Course: Embedded Systems credits: 5

This module will go in depth into developing embedded systems, with its associated software and network distribution protocols, architecture and security. 

 Professional products  

• Smart system – A system that incorporates (multiple) sensor(s), data processing, and automation to analyse information, make decisions, and adapt to changing conditions, enhancing efficiency, performance, and user interaction or recommendations. 
• System Design – An overview of components and interactions between different components of a system. It includes the design of software and hardware architecture, components, interfaces, and data. 
• Software for a Smart System – The applications and algorithms that enable intelligent functionality, data processing, decision-making, and communication within a smart system. It typically includes embedded software, control software, and communication protocols to facilitate real-time operations, automation, and system integration. 
• Specifications of a (partial) product – Detailed descriptions of the properties, functionalities, dimensions, performance and materials of the product. They indicate exactly how the product must be designed, built and function in order to meet the stated requirements. 

Skills 

• Embedded System Development – The process of designing, programming, and integrating hardware and software to create specialized computing systems that perform specific tasks within larger devices, often with real-time performance and resource constraints. 
• Component and design choices – The process of evaluating and selecting alternatives during the design process, based on criteria such as functionality, cost, sustainability, and aesthetics, to achieve an optimal solution. 
• Data management – The process of collecting, storing, organizing, and maintaining data to ensure its accuracy, security, accessibility, and usefulness for analysis and decision-making. For instance, locally, in the cloud hybrid, with use of ETL etc. 
• Data transport – The transmission of data between devices or systems using various media (such as wired cables or wireless signals) and network architectures (like cloud, mesh or distributed). It ensures reliable, secure, and efficient communication across networks, enabling real-time data exchange. 

Knowledge 

• Embedded Systems – Specialized computing systems, combining hardware and software, designed to perform dedicated functions within larger mechanical or electrical systems. Key aspects include the use of limited resources, writing low-level code (for example C), interfacing with other peripherals using hardware protocols, efficient data storage, (low)power management, using interrupts/timers and optimal DAQ setup. 
• Network distribution protocols, architecture, and security – The methods and structures that enable the reliable and secure delivery of data across distributed systems. Distribution protocols (e.g. OPC-UA, MQTT, CoAP, ModBus) manage how data is shared between devices or nodes, architecture defines how these nodes are organized and communicate (e.g., centralized, decentralized, or distributed), and security ensures data integrity, confidentiality, and access control through techniques like encryption, authentication, and secure communication channels.  
• Data management systems – Software tools or platforms designed to efficiently store, organize, retrieve, and manage data. They ensure data integrity, security, accessibility, and support functions like data entry, querying, analysis, and reporting, commonly used in databases, enterprise systems, and smart applications. For example: Relational Databases, NOSQL databases, cloud based platforms, data warehousing systems, integration and ETL tools.