The course of “Embedded System” section of the Master in Computer Engineering, positioned at the 1st term of the 2nd year. This course describes and analyzes the main architectural and technological solutions for Embedded Systems automated design, with particular emphasis on multicore systems, hardware-software co-simulations platforms with reference to specific design metrics like temperature, process variability and aging.

- Knowledge of the main non-idealities of digital systems caused by technology scaling; - Ability in the analysis of the non-idealities sources and skills in the design of solutions for compensating such non-idealities; - Ability in the quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of the design solutions; - Knowledge of the main issues related to temperature, aging and process variation in modern embedded systems; - Skills in the design of an embedded system; - Knowledge of virtual platforms for the hardware-software co-simulation of an embedded system and the evaluation of the controlling software.

The course requires the knowledge of C programming (data structures and algorithms), as well as basic knowledge of calculus, statistics, digital electronics and digital design, computer architecture and operating systems.

- Introduction to Embedded Systems [2h] - Architectural templates (single and multicore platforms) [4h] - Embedded Systems implementation: Single core and multicore [2h] - Overview of ARM and PowerPC processors: Application domains [2h] - Embedded Buses: Parallel and Serial Busses. Most common Standards (AMBA, CoreConnect, STBus, I2C, SPI) [4h] - Embedded Memories and Emerging Technologies Memories [4h] - Overview of Real-Time Systems and RTOS [2h] - Multicore Architectures [4h] - Sensors and actuators [2h] - Wireless Sensor Networks [6h] - Design metrics & Optimization Techniques [8h] o Temperature o Process variability o Aging and reliability o Energy consumption

In addition to regular lectures, several lab classes will be carried out. Such labs will consist of exercises and projects, developed on "evaluation board" and simulation platforms, concerning the subjects discussed in the course.

There is no official textbook. Class handouts and additional material (papers, links to websites, software and manuals) will be made available on the course webpage.

Modalità di esame: Prova orale obbligatoria; Elaborato progettuale individuale;

In case of online exam, the test consists of an oral presentation.

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Prova orale obbligatoria; Elaborato progettuale individuale;

The onsite exam consists of a written test as specified above.