Multiprocessor embedded system design a course with hardware software integration

Abstract

The paper expounds the content of the course and further explores the context with which the course is delivered that finally turns over the ownership of the subject material to the learner in the form of final projects. The pedagogy of the course delivery is based on "Interactive Learning model". The course is conducted in a lab or studio like settings, that integrates both lecture and laboratory work in the same settings. The paper elaborates the benefits derived through the pedagogical approaches of keeping the learner actively engaged in all aspects of discovery and design. The course interactively involves the learner in directing and defining the System Design under discourse. Any system of complexity in its design realization utilizes the power of multiple processors. This course is based on imparting the skill sets involved in dealing with integrating multiple processors, with single or multiple Operating Systems (OS). The core of course is PC centric that utilizes the power of native PC processor for supervisory functions. The system is comprised of additional microcontrollers (typically PIC 16F887s) for achieving dedicated functionality and their respective interrupts. The paper elaborates the multiple processors and accompanying hardware components that are utilized in the course. It will further discuss the multiple software Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) that will be needed in the execution of software Design. The course utilizes both C (in embedded applications) and C ++ (in both console and Graphical Users Interface modes) Programming Languages. This is a 400-level course that has retained its technological currency by climbing the evolutionary ladder of myriad of technological advances in hardware, software and OSs. Through this course the students in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology program develop the design template that they utilize in a Capstone Senior Design two course sequence and become proficient system designers for tackling challenges of the industry. © 2012 American Society for Engineering Education.