Overview
This unit will introduce you to microcontroller basics and their real world applications. You will learn about different microcontroller families and their similarities and differences from an application point of view. You will also learn about microcontroller architecture, memory maps, addressing modes, interrupts, timers, counters, and hardware interfacing of a chosen microcontroller. You will learn how to program a microcontroller in a high level language using an integrated development environment. Advanced topics of reading analog inputs, implementation of USART (Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) connections with external world, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), will also be covered in this unit. After learning the fundamentals of hardware interfacing you will practice them in a laboratory using a microcontroller development system based on this specific microcontroller and finally design and prototype an authentic application of embedded system in your project using the same development system. Online education students are required to attend the residential school.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
ENEE14006 Embedded Microcontrollers is an Anti-Requisite for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 12-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from In-class student feedback
The use of Microsoft Teams is a more efficient way to resolve hardware and software problems encountered by students in their assessments.
Microsoft Teams should be employed alongside emails and forums when addressing student queries related to software and hardware issues.
Feedback from Student unit evaluation responses
More sample codes and reading materials are needed to improve learning resources.
Additional sample codes and reading materials should be provided to enhance learning resources.
Feedback from Unit Coordinator's refelction
The use of authentic assessment practices with individualised assessment items has resulted in a decrease in academic misconduct cases.
Authentic assessment practices with individualised assessment items should be employed to mitigate academic misconduct cases.
- Apply fundamental structured programming knowledge to perform software tasks
- Program a microcontroller to interface with external devices such as analog and digital sensors, actuators and computers
- Analyse and design microcontroller based real-time applications using a given industry-standard development system and software tools
- Prototype an embedded microcontroller system for a real-world application
- Communicate professionally using relevant technical terminology, symbols, and diagrams and effectively document design and prototyped solutions
- Work autonomously and as a team member to analyse problems and present solutions.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 0% | ||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||
| 3 - Practical Assessment - 20% | ||||||
| 4 - Practical Assessment - 20% | ||||||
| 5 - Portfolio - 40% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||||
| 4 - Research | ||||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 0% | ||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||||
| 3 - Practical Assessment - 20% | ||||||||
| 4 - Practical Assessment - 20% | ||||||||
| 5 - Portfolio - 40% | ||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Access to a document scanner and a software that can create pdf documents
- Access to a computer with Windows 10 with authoity to install software required for the unit
- Downlaod and Install Visual Studio Code
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
l.piyathilaka@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
• Introduction to C language programming environment
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
- Introduction to Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
- AVR Programming basics
- Digital Inputs /Outputs
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
- Programming in C language - Motor Control
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
- ATMEGA328P Serial Communication
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
- Analog to Digital Conversion
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Project Proposal and plan due
Module/Topic
- Timers, Interrupts and PWM
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
- Servo Motor Control
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
- Ultrasound Sensor Interfacing
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
• Project Progress Review
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
- Project Help
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Project progress review
Module/Topic
- Final Project Progress Update
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Students are required to purchase the sensors, actuators, and a microcontroller board to complete the hardware programming assignments and the project. It is expected that students purchase all these necessary components by week 3, and the list of the required components can be found on the Week 1 Moodle site.
1 Online Quiz(zes)
This is a diagnostic test ( which carry no marks towards your grade) to identify students' level of understanding of computer programming and electronics basics to support them more effectively.
Other
Week 2 Friday (15 Mar 2024) 11:59 am AEST
Students will know the test outcome soon after completing the test.
This will be assessed to identify the need for extra support for individual students and indentify the knowledge gaps. This online quiz will have equal weight to all questions.
- Apply fundamental structured programming knowledge to perform software tasks
- Knowledge
2 Written Assessment
The purpose of this assignment is to evaluate your understanding of AVR C language programming and configuring control registers to accomplish specific tasks on a microcontroller. The assignment aims to assess your ability to analyze a system, develop a conceptual solution, create a visual representation, and write code to solve the given challenges. It is essential to note that this assignment is an individual task, and collaborating or seeking help from others is strictly prohibited. You must demonstrate proof of your independent efforts as outlined in the assignment submission requirements. In this assignment, you will have to program simulated hardware to achieve a specific goal. The objective is intended to demonstrate your C programming skills within the context of solving a real-world problem.
Week 5 Friday (5 Apr 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Marked assignment with feedback will be returned to students usually within 2 weeks after submission. However, there will be no model answers provided.
This assessment will be based on the achievement of specified tasks in the assessment document, and marks will be allocated for each task according to the following assessment criteria.
1. Task Achievement:
- Demonstrates the ability to understand the goals and requirements of the simulated robot program.
- Develops a comprehensive and correct solution for each task.
- Achieves the desired outcomes as specified in the assignment.
- Provide evidence of the program successfully accomplishing the tasks, such as video recordings or screenshots.
2. Problem-Solving and Solution Development:
- Presents a clear and logical approach to solving the problems.
- Breaks down complex problems into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Uses appropriate algorithms, data structures, and programming constructs to implement the solution.
- Provides a detailed explanation of the problem-solving process, including any iterations or revisions made during development.
- Includes flowcharts, or other graphical representations to illustrate the solution.
3. Code Quality and Documentation:
- Follows standard programming conventions and naming conventions.
- Includes appropriate comments throughout the code to explain the purpose of each section, key variables, and logic.
- Provides an explanation of the code's functionality, highlighting any important algorithms or techniques used.
