MCO556 - ARM Microcontroller for Real-time Embedded Applications

Outline information
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Last revision date 2023-10-02 00:47:47.5
Last review date 2023-12-04 00:15:09.26

Subject Title
ARM Microcontroller for Real-time Embedded Applications

Subject Description

MCO556 is the second microcontroller course offered to Computer Engineering Technology and Electronics Engineering Technology students.
The MCO556 course has been developed to meet the emerging labour market for embedded systems developers. The essential goal of this course is to lay out a foundation that supports professional style of microcontroller programming.
The MCO556 course introduces students to the practical aspects of using an ARMŽ Cortex-M4 microcontroller (MCU) and a professional, Eclipse-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for developing real-time embedded applications.
The course uses the Freedom FRDM-K64F Development Board, MCUXpresso IDE, MCUXpresso Config Tools (MCU configuration tools), and Software Development Kit (SDK) (programming examples) from NXP Semiconductors. The programming language is C.
The course develops the skills in programming the microcontroller's General Purpose Input/ Output (GPIO) for processing digital input and output devices, external hardware interrupts for detecting and processing asynchronous external events, and internal peripheral devices such as timers and timer interrupts for producing time delays, time out periods, and pulse-width modulated signals (PWM).
The course introduces the Real Time Operating System (RTOS) for developing multitasking embedded applications. The course presents essential multitasking synchronization methods like time-slicing, task blocking, task yielding, mutexes, semaphores, queues, event groups, and software timers. The RTOS used in the course is FreeRTOS from Amazon Web Services (AWS).
The course puts emphasis on many hands-on laboratory experiments and a course project where students develop various practical real-time embedded applications.

Credit Status

One subject credit in the Computer Engineering Technology Program and Electronics Engineering Technology Program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

 

1. Develop real-time programs in C language for the ARM® Cortex-M4 microcontroller by using the professional, Eclipse-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

2. Enable and configure various built in microcontroller features and peripheral devices by using the MCU Configuration Tools.

3. Write and debug C programs for the microcontroller using common internal peripherals such as GPIO, timers, pulse width modulation (PWM), and the SCI serial communication interface.

4. Implement external and internal interrupts to create software solutions for interrupt-driven microcontroller applications.

5. Implement Real-time Operating System (RTOS) in embedded systems to perform multitasking operations.

6. Develop RTOS-based multitasking applications that utilize the task scheduler and various essential task synchronization methods.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.