Design of Embedded and real-time systems

linfo2315  2026-2027  Louvain-la-Neuve

Design of Embedded and real-time systems
5.00 credits
30.0 h + 30.0 h
Q2
> Schedule
Teacher(s)
Pelsser Cristel;
Language
English
> French-friendly
Prerequisites
Required : electronic foundations of computer science as targeted in course LINFO1140 
Required : principles of computer systems, as targeted in course LINFO1252 
Main themes
  • Embedded processors
  • Standard peripherals
  • Multi-core architecture and communication between cores
  • Real-time operating systems: characterization and comparison
  • In-depth study of a real-time OS
  • Programming methods of applications on top of a real-time OS
  • Embedded Linux
  • Security of embedded systems
  • Secure programming with Rust for embedded systems
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

Given the learning outcomes of the "Master in Computer Science and Engineering" program, this course contributes to the development, acquisition and evaluation of the following learning outcomes:
  • INFO1.3
  • INFO2.4
  • INFO5.4, INFO5.5
  • INFO6.4
Given the learning outcomes of the "Master [120] in Computer Science" program, this course contributes to the development, acquisition and evaluation of the following learning outcomes:
  • SINF1
  • SINF2.2, SINF2.4
  • SINF5.4, SINF5.5
  • SINF6.4
Students completing this course successfully will be able to
  • design and implement a small application for a Baremetal environment;
  • understand the concepts of RTOS;
  • design and implement applications on RTOS;
  • program in Rust for embedded systems;
  • design and implement systems that make use of multi-core architecture and communication between cores;
  • program effectively an application with real-time constraints by implementing a rigorous methodology.
 
Content
  • At the end of this course, the students will be able to:
    • Design and implement a small application for a Baremetal environment
    • Understand the concepts of RTOS
    • Design and implement applications on RTOS
    • Program in Rust for embedded systems
    • Design and implement systems that make use of multi-core architecture and communication between cores
  • Each student will have at his disposal an ESP32-LoRa-v3 with a dual-core Xtensa.
Teaching methods
The teaching methodes includes lecture sessions where the main issues are explained. The implementation is done through assignments that students perform individually.

Material will be lent to each student in the course so that she/he can develop a personal expertise. 
Evaluation methods
Assessment is based on three grades: (1) a project accompanied by an oral defense during the semester, (2) an assessed laboratory session, also during the semester, and (3) a written examination during the June examination period.
  • The project and its oral defense are worth 3 points.
  • The grade obtained during the assessed laboratory session is worth 4 points. During this session, students will develop an embedded application to demonstrate the skills they have acquired.
  • The written examination is worth 13 points.
The project and the graded practical laboratory cannot be retaken during the August examination period. For these parts, the grades from June will be carried over to August (but not from one academic year to the next one).
The use of generative AI is strongly discouraged for practical work. Its use generally hinders the acquisition of skills.
Other information
Background:
Preliminary knowledge of computer architecture and programming.
Online resources
https://moodle.uclouvain.be/course/view.php?id=558
Bibliography
Faculty or entity
> INFO


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Master [120] in Electrical Engineering
ELEC2M
5
Master [120] in Computer Science and Engineering
INFO2M
5
Master [120] in Computer Science
SINF2M
5
Master [120] in Electro-mechanical Engineering
ELME2M
5