Study information

Microcontroller Engineering - 2024 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) 35
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 and gain extensive practical experience of designing an embedded system using a microcontroller.

Prerequisite module: ENG1009, ENG2118, ENG2003 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)
Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes.  The Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are taught and assessed on this module and identified in brackets below.
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:  
1 Gain and apply knowledge of microcontroller and microprocessor architectures and their operation;
 
2  Demonstrate proficiency in  of programming of microcontrollers for embedded systems applications; (M4, C4)
 
3 Design and implement  application routines for the microcontroller; (M6, C6)
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:  
4 Acquire the skills and specialist knowledge necessary for   microcontroller programming embedded system development; (M4, C4)
 
5 Understand the operation and application of digital electronic systems;
 
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge: 
 
6  Apply the skills and experience gained during the module to develop the software and hardware to implement a prototype embedded system. (M12, C12) 
 

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 6 hours 1-6(MC 4,6,12) Verbal feedback
Self 8 hours 1-6(MC 4,6,12) Verbal feedback and worked solutions

 

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 1-5 (MC 4,6) Written (verbal upon request)
Coursework - Problem Sheet 20 4 hours 1-5 (MC 4,6,12) Written and verbal
Coursework - Lab assignment 20 15 hours (9 hours in allocated lab sessions) 1-6 (MC 4,6,12) 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) 1-5 (MC 4,6) August Ref/Def period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module. As it is a referral, 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

 

 

 

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 21st March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 18th September 2024
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.