Digital and Embedded Systems

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2024/17

Institute / School :

Institute of Innovation, Science, and Sustainability

Unit Title:

Digital and Embedded Systems

Unit ID:

ENGIN4402

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

(ENGIN2105 or ENGIN2401)

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

(ENMTX3050)

ASCED:

039999

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

This course introduces students to the digital and embedded systems and enhances their investigative, design and problem solving skills. The course discusses digital logic design, programmable logic devices, embedded system and covers the basic architecture of microcontrollers along with their applications in embedded systems. The embedded system takes into account both the hardware and software component in finding the solution to a problem. This presents significant challenges as appropriate skills are required to strike proper balance between the hardware and software components. Students will gain practical experience of interfacing computer with physical engineering systems. They will also gain skills in designing small systems to meet various design requirements. The course applies digital and embedded systems design to industrial applications, such as machine measurement and control, and, domestic applications including examples from both white goods and home entertainment.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

Placement Component: No

Supplementary Assessment:

Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the unit the students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge:

K1.	Interpret digital logic design, combination circuits and synchronous sequential logic.

K2.	Explain the principles and operations of different programmable logic devices

K3.	Demonstrate understanding of embedded systems using microcontrollers with I/O ports, programmable timer, interrupts, memory, serial peripheral interfaces.

K4.	Recognise and describe language and programming in embedded systems including assembly language and hardware descriptive language (VHDL).

Skills:

S1.	Design electronic circuits and small embeded systems

S2.	Analyse and verify the operation of digital and embedded systems using debugging tools.

S3.	Develop microcontrollers interfaces and software programs to control different microprocessor peripherals.

S4.	Program and operation different programmable logic devices.

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Design and implement practical programmable methods using digital and embedded systems to meet design specifications.

A2.	Identify, formulate and propose solutions to a problem using microcontrollers and programmable logic devices.

A3.	Test and analyse digital and embedded electronic circuits.

A4.	Critically evaluate and debug errors in coding an embedded system.

Unit Content:

•Digital logic design and implementation.
•Review of combinational circuits, synchronous sequential logic and digital logic components.
•Programmable logic devices: read only memory, programmable logic array (PLA), programmable array logic (PAL), complex programmable logic device (CPLD) and field programmable gate array (FPGA).
•Introduction to VHSIC hardware descriptive language (VHDL).
•Overview of the microcontroller and computer architecture.
•On-chip and serial peripheral interfaces.
•A/D conversion.
•Programmable timer and interrupts.
•Memory interfacing and timing diagrams.
•Memory buffering and decoding.
•Modular and assembly language programming.
•C programming in embedded systems.

Graduate Attributes:

The Federation University graduate attributes (GA) are entrenched in the Higher Education Graduate Attributes Policy (LT1228).Federation University Australia graduates develop these graduate attributes through their engagement in explicit learning and teaching and assessment tasks that are embedded in all Federation Courses. Graduate attribute attainment typically follows an incremental development process mapped through Course progression. One or more graduate attributes must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each Federation University Australia Unit, and all attributes must be directly assessed in each Course.

Graduate attribute and descriptor		Development and acquisition of GAs in the Unit
Graduate attribute and descriptor		Learning outcomes (KSA)	Assessment task (AT#)
GA 1 Thinkers	Our graduates are curious, reflective and critical. Able to analyse the world in a way that generates valued insights, they are change makers seeking and creating new solutions.	K1-K4 S1-S4 A1-A4	1-3
GA 2 Innovators	Our graduates have ideas and are able to realise their dreams. They think and act creatively to achieve and inspire positive change.	K1-K4 S1-S4 A1-A4	1-3
GA 3 Citizens	Our graduates engage in socially and culturally appropriate ways to advance individual, community and global well-being. They are socially and environmentally aware, acting ethically, equitably and compassionately.	Not applicable	Not applicable
GA 4 Communicators	Our graduates create, exchange, impart and convey information, ideas, and concepts effectively. They are respectful, inclusive and empathetic towards their audience, and express thoughts, feelings and information in ways that help others to understand.	K1-K4 S2	1-3
GA 5 Leaders	Our graduates display and promote positive behaviours, and aspire to make a difference. They act with integrity, are receptive to alternatives and foster sustainable and resilient practices.	A2-A4	1-3

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting
1.	S1-S4, A1-A4	Experimental work and / or projects to verify students ability to apply knowledge and skills acquired in the course	Reports, demonstrations	10% - 30%
2.	K1-K4, S1-S4	Relevant tasks and problems to enforce understanding of the students and help in gradual development of knowledge and skills throughout the course	Assignments, quizzes	10% - 30%
3.	K1-K4, S1-S4, A2	Questions and problems related to the course contents	Exams / Tests	40% - 60%

Adopted Reference Style:

Other (IEEE-Refer to the library website for more information.)

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency

Engineers Australia - Stage 1 (Professional): 2017 accreditation & AQF

Attribute			Assessed	Level
1 Knowledge and Skill Base
	1.1 Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
		1.1.1 Engages with the engineering discipline at a phenomenological level, applying sciences and engineering fundamentals to systematic investigation, interpretation, analysis and innovative solution of complex problems and broader aspects of engineering practice.	Yes	Advanced
	1.2 Conceptual understanding of the, mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
		1.2.1 Develops and fluently applies relevant investigation analysis, interpretation, assessment, characterisation, prediction, evaluation, modelling, decision making, measurement, knowledge management and communication tools and techniques pertinent to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
	1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
		1.3.1 Proficiently applies advanced technical knowledge and skills in at least one specialist practice domain of the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
	1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
		1.4.1 Identifies and critically appraises current developments, advanced technologies, emerging issues and interdisciplinary linkages in at least one specialist practice domain of the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
		1.4.2 Interprets and applies selected research literature to inform engineering application in at least one specialist domain of the engineering discipline.	No	Intermediate
	1.5 Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
		1.5.1 Identifies and understands the interactions between engineering systems and people in the social, cultural, environmental, commercial, legal and political contexts in which they operate, including both the positive role of engineering in sustainable development and the potentially adverse impacts of engineering activity in the engineering discipline.	No	Intermediate
		1.5.2 Is aware of the founding principles of human factors relevant to the engineering discipline.	No	Intermediate
		1.5.3 Is aware of the fundamentals of business and enterprise management.	No	Intermediate
		1.5.4 Identifies the structure, roles and capabilities of the engineering workforce.	No	Intermediate
		1.5.5 Appreciates the issues associated with international engineering practice and global operating contexts.	No	Intermediate
	1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline.
		1.6.1 Applies systematic principles of engineering design relevant to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
		1.6.2 Appreciates the basis and relevance of standards and codes of practice, as well as legislative and statutory requirements applicable to the engineering discipline.	No	Intermediate
		1.6.3 Appreciates the principles of safety engineering, risk management and the health and safety responsibilities of the professional engineer, including legislative requirements applicable to the engineering discipline.	No	Intermediate
		1.6.4 Appreciates the social, environmental and economic principles of sustainable engineering practice.	No	Intermediate
		1.6.5 Understands the fundamental principles of engineering project management as a basis for planning, organising and managing resources.	No	Intermediate
		1.6.6 Appreciates the formal structures and methodologies of systems engineering as a holistic basis for managing complexity and sustainability in engineering practice.	No	Intermediate
2 Engineering Application Ability
	2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
		2.1.1 Identifies, discerns and characterises salient issues, determines and analyses causes and effects, justifies and applies appropriate simplifying assumptions, predicts performance and behaviour, synthesises solution strategies and develops substantiated conclusions.	Yes	Advanced
		2.1.2 Ensures that all aspects of an engineering activity are soundly based on fundamental principles - by diagnosing, and taking appropriate action with data, calculations, results, proposals, processes, practices, and documented information that may be ill-founded, illogical, erroneous, unreliable or unrealistic.	Yes	Advanced
		2.1.3 Competently addresses engineering problems involving uncertainty, ambiguity, imprecise information and wide-ranging and sometimes conflicting technical and non-technical factors.	Yes	Advanced
		2.1.4 Partitions problems, processes or systems into manageable elements for the purposes of analysis, modelling or design and then re-combines to form a whole, with the integrity and performance of the overall system as the paramount consideration.	Yes	Advanced
		2.1.5 Conceptualises alternative engineering approaches and evaluates potential outcomes against appropriate criteria to justify an optimal solution choice.	Yes	Advanced
		2.1.6 Critically reviews and applies relevant standards and codes of practice underpinning the engineering discipline and nominated specialisations.	Yes	Advanced
		2.1.7 Identifies, quantifies, mitigates and manages technical, health, environmental, safety and other contextual risks associated with engineering application in the designated engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
