Embedded Software and Hardware Architecture

Module 1 introduces how software/firmware can interface with an embedded platform and the underlying processor architecture. Embedded Software engineers must be very knowledgeable about the architecture to write efficient and bug free code. This requires knowledge of processor architecture, memory systems, microcontroller peripherals and more advanced use of the compiler. This module continues to enforce good software design techniques with a focus on portability and maintainability without reducing hardware performance.

Module 2 introduces more advanced firmware techniques and hands-on firmware for the microcontroller. Covers building memory access methods for manipulating peripheral memory bit fields to configure microcontroller peripherals and core architecture concepts. Includes complex use of pointers for register definition files and function pointers for interrupt vector tables. Concludes with in-depth look into on-target debugging on a microcontroller with hands-on examples.

Module 3 introduces efficient and maintainable ways of organizing data. Covers structured data used to track and manipulate control flow or data in microcontroller programs, including unions, enumerations, structures, and abstract data structures. Focuses on simple examples frequently used in embedded system software.