Embedded Systems | ECSE 421 - McGill University

Explore the fundamentals of embedded system design, including hardware, software, and optimization techniques. Gain hands-on experience with an industrially relevant platform.

Introduction

An embedded system is any computer system embedded in a larger product for the purpose of monitoring or controlling some part of the larger system. Embedded systems, unlike general-purpose computer systems, are highly optimized to deliver the best application-specific performance possible under a wide and varying set of constraints. This course covers the basic elements of embedded system design, including system specification and modeling, the components of embedded hardware and software, and techniques for system validation, evaluation, and optimization.

Highlights

• Familiarize students with each aspect of embedded system design and their relationship with design and optimization as a whole
• Provide hands-on experience developing a working embedded system on an industrially relevant hardware platform
• Cover topics such as real-time programming, microcontroller and DSP architectures, real-time kernels and services, and networking for distributed systems

Recommendation

This course is recommended for students interested in the principles of design for embedded systems, who want to gain experience applying various models for describing components of computation and communication protocols, and understanding the fundamentals of embedded system hardware and software, as well as associated evaluation and validation techniques.