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Sam Siewert

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5315, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

Course Description: In this course, students will design and build a microprocessor-based embedded system application using a real-time operating system or RT POSIX extensions with Embedded Linux. The course focus is on the process as well as fundamentals of integrating microprocessor-based embedded system elements for digital command and control of typical embedded hardware systems.

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This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5315, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

Course Description: In this course, students will design and build a microprocessor-based embedded system application using a real-time operating system or RT POSIX extensions with Embedded Linux. The course focus is on the process as well as fundamentals of integrating microprocessor-based embedded system elements for digital command and control of typical embedded hardware systems.

Lab Description: The course requires the student to install embedded Linux on the Raspberry Pi ARM A-Series System-on-Chip processor. This course must be completed using a Raspberry Pi as an embedded system (headless) not a PC running Linux. You will however find Linux as a useful host development system or Windows with an SSH terminal access tool such as Putty, MobaXterm, or equivalent.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Exploration of RT Challenges and Concepts
This module gives an introduction to real-time theory , challenges faced in designing real-time systems and scheduling policies implemented while comparing the Linux POSIX real-time threads to RTOS and MFE systems.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a practical foundation for building and integrating embedded systems using real-time operating systems
Covers industry-standard concepts, such as scheduling theory, real-time POSIX extensions, and embedded Linux
Teaches hands-on skills through a project-based approach using the Raspberry Pi embedded system
Provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of embedded system design and implementation
Taught by instructors with extensive industry experience in embedded systems and real-time operating systems
Requires the use of a Raspberry Pi and specific software tools, which may not be easily accessible to some learners

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive real-time embedded systems

According to students, this course provides a strong foundation in real-time embedded systems, distinguishing itself with a highly practical approach. Learners frequently praise the hands-on labs and projects using the Raspberry Pi, which are described as highly effective for understanding complex concepts. The instructor's expertise and clarity are consistently highlighted as a major strength. While the course is broadly applicable, some found the conceptual parts challenging without prior embedded experience, suggesting it's ideal for those seeking practical application in a professional context.
Beneficial with some prior embedded experience.
"For someone with some prior embedded experience, the course pacing is perfect, allowing for deep dives into critical areas."
"While thorough, those completely new to embedded systems might find the initial conceptual modules a bit fast-paced."
"I found that having a basic understanding of C programming and Linux commands greatly enhanced my learning experience."
Requires specific hardware and environment setup.
"The requirement to use a Raspberry Pi and set up a headless embedded Linux environment initially presented a learning curve."
"While the Raspberry Pi integration is powerful, be prepared for some initial setup challenges if you're new to embedded hardware."
"I had to spend some time ensuring my Raspberry Pi setup was correct before diving into the labs, which was a minor hurdle."
Provides a solid grounding in core concepts.
"The course does an excellent job of covering the fundamental concepts of real-time operating systems and embedded Linux."
"I gained a solid foundation in real-time theory and scheduling, which I had been looking for."
"This course provided a comprehensive overview of real-time challenges and architectures, which is essential for embedded development."
Equips learners with directly applicable skills.
"This course is highly relevant for anyone working with embedded systems or looking to enter the field. The skills are directly applicable."
"I feel much more confident in designing real-time systems after completing this course. It directly enhanced my professional capabilities."
"The topics covered are exactly what I needed for my job, providing practical tools and strategies I can immediately apply."
Instructor delivers complex topics with clarity.
"The instructor is very knowledgeable and explains complex real-time concepts in an understandable way."
"I found the instructor’s lectures to be incredibly clear and well-structured, making even difficult topics accessible."
"The teaching style made it easy to grasp challenging subjects, demonstrating deep expertise in the field."
Highly effective for practical skill development.
"The course excels in providing hands-on experience, particularly with the Raspberry Pi labs, which are crucial for learning embedded systems."
"The practical aspects of the course, especially the labs, were invaluable. I truly learned by doing and building."
"I appreciated the direct application of theoretical knowledge through practical exercises using the Raspberry Pi platform."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Real-Time Embedded Systems Concepts and Practices with these activities:
Review Embedded System Concepts
Review the key terms and principles that form the foundation of embedded system design, such as real-time theory and scheduling policies.
Show steps
  • Read the provided materials on embedded systems
  • Go over your notes from previous courses
  • Review online resources and tutorials
Participate in Discussions with Classmates
Engage with fellow classmates to discuss course material, ask questions, and enhance your understanding through peer learning.
Show steps
  • Join online forums or discussion groups
  • Participate in discussions, sharing insights and asking questions
  • Read and respond to others' posts
Follow Tutorials on Setting Up Embedded Linux
Develop a deeper understanding of the practical implementation of embedded Linux on a Raspberry Pi, solidifying your grasp of the course concepts.
Browse courses on Embedded Linux
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on setting up Embedded Linux on Raspberry Pi
  • Follow the instructions to set up Embedded Linux
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Solve Problems on Real-Time System Design
Test and refine your understanding of real-time system design principles by solving problems and applying the concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on Scheduling
Show steps
  • Find practice problems and exercises
  • Work through the problems, applying scheduling algorithms and concepts
  • Review solutions and identify areas for improvement
Build a Simple Embedded System Application
Put your knowledge into practice by designing and developing a functional embedded system application, solidifying your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on Linux
Show steps
  • Plan and design the embedded system application
  • Implement the application using Embedded Linux
  • Test and debug the application
Contribute to Open-Source Embedded System Projects
Gain practical experience by contributing to real-world embedded system projects, expanding your knowledge and making a valuable contribution to the community.
Browse courses on Open-Source Software
Show steps
  • Identify open-source embedded system projects
  • Review the project documentation and code
  • Identify areas where you can contribute
  • Make your contributions and collaborate with the project team

