ELEC3662 Embedded Systems
20 Credits Class Size: 100
Module manager: Dr Dominic Jones
Email: D.P.Jones@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running
2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
This module introduces students to contemporary hardware and software development tools for embedded devices, and the various architectures in use in modern microcontrollers. A major objective is for students to develop skills in programming microcontrollers to interface with sensors/actuators and displays and to further enhance their project skills by implementing an embedded systems application.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Describe a broad range of microprocessor principles and architectures.
2. Derive a specification for a complex electronics application to be compatible with an embedded system platform.
3. Apply the principles of embedded system design and development, including using a contemporary development environment to implement an advanced microcontroller-based embedded system design.
4. Implement a microcontroller solution in hardware.
5. Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information such as software manuals, data sheets, application notes and programmers guides.
Skills outcomes
Mobile applications development and interfacing with embedded systems and electronics.
Syllabus
Topics may include, but are not limited to:
Programming methods and the design of software using 'C' programming language
The use of a microcontroller development board for practical embedded system problems
Interfacing with sensors, actuators and visual displays- Microprocessor architectures (von Neumann, Harvard)- Instruction execution cycle- Practical application of the above in a design project
Microprocessor architectures (von Neumann, Harvard)- Instruction execution cycle- Practical application of the above in a design project
Instruction execution cycle- Practical application of the above in a design project
Practical application of the above in a design project
Teaching Methods
| Delivery type |
Number |
Length hours |
Student hours |
| Laboratory |
10 |
2 |
20 |
| Consultation |
1 |
2 |
2 |
| Lecture |
5 |
1 |
5 |
| Private study hours |
173 |
| Total Contact hours |
27 |
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) |
200 |
Private study
Students are expected to use private study time to consolidate their understanding of course materials, to undertake preparatory work for seminars, workshops, tutorials, examples classes and practical classes, and also to prepare for in-course and summative assessments.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students studying ELEC modules will receive formative feedback in a variety of ways, including the use of self-test quizzes on Minerva, practice questions/worked examples and (where appropriate) through verbal interaction with teaching staff and/or post-graduate demonstrators.
Reading List
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team