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Taught Modules
Students are required to accumulate 120 credits from the following taught modules. There are 76 credits available from compulsory modules and the remainder is made up from theme modules.
Full details of each module can be found in the MSc Detailed Prospectus, available via PDF in the Application Process section.
The taught components of the MSc cover the following topics:
INTRODUCTORY MODULES
The C and Verilog programming languages are used in many of the course modules and for those who are not familiar with one or both of the languages have the opportunity to learn them during the academic year by taking the introduction courses.
- Introduction to Embedded Software Engineering
Introducing the basic concepts, syntax and structure of the C programming language with relation to embedded software systems. Introduction to UNIX.
- Introduction to Hardware Design Automation
Covering the basic aims and limitations of a hardware description language (Verilog). Coding and testing basic combinatorial circuits and sequential clocked circuits such as counters and Finite State Machines.
- Introduction to Object Oriented Programming
This module will introduce Object Orientated Programming skills and languages.
COMPULSORY
A total of 76 credits go towards the compulsory modules.
- System Specification and Partitioning (15 credits)
Model complex systems using executable models and an appreciation of the issues involved in system modelling.
- Digital Signal Processing (8 credits)
This module provides an introduction to Digital Signal Processing Algorithms and Technologies to students who may have a wide range of electronic engineering and CS backgrounds. The concepts will be reinforced using MATLAB in the tutorial and classroom examples.
- Hardware Implementation (15 credits)
To design trade-offs at various stages of the high level design synthesis for speed, power and area performance measures. Emphasise the impact of CMOS transistor level and logic design of primitive gates, and key logic and arithmetic components, such as multiplexers, shifters and adders on performance. To understand design down to layout of key blocks such as PLAs, RAMs and ROMs.
- System Level Integration (15 credits)
In this module the emerging design practices and standards are reviewed. Two target technologies are addressed: deep-submicron ASICs and FPGAs.
- Verification and Test I (8 credits)
This module covers core concepts in the verification and test of digital hardware designs.
- Embedded Operating Systems (15 credits)
This module covers the general embedded software engineering process and some of the specific considerations due to complex IC engineering. Understanding the fundamental elements of real-time embedded operating systems and applying RTOS techniques in a practical manner.
THEMES
The taught part has additional credits coming from the modules provided within a specific theme being:
The modules within each theme are listed below.
FPGA and Digital Signal Processing Theme (45 credits)
- FPGAs for DSP and Communication (15 credits)
This module educates students on the use of FPGAs for DSP algorithms, applications and architectures. Particular emphasis is on communications given the widespread use of FPGAs in this market and the sheer variety of problems to be solved.
- DSP for Communications (15 credits)
This modules presents a DSP system based approach to the design, implementation and analysis of wireless and wireline digital communication systems for students with a wide range of EE and CS backgrounds.
- Communication Networks and Multi-Media Principles (15 credits)
This module provides an overview of the basic principles that underpin the representation and transmission of multi-media information over fixed and wireless high-speed communication networks. The lecture-delivered material is complemented by practical computer-based tutorial and lab exercises.
Embedded Software Design Theme (46 credits)
- Sensor Networks (8 credits)
This module explores some of the more advanced operating system concepts required to build sensor network systems.
- Embedded Networking (8 credits)
This module covers some of the more advanced concepts used in embedded systems software, in particular, the use of networking, network applications, and distributed systems technologies.
- Microcontrollers and Microprocessors (15 credits)
Providing an understanding of microcontroller and microprocessor architectures mainly from a hardware perspective.
- Communication Networks and Multi-Media Principles (15 credits)
This module provides an overview of the basic principles that underpin the representation and transmission of multi-media information over fixed and wireless high-speed communication networks. The lecture-delivered material is complemented by practical computer-based tutorial and lab exercises.
Hardware Design Theme (45 credits)
- Analogue and Mixed Signal Design (15 credits)
Providing an understanding of the principles of analogue and mixed signal MOS VLSI design starting from small signal models and sub-circuits and moving through more complex circuit building blocks.
- Microcontrollers and Microprocessors (15 credits)
Providing an understanding of microcontroller and microprocessor architectures mainly from a hardware perspective.
- Verification and Test II (15 credits)
Providing an understanding of modern verification methodology and technology, and the design-for-test techniques and standards that are suitable for application to SoC-scale designs.