Design Methodology of Embedded Systems

Even if you cannot see them – embedded systems are everywhere. Very often, the only time that we take notice of them is when they no longer function properly: All of a sudden, the expensive new car refuses to go any further. Doors in the shopping mall do not open or close anymore at closing time. The barrier in the parking garage remains closed. The smart phone cannot login at the network.

Not only can certain bugs take away comfortable functions, incorrectly designed systems can be extremely dangerous and become very expensive. For example, there were certain incidents when rockets that had expensive satellites on board had to be blown up because they lost their intended trajectories and became a threat. One of the most cost-intensive mistakes throughout the history of embedded systems was the explosion of an “Ariane” rocket in 1996. The damage reached 370 Million $ and was caused by an overflow of a register which on the other hand was the outcome of the fact that Ariane 5 accelerated quicker than the predecessor Ariane 4.

Embedded Systems became so complex during the course of the last decades that methods of computer-assisted design have to be applied. This module deals with the building of models and the analysis of embedded systems, focusing on the design of a uniform model for event-driven real-time systems.

The course focuses mainly on:

• Model-based design of embedded systems
• Time and real-time systems
• Modelling of embedded systems: event models and graphs
• Intrinsic analysis of real-time systems
• Extrinsic analysis of real-time systems
• Complexity and approximation of the extrinsic analysis
• Optimization and Design Space Exploration

• In taking part in the module “Design Methodology of Embedded Systems” you will learn how to describe and sketch the model-based design of embedded systems.
• You will be able to name and distinguish different analytic processes for the assessment of embedded systems.
• From a set of different methods and algorithms for the analysis of real-time operation, you will learn how to pick a suitable method in order to solve a given problem.
• You will be enabled to build new methods and algorithms and to prove their correctness.
• You will be able to identify the complexity of algorithms and to develop approximations.
• Moreover, you will be able to assess various designs of embedded systems and to compare them.

Online-learning takes place as self-study units as well as group work. For structuring the self-study-part there are provided videos that illustrate the contents and an elaborated script. The script is developed especially for students that work full-time while studying, according to the didactic concept of Ulm University. The script contains learning stopps, multiple and single choice tests, quizzes, exercises, etc.

Your mentor will offer online seminars in periodic intervals. These seminars will help you handling the exercises and working on the learning matters. An online forum for exchange with the other students will also be available.

Requirement is a first graduate degree.

Contentual: For participating in this module it is important to know the basics of computer architecture or the architecture of embedded systems.

Regular participation in online seminars will help you solving exercises, which have to be loaded up to the learning management system after request of the mentor. Passing the exercises successfully is recommended for participation in the final oral examination at Ulm University. For further information, please have a look into the module description.

After finishing your exam successfully you will get a certificate and a supplement, which will list the contents of the module and the competencies you have acquired. The supplement  confirms you the equivalent of 6 credit points (ECTS).

Participation fee for certificate course: 1 170 Euro

Fee after matriculation: 990 Euro