		2.1.8 Interprets and ensures compliance with relevant legislative and statutory requirements applicable to the engineering discipline.	No	Intermediate
		2.1.9 Investigates complex problems using research-based knowledge and research methods.	Yes	Advanced
	2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
		2.2.1 Proficiently identifies, selects and applies the materials, components, devices, systems, processes, resources, plant and equipment relevant to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
		2.2.2 Constructs or selects and applies from a qualitative description of a phenomenon, process, system, component or device a mathematical, physical or computational model based on fundamental scientific principles and justifiable simplifying assumptions.	Yes	Advanced
		2.2.3 Determines properties, performance, safe working limits, failure modes, and other inherent parameters of materials, components and systems relevant to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
		2.2.4 Applies a wide range of engineering tools for analysis, simulation, visualisation, synthesis and design, including assessing the accuracy and limitations of such tools, and validation of their results.	Yes	Advanced
		2.2.5 Applies formal systems engineering methods to address the planning and execution of complex, problem solving and engineering projects.	Yes	Advanced
		2.2.6 Designs and conducts experiments, analyses and interprets result data and formulates reliable conclusions.	Yes	Advanced
		2.2.7 Analyses sources of error in applied models and experiments; eliminates, minimises or compensates for such errors; quantifies significance of errors to any conclusions drawn.	Yes	Advanced
		2.2.8 Safely applies laboratory, test and experimental procedures appropriate to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
		2.2.9 Understands the need for systematic management of the acquisition, commissioning, operation, upgrade, monitoring and maintenance of engineering plant, facilities, equipment and systems.	No	Intermediate
		2.2.10 Understands the role of quality management systems, tools and processes within a culture of continuous improvement.	No	Introductory
	2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
		2.3.1 Proficiently applies technical knowledge and open ended problem solving skills as well as appropriate tools and resources to design components, elements, systems, plant, facilities and/or processes to satisfy user requirements.	Yes	Advanced
		2.3.2 Addresses broad contextual constraints such as social, cultural, environmental, commercial, legal political and human factors, as well as health, safety and sustainability imperatives as an integral part of the design process.	No	Intermediate
		2.3.3 Executes and leads a whole systems design cycle approach including tasks such as: a) determining client requirements and identifying the impact of relevant contextual factors, including business planning and costing targets; b) systematically addressing sustainability criteria; c) working within projected development, production and implementation constraints; d) eliciting, scoping and documenting the required outcomes of the design task and defining acceptance criteria; e) identifying assessing and managing technical, health and safety risks integral to the design process; f) writing engineering specifications, that fully satisfy the formal requirements; g) ensuring compliance with essential engineering standards and codes of practice; h) partitioning the design task into appropriate modular, functional elements; that can be separately addressed and subsequently integrated through defined interfaces; i) identifying and analysing possible design approaches and justifying an optimal approach; j) developing and completing the design using appropriate engineering principles, tools, and processes; k) integrating functional elements to form a coherent design solution; l) quantifying the materials, components, systems, equipment, facilities, engineering resources and operating arrangements needed for implementation of the solution; m) checking the design solution for each element and the integrated system against the engineering specifications; n) devising and documenting tests that will verify performance of the elements and the integrated realisation; o) prototyping/implementing the design solution and verifying performance against specification; p) documenting, commissioning and reporting the design outcome.	Yes	Advanced
		2.3.4 Is aware of the accountabilities of the professional engineer in relation to the design authority role.	No	Intermediate
	2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.
		2.4.1 Contributes to and/or manages complex engineering project activity, as a member and/or as leader of an engineering team.	Yes	Advanced
		2.4.2 Seeks out the requirements and associated resources and realistically assesses the scope, dimensions, scale of effort and indicative costs of a complex engineering project.	No	Intermediate
		2.4.3 Accommodates relevant contextual issues into all phases of engineering project work, including the fundamentals of business planning and financial management.	No	Introductory
		2.4.4 Proficiently applies basic systems engineering and/or project management tools and processes to the planning and execution of project work, targeting the delivery of a significant outcome to a professional standard.	Yes	Advanced
		2.4.5 Is aware of the need to plan and quantify performance over the full life-cycle of a project, managing engineering performance within the overall implementation context.	No	Intermediate
		2.4.6 Demonstrates commitment to sustainable engineering practices and the achievement of sustainable outcomes in all facets of engineering project work.	No	Intermediate
3 Professional and Personal Attributes
	3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.
		3.1.1 Demonstrates commitment to uphold the Engineers Australia - Code of Ethics, and established norms of professional conduct pertinent to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
		3.1.2 Understands the need for due-diligence in certification, compliance and risk management processes.	No	Intermediate
		3.1.3 Understands the accountabilities of the professional engineer and the broader engineering team for the safety of other people and for protection of the environment.	No	Introductory
		3.1.4 Is aware of the fundamental principles of intellectual property rights and protection.	No	Introductory
	3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
		3.2.1 Is proficient in listening, speaking, reading and writing English, including: a) comprehending critically and fairly the viewpoints of others; b) expressing information effectively and succinctly, issuing instruction, engaging in discussion, presenting arguments and justification, debating and negotiating to technical and non-technical audiences and using textual, diagrammatic, pictorial and graphical media best suited to the context; c) representing an engineering position, or the engineering profession at large to the broader community; d) appreciating the impact of body language, personal behaviour and other non-verbal communication processes, as well as the fundamentals of human social behaviour and their cross-cultural differences.	Yes	Advanced
		3.2.2 Prepares high quality engineering documents such as progress and project reports, reports of investigations and feasibility studies, proposals, specifications, design records, drawings, technical descriptions and presentations pertinent to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
	3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
		3.3.1 Applies creative approaches to identify and develop alternative concepts, solutions and procedures, appropriately challenges engineering practices from technical and non-technical viewpoints; identifies new technological opportunities.	Yes	Advanced
		3.3.2 Seeks out new developments in the engineering discipline and specialisations and applies fundamental knowledge and systematic processes to evaluate and report potential.	Yes	Advanced
		3.3.3 Is aware of broader fields of science, engineering, technology and commerce from which new ideas and interfaces may be may drawn and readily engages with professionals from these fields to exchange ideas.	No	Intermediate
	3.4 Professional use and management of information.
		3.4.1 Is proficient in locating and utilising information - including accessing, systematically searching, analysing, evaluating and referencing relevant published works and data; is proficient in the use of indexes, bibliographic databases and other search facilities.	Yes	Advanced
		3.4.2 Critically assesses the accuracy, reliability and authenticity of information.	Yes	Advanced
		3.4.3 Is aware of common document identification, tracking and control procedures.	Yes	Advanced
	3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
		3.5.1 Demonstrates commitment to critical self-review and performance evaluation against appropriate criteria as a primary means of tracking personal development needs and achievements.	No	Intermediate
		3.5.2 Understands the importance of being a member of a professional and intellectual community, learning from its knowledge and standards, and contributing to their maintenance and advancement.	No	Intermediate
		3.5.3 Demonstrates commitment to life-long learning and professional development.	No	Intermediate
		3.5.4 Manages time and processes effectively, prioritises competing demands to achieve personal, career and organisational goals and objectives.	No	Intermediate
		3.5.5 Thinks critically and applies an appropriate balance of logic and intellectual criteria to analysis, judgment and decision making.	Yes	Advanced
		3.5.6 Presents a professional image in all circumstances, including relations with clients, stakeholders, as well as with professional and technical colleagues across wide ranging disciplines.	Yes	Advanced
	3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership.
		3.6.1 Understands the fundamentals of team dynamics and leadership.	Yes	Advanced
		3.6.2 Functions as an effective member or leader of diverse engineering teams, including those with multilevel, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural dimensions.	Yes	Advanced
		3.6.3 Earns the trust and confidence of colleagues through competent and timely completion of tasks.	Yes	Advanced
		3.6.4 Recognises the value of alternative and diverse viewpoints, scholarly advice and the importance of professional networking.	Yes	Advanced
		3.6.5 Confidently pursues and discerns expert assistance and professional advice.	Yes	Advanced
		3.6.6 Takes initiative and fulfils the leadership role whilst respecting the agreed roles of others.	Yes	Advanced