Embedded Systems Design Though Curriculum

Jacqueline BannisterLuke HarveyJacob Holen

Jordan Peterson

Problem StatementThe Department of Computer Engineering has found that underclassman students are struggling to see the connection between concepts learned within the curriculum and real world applications. Additionally the curriculum of each course tends to be compartmentalized, therefore not providing a birds eye view of the entire field. This Computer Engineering field encompasses the areas of embedded systems, computer architecture and software systems.

Additional Issues:• Little student involvement in clubs related to the program• Students quickly lose interest in the program because of the

difficulty of the curriculum and lack of encountering real world applications or design experiences

Need Statement

Design an inquiry-based learning module that focuses on the use of course curriculum in the area of embedded systems for the Computer Engineering department. As outlined in the ADEPT proposal this program should:• Motivate students to learn new material• Provide alternate learning methodologies to address

different learning styles• Increase the design experience in the computer

engineering program• Motivate students to create a community of learners

focused around problem solving

System Design - Requirements• Projects must effectively integrate knowledge expected of

students for that given year

• The courses will define checkpoints and milestones for students while still allowing for a design experience

• The proposed modules must engage student interest

• Should accommodate for various levels of skill sets and learning styles

• Should demonstrate area of embedded systems using robotics application

Course Breakdown

System Design – Sophomore Class

Dry Erase Bot Competition

• Goal: Color more squares thanopponent in time limit

• Avoid obstacles, boundary,enemy robot

• Team’s robot designs will betheir own choice using given supplies

System Design – Junior Class

D-Bomb Robot Competition

• Goal: Autonomously find “Bomb” object in a room filled with various obstacles

• Avoid obstacles, boundaries, danger• Deactivate “bomb” once located• Map path made around room

Class Outline

Introduction to competition

Students given tutorials for all components

Students loaned a box of components

Project milestones due every 3-4 weeks

Final Report

Competition

Platform

• NI Compact Rio 9073

– Up to 8 modules– Onboard FPGA– Heavy Duty– Expensive

• NI Single Board Compact Rio– Up to 4 modules– Onboard FPGA– Not so heavy duty– Cheaper

Software/Hardware

• NI LabVIEW– Real-time– FPGA– Embedded

• Libraries

• NI Smart Camera– Image Recognition

• Servos/Linear Actuators• IR Sensor• Sonar• Light Sensor• Chassis (body, wheels, etc)• Breadboard/Electronics

Cost of componentsComponent Quantity Price Total

cRIO 1 1500 1500

Modules 6 300-1000 3150

Smart Camera 1 2000 2000

Servo/Stepper 2 20 40

Linear Actuator 2 40 80

DC motor 2-4 20 60

IR Sensor 1 10 10

Chassis N/A ? ?

Compass 1 30 30

Electronics N/A Cheap cheap

Wireless 1 N/A N/A

Success Metrics(Test)

Execution of course material

Each component implemented

Prototype robot

Assure robots can perform required tasks

Experimental Course