Embedded Systems Code:  22.631    :  6
View general information   Description   The subject within the syllabus as a whole   Professional fields to which it applies   Prior knowledge   Information prior to enrolment   Learning objectives and results   Content   View the UOC learning resources used in the subject   Additional information on support tools and learning resources   Guidelines on assessment at the UOC   View the assessment model  
This is the course plan for the first semester of the academic year 2024/2025. To check whether the course is being run this semester, go to the Virtual Campus section More UOC / The University / Programmes of study section on Campus. Once teaching starts, you'll be able to find it in the classroom. The course plan may be subject to change.
Embedded systems are increasingly present in our lives. From home network devices to industrial control systems, and also in medical devices and autonomous vehicles, among others, a wide range of devices make up what we know as an Embedded System.

Taking into account their relation with electronics, computer science and telecommunications, the course will start from its definition and delve into how they are developed, including both hardware components and programming models, and its areas of application.

Overall, the main objective of the course is to allow students to understand the building blocks and the particularities that condition the development of such systems from a practical point of view.

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This subject aims to specialize the student in an expanding field such as Embedded Systems. The student is required to have a minimum knowledge of electronics, computer architecture, computer programming and operating systems.

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With a strong professional orientation, the subject is aimed at people who are interested in the development of embedded systems. The course provides basic training so that the student can design and develop a system based on a microcontroller.

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In order to follow the course, the student is required to have a basic understanding of the following topics:
- Electronics (both analog and digital)
- Computer architecture
- Computer programming
- Operating Systems

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The course follows an approach that mixes theory and practice. For the theorical side the course is based on a book developed specifically to cover the topics related to electronics and programming. For the practical side the course uses the Texas Instruments Launchpad MSP432 embedded systems kit. Both the book and the kit are sent to the student's home at no extra cost to the student (i.e., included in the tuition fee).

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- Know the definition and the applications of embedded systems
- Know the methodologies, both hardware architecture and programming models, to develop embedded systems
- Know how to develop a basic application that makes use of the minimum functionalities of an embedded system
- Know the tools used to develop and evaluate embedded systems

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The contents of the course are based on the book "Embedded systems", which has been specifically developed for the course and consists of:

- Chapter 1 - Introduction to Embedded Systems
- Chapter 2 - Microcontrollers and basic peripherals
- Chapter 3 - Advanced peripherals
- Chapter 4 - Real-time operating systems

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Joc de sistemes encastats / Kit de sistemas empotrados Gadget

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To follow the course the student is provided with the following learning resources:

1) Embedded Systems book
2) Texas Instruments Launchpad MSP432 Embedded Systems kit
3) Eclipse-based Code Composer Studio development environment

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Assessment at the UOC is, in general, online, structured around the continuous assessment activities, the final assessment tests and exams, and the programme's final project.

Assessment activities and tests can be written texts and/or video recordings, use random questions, and synchronous or asynchronous oral tests, etc., as decided by each teaching team. The final project marks the end of the learning process and consists of an original and tutored piece of work to demonstrate that students have acquired the competencies worked on during the programme.

To verify students' identity and authorship in the assessment tests, the UOC reserves the right to use identity recognition and plagiarism detection systems. For these purposes, the UOC may make video recordings or use supervision methods or techniques while students carry out any of their academic activities.

The UOC may also require students to use electronic devices (microphones, webcams or other tools) or specific software during assessments. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that these devices work properly.

The assessment process is based on students' individual efforts, and the assumption that the student is the author of the work submitted for academic activities and that this work is original. The UOC's website on academic integrity and plagiarism has more information on this.

Submitting work that is not one's own or not original for assessment tests; copying or plagiarism; impersonation; accepting or obtaining any assignments, whether for compensation or otherwise; collaboration, cover-up or encouragement to copy; and using materials, software or devices not authorized in the course plan or instructions for the activity, including artificial intelligence and machine translation, among others, are examples of misconduct in assessments that may have serious academic and disciplinary consequences.

If students are found to be engaging in any such misconduct, they may receive a Fail (D/0) for the graded activities in the course plan (including final tests) or for the final grade for the course. This could be because they have used unauthorized materials, software or devices (such as artificial intelligence when it is not permitted, social media or internet search engines) during the tests; copied fragments of text from an external source (the internet, notes, books, articles, other students' work or tests, etc.) without the corresponding citation; purchased or sold assignments, or undertaken any other form of misconduct.

Likewise and in accordance with the UOC's academic regulations, misconduct during assessment may also be grounds for disciplinary proceedings and, where appropriate, the corresponding disciplinary measures, as established in the regulations governing the UOC community (Normativa de convivència).

In its assessment process, the UOC reserves the right to:

  • Ask students to provide proof of their identity as established in the UOC's academic regulations.
  • Ask students to prove the authorship of their work throughout the assessment process, in both continuous and final assessments, through a synchronous oral interview, of which a video recording or any other type of recording established by the UOC may be made. These methods seek to ensure verification of the student's identity, and their knowledge and competencies. If it is not possible to ensure the student's authorship, they may receive a D grade in the case of continuous assessment or a Fail grade in the case of the final assessment.

Artificial intelligence in assessments

The UOC understands the value and potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, but it also understands the risks involved if it is not used ethically, critically and responsibly. So, in each assessment activity, students will be told which AI tools and resources can be used and under what conditions. In turn, students must agree to follow the guidelines set by the UOC when it comes to completing the assessment activities and citing the tools used. Specifically, they must identify any texts or images generated by AI systems and they must not present them as their own work.

In terms of using AI, or not, to complete an activity, the instructions for assessment activities indicate the restrictions on the use of these tools. Bear in mind that using them inappropriately, such as using them in activities where they are not allowed or not citing them in activities where they are, may be considered misconduct. If in doubt, we recommend getting in touch with the course instructor and asking them before you submit your work.

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In order to pass the course, you must pass the continuous assessment and take a synthesis test.

Your final mark for the course will be calculated as follows:

  • If you pass the continuous assessment and get the required minimum mark in the synthesis test, your final mark will be based on the weightings specified in the course plan.
  • If you pass the continuous assessment but don't get the required minimum mark in the synthesis test, your final mark will be the numerical mark from the synthesis test.
  • If you pass the continuous assessment and don't sit the synthesis test, you'll receive a final mark of Absent.
  • If you don't pass the continuous assessment, you'll receive a final mark of Absent.
  • If you don't take part in the continuous assessment, you'll receive a final mark of Absent.

 

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