Learning outcome:
The course shall give the students understanding of topics related to design of embedded systems, typically including both specially designed hardware and software running on a microprocessor.

Recommended previous knowledge:
The course assumes a good background in design of digital electronics (e.g., TFE4175 Realization and Test of Digital Components) and basic understanding of programming (e.g., TDT4100 Object-Oriented Programming). If your background is different but you think the topic can be interesting and useful, we encourage you to contact the course coordinator to see if it is still possible to take the course.

Content, learning methods and activities:
Methods and techniques used in HW/SW Codesign are studied. The detailed content can be adapted to the needs of the students taking the course. Typical topics are hw/sw partitioning, estimation of design quality, selection of candidates for and design of hw accelerators, real time programming, high level optimization, and compilers for embedded systems. The course will be organized as a combination of lectures, colloquiums (where students present parts of the curriculum), and laboratory assignments. In the laboratory you will work with and FPGA with an embedded soft microcontroller (Nios from Altera). Through use of the design software Quartus, Nios can be integrated in your hw design. It can also be adapted to a given application through development of special instructions with a accompanying co-processor (accelerator) in hardware.

Course material:
Collection of articles and extracts from books.

Examination:
Written examination. 2 hours. Examination aids D: No written and handwritten examination support materials are permitted. A specified, simple calculator is permitted.

Extent:
The theme gives 3.75 credits, and will normally be taken together with another theme to form a complete specialization giving 7.5 credits.