set
Inherent addressing, literal addressing, absolute addressing, file direct addressing, file indirect addressing, bit addressing, movement instructions, arithmetic instructions, clearing/setting instructions, logical and shifting instructions, program counter instructions.

Programming examples
Arithmetic operations, code conversion.

Subroutines
The stack, the call instruction, subroutine guidelines, lookup tables.

Interrupts
Polling, interrupt sources, interrupt operation, servicing interrupts, interrupt control.

High-level language
Compilation, variables, data types, hybrid C and assembly, handling interrupts

Indicative Reading List

Books:

R. Sadleir: 2008, EE202 Embedded systems course notes,
T. Wilmshurst: 2009, Designing embedded systems with PIC microcontrollers, Second, Newnes,
S. Katzen: 2007, The Quintessential PIC Microcontroller, Second, Springer,
J. Morton: 2005, The PIC Microcontroller: Your Personal Introductory Course, Third, Newnes,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None