Real-Time Embedded Systems (SS 2025)
Module Description
The “Real-Time Embedded Systems” module covers (a) embedded systems and (b) real-time software design principles for such embedded systems. In this project-oriented, highly practical course, we will develop our own microcontroller-based embedded devices that interact with the environment using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. We will study the key technical principles of common systems-on-chip (SoCs, also known as microcontrollers, MCs), including the connection of analog and digital sensors and actuators. We will focus on fundamental design principles of embedded software such as embedded real-time operating systems (RTOS), state machines, task concurrency, and interrupt handling.
This do-it-yourself (DIY) approach, with a working device as the project deliverable, is highly motivating and provides deep insights into the principles of software design. Embedded systems are ideal for learning the fundamentals because their limited resources require careful design. They cannot be overloaded with useless or superfluous software components. Because everything has to be so clean on embedded devices, the fundamentals become clear. Embedded software developers must be knowledgeable, highly precise, and to the point.
The insights gained in this course also shape the students' high-level programming skills.
Espressif ESP32-S3 development kit used in this course. (https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-dev-kits/en/latest/esp32s3/)
Topics
- Embedded systems architecture: systems on chip (SoC) / microcontrollers (MC)
- Analog and digital input and output
- Interfacing sensors and actuators
- Serial bus systems
- Low power design
- What is real-time?
- “Super Loop” program flow
- Interrupts
- Finite State Machines
- Tasks, threads, processes
- Multi-tasking, concurrent tasks, and parallel execution
- Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
- Wireless data transmission: IoT / LoRa / WiFi
Final Assignment
Students have to build an embedded device in a hardware/software project, including documentation and presentation.
Organization
This module is a typical 60/90 course:
60 hours presence (lectures + labs)
90 hours self-study
As with all other subjects it means that
YOU HAVE TO PRACTICE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!
HSRW Moodle Course
Schedule of Lectures and Labs
DATE/TIME TO BE DEFINED, DEPENDENT ON STUDENTS' AVAILABILITY! - Room 02 02 505 (IoT-Lab)
| Date | Preparation in Advance (Homework) | Lecture Topic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 01 | tba | First DIY activity on RTES. Go to RTOS wiki page, section (2) DevCon23 - Using ESP-IDF FreeRTOS Functionality Within an ESP32 Arduino Project. Open the video on YouTube, watch it, and try all the steps yourself in the simulation environnment. You can find simulation environments using the links in the video description on YouTube. You probably won't understand all the concepts, but that's okay. We'll learn all about them over the course of this module. | Introduction to Course, SoC and RTOS |
| Session 02 | tba | ||
| Session 03 | tba | ||
| … | … | … | |
| — | 2025-07-07 - 2025-07-11 | Exam Week 1 | |
| — | 2025-07-14 - 2025-07-18 | Exam Week 2 |