About this class
ECE473/573, CRN 12458/12459
Meets: 12pm-1:50pm, Mon, Wed; Class Zoom Link
Instructor: Roger Traylor, traylor@oregonstate.edu
Office Hours: Th, Fri 1-2pm, or by appointment. Office Hours Link
TAs: Tingwei Zhang (zhangtin@oregonstate.edu)
Han Jang (jangha@oregonstate.edu)
Vladimir (Vlad) Vesely (veselyv@oregonstate.edu)
Labs: Th, 10a-12:50p, [Tingwei] Thursday Lab Link
Tu, 10a-12:50p, [Han] Tuesday Lab Link
W, 9a-11:50p, [Vlad] Wednesday Lab Link
F, 3-5:50p, [Vlad] Friday Lab Link
In this class, you will design and implement the hardware and software for an embedded computer system. We will also examine the internal microcontroller architecture, learn how to interface peripheral devices, and create a robust mixed analog and digital system.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to competently design small, embedded microcontroller (MCU) systems.
As the name implies, this is a design course. This implies that you will be expected to show considerable creativity, resourcefulness and persistence. You will need to read datasheets, improvise around problems, and extract information from obscure sources. You will need to apply material from many of the courses you have already taken. You will find your own solutions from incomplete specifications.
The main assessment that will be used are the lab assignments. They require a detailed design based on a general specifications. Step-by-step instructions are not provided. Complete assignments will include C and/or assembly language code, circuit schematics, and documentation. As embedded systems often involve human interaction, reasonable user interfaces will be required. Your design will be verified to work properly with a live demonstration.
There are also multiple in-class programming assignments. These are time-limited assignments that may be completed in groups of one to three. The reason for them is to immediately reinforce the lecture material, give you a group programming experience, and to prep you in tackling the next lab assignment.
I will expect your participation. Some of you will have innovative solutions and approaches that need to be shared. Be prepared to voice your opinion, show off your hardware and explain your code.
You may work in groups on homework and projects if you wish. Sharing of design approaches, philosophy, flow charts or coding ideas is strongly endorsed. However, sharing of detailed information such as design calculations, or actual code is not approved and will meet with the strongest action that I can bring. Your projects represent your individual work, not the product of group work. And by the way, I know what code is posted to GitHub.
Most all required class materials should be available on the class Canvas page. Let me know if something is missing.
Additional Requirements for ECE573 Students
In addition, ECE573 students will be:
Covid-19 Considerations
This class is being offered in a challenging time. Typically we spend a great deal of time in lab, talking in class to work out bugs and problems and working closely with each other. Most of these things are just not possible currently. There will be compromises.
If you get ill physically or have some other personal emergency and are unable to finish your assignments on time, let me know as soon as possible. I won't try to cover all the possibilities here. Just let me know and let's talk. If you need to talk to someone else about what is going on, there are good resources on-campus to help you as well. A good place to start is Student Health.
As this class will be primarily taught through Zoom, students are expected to conduct themselves in compliance with the university’s regulations regarding civility. Civility is an essential ingredient for academic discourse. All communications in this course should be conducted constructively, civilly, and respectfully. In all you say and do in this course, be professional. Be respectful of others and their opinions, valuing diversity in backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.
Lab During Coid-19 Restrictions
The labs will be open as shown on the schedule of classes. If you feel safe to attend lab, come. If you don't feel safe attending lab, we will sign-off and verify functionality of your project via Zoom. I will post some type of sign-off schedule in the future.
Lab kits will be available for pickup from KEC1110 between 10am and 1pm M-F beginning Wednesday of Week 0. Students will be asked to space out in the hallway practicing proper social distancing.
If you are not on campus, you may request that a kit be sent to you via physical mailing. This option will be available about 2 weeks before the start of the term. Form for lab kit via post
At the end of Week 2, any student who has not requested shipment or picked up their kit will be refunded and would need to purchase a kit in the traditional way.