Overview
Embedded systems are computer systems dedicated to a particular functionality, rather than for a general purpose. Such systems typically are required to operate under stringent performance, power, cost, space, reliability, and real-time constraints. Embedded systems are increasingly dominating nearly every aspect of human life. They are used in both consumer and industrial applications, such as automobiles, TVs, cell phones, tablets, house appliances, house automation, and many other application domains. Embedded systems are composed of hardware, software (a.k.a firmware), and include often mechanical parts, sensors, and actuators.
Our embedded systems track provides an industry-focused educational pathway for students who wish to specialize in that growing area. Courses cover both hardware and software aspects. Students in this specialization will learn how to design, build, program, and test entire embedded systems.
Prerequisites
Students who begin this track should have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of microprocessors and programming. Students who have taken ECE 371, 372, and 373 (or equivalent) will be well prepared for this specialization.
Core
ECE 540 System on a Chip Design with FPGAs
ECE 544 Embedded System Design with FPGAs
ECE 558 Embedded Systems Programming
ECE 584 Foundations of Cyber-Physical Systems
Current students can complete the track with either ECE 584 or ECE 585 in the core. Please note that EE 560 recently changed its number to ECE 584 beginning with the 2021-2022 Portland State Bulletin, but it is the same course and content.
Depth and Breadth Course list
ECE 525 Digital Integrated Circuit Design I
ECE 545 Power Electronics Systems Design I
ECE 551 Control Systems Design I
ECE 552 Control Systems Design II
ECE 571 Introduction to System Verilog for Design and Verification
ECE 578 Intelligent Robotics I
ECE 579 Intelligent Robotics II
ECE 581 ASIC Modeling and Synthesis
ECE 582 Formal Verification of HW/SW Systems
ECE 583 Low Power Digital IC Design
ECE 585 Microprocessor System Design
ECE 586 Computer Architecture
ECE 587 Advanced Computer Architecture I
ECE 588 Advanced Computer Architecture II
EE 516 Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning (initially scheduled as EE 510)
EE 519 Deep Learning Theory and Practice (initially scheduled as EE 510)
Track Completion Forms
Program Completion Form
Thesis Program Completion Form
Track Director