This course is a theme within the specialization TFE4525 Design of Digital Systems. It gives an introduction to challenges related to design of embedded systems, which typically includes both specially designed hardware and software running on a microprocessor. See the following Introduction to HW/SW codesign for an overview of the topic.

The course will be organized as a combination of lectures, colloquiums (where students present parts of the curriculum), and laboratory assignments. In 2009 the course covered the following curriculum. It may change somewhat from year to year, but the 2009-version gives a good indication of the types of topics typically covered. In the laboratory you will work with an FPGA with an embedded soft micro controller (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.

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., TDT4102 Procedural and 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.

Information regarding the first lecture autumn 2010 will be published here at the beginning of the term. The course uses the e-learning system it's learning. Detailed information meant for students taking the course will be published there.