Career center

Learners who complete Real-Time Embedded Systems Concepts and Practices will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Real-Time Systems Engineer
Real-Time Systems Engineers design and develop systems that must respond to events within a specific time frame. This course provides a solid foundation in real-time systems concepts and practices, including scheduling algorithms, resource management, and performance analysis, which are essential for success in this role.
Embedded Software Engineer
Embedded Software Engineers design, develop, and test software for embedded systems, which are computer systems designed to perform a specific function within a larger system. The knowledge and skills gained in this course can be directly applied to this role, as embedded systems often require real-time capabilities and must meet strict performance and reliability requirements.
Mechatronics Engineer
Mechatronics Engineers design and develop systems that combine mechanical and electrical engineering. This course can provide valuable knowledge and skills for this role, as mechatronic systems often require real-time capabilities and must meet strict performance and reliability requirements.
Firmware Engineer
Firmware Engineers develop and maintain the software that controls embedded systems. This course can provide valuable knowledge and skills for this role, as firmware often needs to meet real-time requirements and must be highly reliable and efficient.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineers design, develop, and test robots. This course can provide valuable knowledge and skills for this role, as robots often require real-time capabilities and must meet strict performance and reliability requirements.
Control Systems Engineer
Control Systems Engineers design and develop systems that control physical systems. This course can provide valuable knowledge and skills for this role, as control systems often require real-time capabilities and must meet strict performance and reliability requirements.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems that meet the needs of an organization. This course can provide valuable knowledge and skills for this role, as systems analysts often need to work with embedded systems and must understand real-time requirements.
Test Engineer
Test Engineers design and execute tests to ensure that products meet specifications. This course can provide valuable knowledge and skills for this role, as embedded systems often require rigorous testing to ensure reliability and performance.
Quality Assurance Engineer
Quality Assurance Engineers ensure that products meet quality standards. This course can provide valuable knowledge and skills for this role, as embedded systems often require strict quality control to ensure reliability and performance.
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineers design and develop computer hardware systems. This course can provide a valuable foundation for this role, as embedded systems often require specialized hardware and must meet strict performance and reliability requirements.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns. This course may be useful for this role, as embedded systems are often marketed to technical audiences.
Sales Engineer
Sales Engineers sell technical products. This course may be useful for this role, as embedded systems are often complex products that require specialized knowledge to sell.
Product Manager
Product Managers define and manage products. This course may be useful for this role, as embedded systems are often complex products that require careful planning and management.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects. This course may be useful for this role, as embedded systems projects often require careful planning and execution.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for technical products. This course may be useful for this role, as embedded systems often require detailed documentation.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Real-Time Embedded Systems Concepts and Practices.
Provides a comprehensive overview of embedded systems, including relevant concepts and practices, making it valuable as a background or reference resource.
Explores the fundamental concepts, principles, and applications of real-time systems, offering a solid theoretical foundation for the course.
Presents a comprehensive introduction to embedded systems, focusing on the interplay between hardware and software and providing a solid foundation for understanding real-time systems.
Offers a comprehensive treatment of embedded systems design, covering both hardware and software aspects, providing a broader perspective.
Provides a unified approach to embedded system design, offering a holistic understanding of both hardware and software components.
Offers a detailed reference on the ARM Cortex-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems, providing additional technical depth.
Offers a comprehensive overview of embedded systems design, providing a foundation for the course's focus on embedded systems concepts and practices.
Provides a theoretical foundation for understanding real-time systems, including programming languages and scheduling theory, offering additional depth to the course.

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