MECH ENG 7072 - Micro-Controller Programming

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2022

The focus of this course is on the programming and use of micro-controllers in mechatronics applications. Assuming basic knowledge of the C programming language, the material is presented in a combination of lectures, tutorials and hands-on laboratory sessions. The build process of microcontroller software is examined in detail thereby providing the language of understanding compiler handbooks, on-line publications and micro-controller datasheets. The new skills are then applied in a number of practical case studies covering typical mechatronics applications including servo-mechanisms, sensor interfacing, real-time issues and inter-platform communications. Emphasis will be laid on the confident use of the C programming language using a variety of programming environments. Fault finding techniques will be introduced, ranging from low-level in-circuit debugging to source-level debugging on simulators and evaluation boards. Small-group projects and case studies will be used to provide important hands-on experience with micro-controller based projects.

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Course Details

Course Code	MECH ENG 7072
Course	Micro-Controller Programming
Coordinating Unit	School of Mechanical Engineering
Term	Semester 2
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 4 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	N
Incompatible	MECH ENG 3032
Assumed Knowledge	ENG 1002
Restrictions	Available to Masters Mechatronic and Graduate Diploma Mechatronic students only
Assessment	Assignments

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Mr Matthew Forbes

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1	Analyse the needs of mechatronic applications and design appropriate micro-controller based solutions;
2	Apply the hardware units within a modern micro-controller;
3	Create micro-controller based applications through appropriate use of software tools;
4	Interface external devices to a micro-controller;

The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for the Professional Engineer.
The course is designed to develop the following Elements of Competency: 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.	1-4
Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.	1, 3, 4
Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.	1, 3, 4
Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.	1, 3, 4
Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.	1
Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.	1-4

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Lecture Notes provided

Recommended Resources

Qing Li, Caroline Yao, Real-Time Concepts for Embedded Systems, CMP Books, New York, 2003, ISBN 1-57820-124-1

Thomas Bräunl, Embedded Robotics, Mobile Robot Design and Applications with Embedded Systems, Springer, Berlin, 2003, ISBN 3-540-03436-6

Online Learning

Jonathan W. Valvano, Developing Embedded Software in C Using ICC11/ICC12/Metrowerks, online book, [last accessed: 10/01/2006]
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes

The course takes a flexible approach to teaching and learning with material delivered, concepts explored and skills developed using a range of techniques. A flipped model is utilised with interactive sessions used for presentation of material, exploration of concepts and discussion of directed reading. A series of quizzes are used to establish existing knowledge and the assimilation of taught concepts.

Laboratories are centred upon project based learning with case studies used to provide hands-on experience.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

Indicative workload is 13 hours per week

Activity Hours

Interactive lecture sessions 12

Online activities 24

Laboratories (optional) 6

Self study 56

Directed reading 12

Assignments 45

Learning Activities Summary
Introduction [1 week]
- Definition of embedded systems
- Application examples
- Common micro-controller tasks
- Typical hardware units within a micro-controller
- Software development cycle
- Programming languages for micro-controllers (C, C++, Java)
- Target Platform: Wytec Dragon12
- Software IDE: Keil C166, Metrowerks CodeWarrior, GNU gcc
The build process, fundamentals [1 week]
- Compiler, assembler, linker
- Compiler and linker options
- Keil C166 projects
- Source level debugging using a micro-controller simulator
- Debugging using a target monitor
- Macro definitions, configuration registers and stack frames
- Memory models and memory maps
- Memory type specifiers
- Object classes and storage class
Micro-controller interfacing [2 weeks]
- Address, data and control busses
- Serial, parallel, DMA techniques
- Interrupts and polling
- Timing
- Digital I/O
- A/D converter
- Serial communications
- PWM unit
- Object classes and storage class
The build process, advanced concepts [2 weeks]
- Sections, modules, programs
- The linker
- Interpreting the assembler listing
- Interpreting the linker map file
- Near data and far data
- Library files
- Development utilities
- Objects file formats: ELF, COFF, DWARF-1/2, S-Records, Intel HEX
- Optimisation
Interfacing to Mechatronic Devices [3 weeks]
- Intelligent instrumentation
- Transducers
- Signal processing
- Motion control
- Power circuitry
Embedded control applications [3 weeks]
- Servo-motor control
- Stepper motor control
- Real-time data logger (menu driven, RS-232, communications, adjustable sample rate)
Specific Course Requirements

N/A

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Weighting (%)	Individual/ Group	Formative/ Summative	Due (week)*	Hurdle criteria	Learning outcomes
Quizzes	5	Individual	Formative/Summative	Weeks 1-12		2. 4.
Assignment 1 Mini project	25	Individual	Summative	Week 5		1. 2. 3.
Assignment 2 Research project	25	Individual	Summative	Week 9		1.
Assignment 3 Mini project	25	Individual/Group	Summative	Week 12		1. 2. 3. 4.
Class tests	20	Individual	Summative	Weeks 4 & 8		1. 2. 3. 4.
Total	100

* The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.

This assessment breakdown complies with the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy.

Assessment Related Requirements

N/A

Assessment Detail

Assignments 75%

Requires research and the design, implementation and test of microcontroller based systems. Submission of engineering reports and developed software.

Quizzes 5%

Class tests 20%

Submission

Fully commented source code and associated assignment documentation must be submitted through myUni. Late submissions are subject to a penalty of 10% per working day. Re-submissions are not allowed except under extenuating circumstances. Assignments will normally be returned within 2 working weeks.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

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SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator