Introduction

Embedded (or reactive ) systems monitor, respond to, or control an external environment through sensors, actuators and other I/O interfaces. These systems are inherently concurrent } and are characterised by the need for reliable software which satisfy timing constraints . This module provides an introduction to the fundamental principles underlying the specification, design and implementation of embedded systems with particular emphasis on the software.

Context

The third year Operating Systems module is a pre-requisite for this one. The System Level Integration Practical will complement the material covered in this module.

• General Course-related Documents
  • Syllabus
  • References:
    • Alan Shaw, Real-Time Systems and Software, John Wiley \& Sons, Inc. 2001.
    • Alan Burns \& Andy Wellings, Real-Time Systems \& Programming Languages, Third Edition, Addison Wesley, 2001.
    • The Esterel website
  • Course questionnaire

• Lectures
  • Lecture Log - Updated after every lecture; contains lecture outlines

  • Lecture Notes - contains detailed slides for each lecture
    • Lecture Note 0 (08/10/01)
    • Lecture Note 1 (10/10/01)

• Coursework

  There will be one piece of assessed coursework which will be handed out in week 3 with the deadline in week 9 .
  Please note that deadlines are firm -- extensions are not given except in truly exceptional circumstances.

• Exams

  This is a new module offered for the first time this year. As a result, there are no Past Papers. The exam format will be discussed in the final lecture.