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ECE 4534 - Embedded System Design (4C)

Course Description

Team-based major design experience. Design and implement embedded computer systems that incorporate appropriate engineering standards to solve complex problems that include multiple realistic constraints. Writing design documents and making oral presentations as part of the design process. C- or better required in prerequisites.(3H, 3L, 4C) Pre: 2014 (C-), 2534 (C-), 3574 (C-)

Why take this course?

Embedded computing systems now far outnumber any other type of computing system. The ability to design, implement, and analyze embedded computing systems is in demand in industry as well as academia. This course provides a culminating design experience in which students apply knowledge and skills acquired in earlier course work. Within the context of a practical design experience, the course includes further development and application of professional engineering skills. This integrative, practical experience prepares students to succeed as a professional computer engineer as well as for pursuit of an advanced engineering degree.

Learning Objectives

  • 1. Design, implement, and debug multi-threaded software that operates under real-time constraints on embedded computer systems.
  • 2. Formulate a complex, embedded computer system design problem that includes multiple constraints.
  • 3. Design a solution for an embedded computer system problem, where that solution operates according to well-known engineering standards.
  • 4. Implement a design solution in hardware and software, where that implementation is shown to satisfy the problem constraints.
  • 5. Operate effectively as part of an engineering design team.
  • 6. Describe and analyze a design in written reports and oral presentations.

    • Resources & Links

    Two-Semester Major Design Experience

    ECE’s two-semester Major Design Experience (ECE 4805-4806) provides teams of students with simulations of the post-college world via projects specified and directed by industry partners. For more information, contact class instructor, Dr. Joe Adams.

    Textbook List

    Take a look at the Fall 2024 ECE textbook list.
    Take a look at the Spring 2025 ECE textbook list.

    Current Prerequisites & Course Offering

    For current prerequisites for a particular course, and to view course offerings for a particular semester, see the Virginia Tech Course Timetables

    ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission

    The B.S. degree in electrical engineering and the B.S. degree in computer engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

    Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) & Student Outcomes (SOs)