Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Advanced Embedded Systems
Code ELEC470
Coordinator Dr S Khursheed
Electrical Engineering and Electronics
S.Khursheed@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

This module covers material for understanding and designingadvanced embedded computer systems.

Key topics include computer architecture, low-powerdesign, hardware/software co-design and logic synthesis techniques.

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will achieve a full understanding of modernembedded systems including computer architecture, low-power design, hardware/softwareco-design and logic synthesis techniques.

(LO2) On successful completion the student should be able to understand published data concerning use of typical computer system design and components.

(S1) On successful completion of the module, students should be able to show experience and enhancement of the following key skills: Independent learning, Problem solving and design skills.

(S2) On successful completetion the student should be able to understand published literature on topics related to low-power embedded systems.

(S3) After scuccessful completion of the module, the student should have: an understanding of the internal operation of CPU, computer architecture, low-power design techniques, hardward/software co-design and logic synthesis techniques.

Syllabus
 

Characteristics of E mbedded Systems
Low power, design reuse, open standards, IP

Computer Architecture
von Neumann structure, standard CPU architecture
characteristics and comparison of CISC and RISC systems

ALU architecture
requirements of the ALU, number representation, ALU sub-circuits

Memory cache
performance measures, direct mapped, associative cache design, write strategies

Low power digital circuit design
Voltage scaling, clock gating, power gating, Multi Vdd, Multi Vt

Synthesis of digital systems
High level synthesis

Hardware/Software Co-design
SystemC

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Due to Covid-19, one or more of the following delivery methods will be implemented based on the current local conditions and the situation of registered students. It is anticipated that both a) & b) will be in operation for semester 1.
(a) Hybrid delivery, with social distancing on Campus
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - Synchronous face to face tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight

(b) Fully online delivery and assessment
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - On-line synchronous tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight

(c) Standard on-campus delivery with minimal social distancing
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

         13

12

 49
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 101
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
(470) Exam There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2 examination period  0    75       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
(470.1) coursework There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :During semester 2  0    19       
(470.2) SystemC Lab There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :During semester 2  3    6       

Reading List
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.