- Writes clean and well-structured C language code.
5. Individuality and Originality:
- Ensures that each student develops their own unique programs independently.
- Avoids copying code or solutions from external sources without proper attribution.
- Demonstrates creativity and original thinking in solving programming problems.
- Apply fundamental structured programming knowledge to perform software tasks
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
3 Practical Assessment
This assessment is designed to incorporate hands-on learning experiences through laboratory exercises, utilizing the simulated and actual Microcontroller board along with sensors and actuators. These practical exercises will be conducted over four weeks, specifically weeks 2 to 6 of the unit, allowing students ample time to explore and master the concepts.
Throughout this period, students will engage in a series of workshops that involve working with the Microcontroller board, sensors, and actuators. The exercises are carefully crafted to cover various aspects of the unit material and provide a comprehensive understanding of microcontroller-based systems.
Each week, students are expected to complete a set of laboratory exercises using a simulated environment. These weekly exercises ensure that students remain actively engaged and stay on track with their progress. It also allows instructors to monitor individual performance and provide timely feedback.
It is important to note that this is an individual assessment, and no collaboration or contribution from others is permitted.
Week 7 Friday (26 Apr 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
These laboratory exercises should be completed weekly. The final report and codes are due by Week 7.
Marked lab report with feedback will be returned to students usually within 2 weeks after submission.
Assessment Criteria (each question)
- Graphical representation of the program using a flowchart or a block diagram
- A fully working program producing expected outcomes, which will be assessed based on the video demonstration, codes, and the report submitted to the Moodle site.
- Explanation of the code, including all functions and configuration parameters, with appropriate comments on all code sections. Screenshots from the code should be used when explaining each section, and this should be included in the report.
- Analyse and design microcontroller based real-time applications using a given industry-standard development system and software tools
- Prototype an embedded microcontroller system for a real-world application
- Communicate professionally using relevant technical terminology, symbols, and diagrams and effectively document design and prototyped solutions
- Work autonomously and as a team member to analyse problems and present solutions.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
4 Practical Assessment
This assignment evaluates your essential C language programming skills for embedded microcontroller programming. You will be tested on your ability to develop solutions for given problems and implement them on the embedded microcontroller board.
Before starting the coding, it's crucial to analyze the system, create a conceptual solution, and develop a graphical representation. All your work, including software codes and demonstration videos, must be submitted as evidence of your individual efforts. Technical details regarding the assignment will be provided upon receiving the task.
It is important to note that this is an individual assessment, and no collaboration or contribution from others is permitted.
Week 9 Friday (10 May 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Marked assignment with feedback will be returned to students usually within 2 weeks after submission. However, there will be no model answers provided.
Assessment Criteria (each question)
- Graphical representation of the program using a flowchart or a block diagram.
- A fully working program producing expected outcomes, which will be assessed based on the video demonstration, codes, and the report submitted to the Moodle site. Failure to provide a demonstration video and codes will result in a zero mark.
- Explanation of the code, including all functions and configuration parameters, with appropriate comments on all code sections. Screenshots from the code should be used when explaining each section, and this should be included in the report.
- Program a microcontroller to interface with external devices such as analog and digital sensors, actuators and computers
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
5 Portfolio
This project is a vital part of the unit, offering students both guided and open-ended opportunities to showcase their abilities. The primary objective is to develop a functional prototype of an embedded system solution for a real-world problem by using a microcontroller board and any additional components. At the end of the term, the prototype's performance will be assessed. Collaboration or assistance from others is not permitted, ensuring that students' work demonstrates their unique skills and creativity. The project allows students to demonstrate their expertise in designing and implementing embedded systems while gaining practical experience in solving real-world challenges.
Review/Exam Week Thursday (6 June 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Marked portfolio will be returned with feedback after the release of grades.
1. Project progress Reviews (Week 11)
- Each student will get an Individual Zoom interview with the unit coordinator. Students need to show substantial progress towards the timely completion of the project. Need to provide evidence for the progress such as video, codes, sensor and actuator testing, and design sketches
2. Goal Achievement:
- Demonstrates the ability to understand the goals and requirements of the simulated robot program.
- Develops a comprehensive and correct solution for each goal.
- Achieves the desired outcomes as specified in the assignment.
- Provides evidence of the program successfully accomplishing the goals, such as video recordings or screenshots.
3. Report
- Need to complete a report according to the given structure that demonstrates the following problem-solving skills
- Presents a clear and logical approach to solving the problems.
- Breaks down complex problems into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Uses appropriate algorithms, data structures, and programming constructs to implement the solution.
- Provides a detailed explanation of the problem-solving process, including any iterations or revisions made during development.
- Includes flowcharts, or other graphical representations to illustrate the solution.
4. Software Codes
- Follows standard programming conventions and naming conventions.
- Includes appropriate comments throughout the code to explain the purpose of each section, key variables, and logic.
- Writes clean and well-structured C language code using functions.
- Apply fundamental structured programming knowledge to perform software tasks
- Program a microcontroller to interface with external devices such as analog and digital sensors, actuators and computers
- Analyse and design microcontroller based real-time applications using a given industry-standard development system and software tools
- Prototype an embedded microcontroller system for a real-world application
- Communicate professionally using relevant technical terminology, symbols, and diagrams and effectively document design and prototyped solutions
- Work autonomously and as a team member to analyse problems and present solutions.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
