Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Microprocessor Systems
Code ELEC422
Coordinator Professor JS Smith
Electrical Engineering and Electronics
J.S.Smith@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

This module provides an understanding of the construction and operation of microprocessor based systems.
Students are introduced to programming at low level and interfacing microprocessors to other components.

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
 

Co-requisite modules:
ELEC473 DIGITAL SYSTEM DESIGN 

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) On successful completion of the module students should have sufficient knowledge in both hardware and software to be able to use microprocessors in typical engineering applications.

(LO2) On successful completion of the module students should be able to program the Cortex M series in Assembly Language.

(LO3) On successful completion of the module students should be able to interface additional components to the AHB-Lite bus and understand the operation of the AHB-Lite bus.

(LO4) On successful completion of the module students should be able to use a real-time operating system to create a multithreaded program runing on a Cortex M series device.

(S1) On successful completion of the module, students should be able to show experience and enhancement of the following key skills: Independent learning, Problem solving, Design skills

Syllabus
 

Processor system hardware outline
General processor system hardware elements, structures and organisation
Low level language programming
An introduction to the instruction set for the selected CPU.
Use of the assembler.
Creating programmes and programme styructures in assembly language.
Processor system hardware structure CPU structure.
Bus systems, memory systems, IO devices.
Real Time Operating Systems Explanations of the reasons for using operating systems and the services they provide inclusing scheduling, resource sharing, interprocess communications.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Due to Covid-19, one or more of the following delivery methods will be implemented based on the current local conditions and the situation of registered students.

(a) Hybrid delivery, with social distancing on Campus
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average two per week

Teaching Method 2 - Synchronous face to face tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 3 - Campus based Laboratory Work Tutorials
Description: Laboratory Sessions to undertake tutorials and the Assignments
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 3 hours of supervised lab per week

(b) Fully online delivery and assessment
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lecture s to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average two per week

Teaching Method 2 - On-line synchronous tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 3 - on-line Laboratory Work Tutorials
Description: Laboratory Sessions to undertake tutorials and the Assignments
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 3 hours of on-line supervised lab per week where students can contact demonstrators to provide support

(c) Standard on-campus delivery with minimal social distancing
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average two per week

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 3 - Laboratory Work
Description: Laboratory Sessions to undertake tutorials and the Assignments
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 3 hours of supervised lab per week

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 18

   6

 72

   18

 114
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 36
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
(422) Assessment 1 Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :Submitted week 6  15    30       
(422.1) Assessment 3 Assessment Schedule (When) :Submitted week 12  30    40       
(422.2) Assessment 2 Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :Submitted week 9  30    30       

Reading List
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.