Embedded system design based on beaglebone black with embedded linux

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. 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. In its current form the course has been totally redesigned based on BeagleBone Black. The BeagleBone Black is a compact, affordable, open-source Linux computing platform ideal for class room learning and designing. The operating system for the board is Linux and course is delivered with C++ and Python. The paper elaborates the architecture of the board, its multiple processors and accompanying hardware components that are utilized in the course. It will further discuss the software methodologies utilized in the course with C++ and Python languages. Debian Linux is utilized in the course with command line environment. Paper discusses all the different tools employed like Putty and Win SCP and Eclipse IDE that will be needed in the execution of software Design on PC. Laboratory exercises covered the interfacing, controlling, and communicating with the physical environment. 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. The pedagogy of the course delivery is based on "Interactive Learning model", utilizing the methodology of Outcome Based Education. Outcome Based Education's end result is the students' design projects performed at the end of the course. 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.