Electronic and Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Sonraí an Chúrsa
Course Code | SG_ETRON_K08 |
---|---|
Céim | 8 |
Fad ama | 2 years |
Creidmheasanna | 60 |
Modh Seachadta | Online |
Suímh campais | Sligo |
Modh Seachadta | Páirtaimseartha |
Forbhreathnú Cúrsa
In this electronic engineering programme you will investigate platforms for implementing advanced embedded systems in some of the most innovative fields of engineering, including digital signal processing and nanotechnology. These are typically 32-bit RISC processors, DSPs, FPGAs and configurable systems on chip technology.
These platforms may also incorporate the use of a real time operating system (RTOS). An important application area for advanced embedded systems is audio and image processing.
Subject areas are as follows: digital signal processing, mathematics, nanotechnology and electronics, operating systems programming, advanced embedded systems, operations management, programmable logic technology and electronic engineering project.
Electronic Engineering is an exciting field of engineering with unlimited potential which can be applied to many sectors in order to help shape the future in progressive ways such as connected vehicles, medical devices and smart technologies. A degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering provides the foundations required to help design the future of automotive, medical, information, entertainment, music, communication and renewable energy technology.
Programme Structure
Electronic and Computer Engineering at ATU Sligo focuses on Embedded Systems design and development. An “embedded system” is a combination of electronic or electromechanical hardware and software designed to perform a specific function. Embedded systems form the basis of modern consumer electronics such as mobile phones, automotive electronics, musical equipment and aircraft guidance systems. As well as electronic fundamentals, computer programming for microcontrollers and mobile applications form an integral part of Electronic and Computer Engineering at ATU Sligo.
Year One
In first year, students are introduced to the fundamentals of Electronic Engineering. They explore the world of Analogue and Digital Electronics, Internet of Things Technology and Computer Programming. Problem solving skills are applied to a series of mini engineering projects.
Year Two
In second year, students study both hardware and software aspects of microprocessor-based embedded systems. Examples of such systems include smart phones, game consoles and Internet of Things applications. A sensor-based microprocessor controlled project is built, programmed and tested. Students study Digital Signal Processing, Data Communications and Mobile Applications Programming. They are exposed to more design-based thinking and complete a Capstone project, which showcases their entire skill set.
Many of the Electronics modules are recorded allowing students to play back the lectures at their own pace and allowing flexibility for learners with external commitments.
Sonraí an Chúrsa
Bliain 1
Seimeastar | Sonraí an Mhodúil | Creidmheasanna | Éigeantach / Roghnach |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Real Time Operating SystemsOn completion, the learner will have experience in the architecture and the fundamental building blocks of a real time operating system. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the fundamental architecture and features of a modern real-time operating system. Describe the main issues addressed by RTOS implementation. 2. Describe and use the essential and optional functionality provided by an RTOS. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Programmable Logic TechnologyOn completion, the learner will have been exposed to current programmable logic technologies in terms of features, architecture and use of design tools. Users will implement a set of logic designs from concept/brief through to implementation. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Research and report on the main features of FPGAs and/or other programmable technologies available in the market today. 2. Describe and compare various architectures of modern FPGAs. 4. Use a design environment to perform simulation and synthesis solutions tovarious VHDL programs 5. Develop, implement and test logic solutions to prescribed logic problems using VHDL |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Advanced Embedded SystemsThis module introduces students to the architecture of a 32-bit RISC microcontroller. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Use Design Criteria to Select a suitable 32-bitmicrocontroller for an embedded application. 2. Analyzethe Instruction Set Architecture of a 32-bit processor. 3. Discuss the System Architecture of a 32-bit microcontroller. 4. Reference appropriate technical documentation for a 32-bit microcontroller. 5. Use an Integrated Development Environment to implement a software solution for an embedded application, which uses a32-bit microcontroller. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Digital Signal Processing 401A Digital Signal Processing Module covering the z-transform, Digital Filter design of FIR and IIR Filters and conversion of Analogue Filters to Digital Filters. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Use the z-transform to calculate transfer functions and outputs of systems |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Artificial IntelligenceThis subject aims to make students aware of the many areas of artificial intelligence and the tools available for AI type solutions. Identify suitable problems for AI solutions. Examine in detail and implement structures for representing knowledge. The manipulation of knowledge, especially rule based systems. Implementing some of the AI techniques that have been introduced with AI Programming Languages. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Demonstrate Knowledge in the foundation and general principles of Artificial Intelligence |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Operating Systems InterfacingOn completion the learner will have implemented a number of programmed solutions utilising services and interfaces to an operating system. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Demonstrate an understanding of dynamic memory services provided by real time operating systems and the motivation behind them. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the functions and services offered by the uniform driver API. 3. Evaluate the main considerations of a device driver design when analysing specific, prescribed interfacing problems. 4. Identify tools and techniques which can aid testing, debugging and updating the functionality and performance of a device driver implementation. 5. Design, implement and test working solutions to a variety of prescribed device driver problems. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Advanced Embedded ProgrammingA course in programming for advanced embedded sytems (such as 32 bit RISC systems or DSPs) including those with running an operating system. The course will cover many standard programming concepts but with a specific focus on using these in sophisticated embedded system environment. It will also look at more advanced programming topics such as device drivers, accessing shared resourses, Re-entrancy and interrupts, profiling and optimising code. Developement tools will also be looked at. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Evaluate the specific resourses ofan embedded system for coding purposes |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Digital Signal Processing 402This Digital Signal Processing Module covers some of the more advanced DSP techniques such as Adaptive filtering, Multirate data techniques and (Image Processing techniques. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Design digital systems that properley change data sampling rate. 4. Assess the ethical implications of image processing algorithms |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Operations ManagementThis module gives an insight into the activities associated with the creation of a product or service. Operations Management is one of the core functions of any business. Operations management is important. It is concerned with creating the services and products upon which we all depend. And all organisations produce some mixture of services and products, whether that organisation is large or small, manufacturing or service, for profit or not for profit, public or private. Thankfully, most companies have now come to understand the importance of operations. This is because they have realised that effective operations management gives the potential to improve both efficiency and customer service simultaneously. But more than this, operations management is everywhere, it is not confined to the operations function. All managers, whether they are called Operations or Marketing or Human Resources or Finance, or whatever, manage processes and serve customers (internal or external). This makes at least part of their activities 'operations'. Operations management is also exciting. It is at the centre of so many of the changes affecting the business world – changes in customer preference, changes in supply networks brought about by internet-based technologies, changes in what we want to do at work, how we want to work, where we want to work, and so on. There has rarely been a time when operations management was more topical or more at the heart of business and cultural shifts. Operations management is also challenging. Promoting the creativity which will allow organisations to respond to so many changes is becoming the prime task of operations managers. It is they who must find the solutions to technological and environmental challenges, the pressures to be socially responsible, the increasing globalisation of markets and the difficult to- define areas of knowledge management. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Apply the principles of operations management to a variety of businesses and organisations. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Electronics Level 8 ProjectThis is the Electronic Engineering Level 8 Project in which the student will demonstrate a synthesis of their knowledge applied to an open bounds problem. The major deliverables will be a hardware/software implementation and a thesis with Literature Review, method, results, discussion and conclusion. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Develop a project proposal which shows evidence of project planning and definition ofproject scope. 2. Carry out a limited literature review that details the current state of the art within the scope of the project. 3. Justify a methodology for implementation based on concrete conclusions from the literature review. 4. Defend project/written submissions at interview. 5. Demonstrate software and/or hardware at appropriate stages of the year. 6. Communicate the outcomes of the project in written (Thesis) form. 7. Communicate with the primary supervisor in a manner consistent with the engineering profession. |
10 | Mandatory |
Year |
Mathematics 4Level 8 Mathematics for 4th year classes in Mechatronics, Mechanical and Electronic Engineering. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Use Taylor’s series to approximate transcendental functions 2. Use Fourier series to approximate periodic functions 3. Calculate Discrete Fourier Transforms and inverse Discrete Fourier transforms of signals 4. Solve first and second order difference equations using z-transforms 6. Solve geometrical problems using the i, j, k orthogonal triad system, and compute dot products and cross products. Compute projections and angles between vectors and interpret results geometrically |
05 | Mandatory |
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Riachtanais Iontrála
Over 50% average grade at level 7 in Electronic Engineering or related discipline.
Applicants with other qualifications and/or with relevant industrial experience will also be considered.
Further Information
Cé Ba Chóir Iarratas a Dhéanamh?
This programme is suitable for those in a technician role looking to up-skill to Engineer level the Electronics profession.
Eolas Teagmhála
Admissions Office
T: 353 (0) 71 931 8511
E: admissions.sligo@atu.ie