This Program is Perfect For

  • Hardware and IoT engineers seeking industry-grade design and prototyping skills
  • Technologists aiming to understand both hardware and software in embedded environments
  • Flexible learners pursuing a career-relevant credential with workforce or international approval

Build your knowledge of universal connectivity

The UCSC Silicon Valley Extension Embedded Systems professional certificate program prepares students with the core design skills needed to work at some of the top companies in the Valley.

Our hardware professional students learn to design function-specific computer and communication systems, including:

  • mobile devices,
  • the Internet of Things,
  • networking equipment,
  • industrial controllers, and
  • consumer and automotive electronics.

Learn on industry-standard hardware

Students get invaluable hands-on experience with quick prototyping using FGPAs from Xilinx. Learn to design and test hardware and software innovations of the future as you prepare for high-paying jobs in the industry. Electives are offered in two areas of study: embedded hardware and embedded software.

Certificate program objectives

  • Design, debug, and synthesize digital logic for ASICs, PGAs, and IP cores
  • Understand the basics of embedded software and hardware design
  • Decode IO technologies, including PCI Express, Ethernet, and Fibre Channel
  • Design and implement prototypes using FPGA

Courses

Program Requirements

Take 5–6 courses (14 quarter units).

  • 3 required courses (8 quarter units)
  • 2–3 elective credit courses (6 quarter units)
  • End with certificate review.
1. Required Course(s):
Title units Fall Spring Summer Winter
Embedded Firmware Essentials 2.0 Flexible
Embedded Linux Design and Programming 3.0 Flexible
Embedded System Hardware Architectures, Introduction 3.0 Live-Online
2. Electives: Embedded Software
Title units Fall Spring Summer Winter
AI-Driven Embedded Systems 2.0 Flexible
Linux Kernel & Drivers 3.0 Flexible
Linux Kernel and Drivers, Advanced 3.0 Flexible
Linux Systems Programming 3.0 Flexible
Real-Time Embedded Systems Programming, Introduction 3.0 Flexible
The Internet of Things: Big Data Processing and Analytics 3.0 Live-Online
3. Electives: Embedded Hardware
Title units Fall Spring Summer Winter
Comprehensive Signal and Power Integrity for High-Speed Digital Systems 3.0 Live-Online
High Efficiency Switch-mode Power Supply, Design Overview 3.0 Flexible
IO Concepts and Protocols: PCI Express and Ethernet 3.0 Live-Online
Practical Design with Xilinx FPGAs 3.0 Flexible
Printed Circuit Board Design for Signal Integrity and EMC Compliance 1.5 Flexible
Wireless Infrastructure: from Antenna Design to 5G, Fundamentals 3.0 Flexible
4. Also of Interest
Title units Fall Spring Summer Winter
Basic Printed Circuit Board Design Live-Online
5. Completion Review:
Title units Fall Spring Summer Winter
Embedded Systems Certificate Completion Fee

1. Required Course(s):

EMBD.X403
$740
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Wed, 01-21-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 01-21-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 01-28-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 01-28-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-18-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-18-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-25-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-25-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Winter
EMBD.X423
$750
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Thu, 01-08-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 01-08-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 01-15-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 01-15-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 01-22-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 01-22-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 01-29-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 01-29-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 02-05-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 02-05-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 02-12-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 02-12-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 02-19-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 02-19-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 02-26-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 02-26-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 03-05-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 03-05-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 03-12-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 03-12-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 03-19-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 03-19-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

One “no meeting” TBA. To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Recommended Text:
Embedded Linux Primer: A Practical Real-World Approach, 2nd Edition, Christopher Hallinan, Prentice Hall, 2010, ISBN-10: 0137017839, ISBN-13: 978-0137017836.

Winter
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Fall Live-Online

2. Electives: Embedded Software

EMBD.X424
$740
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Fri, 01-23-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 01-23-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 01-30-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 01-30-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 02-06-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 02-06-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 02-13-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 02-13-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 02-20-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 02-20-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 02-27-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 02-27-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 03-06-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 03-06-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 03-13-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 03-13-2026
6:00pm
9:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

Electronic Course Materials: You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Note: Students will need to purchase a development board for coursework. Below is a list of examples, approximate cost $100:

  

 

Winter
EMBD.X421
$750 (Estimated Cost)
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Fall Flexible
EMBD.X422
$750
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Tue, 01-20-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 01-20-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 01-27-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 01-27-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-03-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-03-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-10-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-10-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-17-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-17-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-24-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-24-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-03-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-03-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-10-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-10-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-17-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-17-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-24-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-24-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Recommended Texts:

Linux Device Drivers, 3rd Edition, Jonathan Corbet, et al., O'Reilly Media, 2005, ISBN-10: 0596005903, ISBN-13: 978-0596005900. Available Online: http://lwn.net/Kernel/LDD3/

Writing Linux Device Drivers: A Guide with Exercises, Jerry Cooperstein, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2009, ISBN-10: 1448672384, ISBN-13: 978-1448672387.

Essential Linux Device Drivers, Sreekrishnan Venkateswaran, Prentice Hall, 2008, ISBN-10: 0132396556, ISBN-13: 978-0132396554.

Winter
EMBD.X420
$750 (Estimated Cost)
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Fall Flexible
EMBD.X410
$910
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Mon, 01-05-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 01-05-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 01-12-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 01-12-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 01-26-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 01-26-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 02-02-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 02-02-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 02-09-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 02-09-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 02-23-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 02-23-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 03-02-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 03-02-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 03-09-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 03-09-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 03-16-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 03-16-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 03-23-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 03-23-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

No meetings on January 19 and February 16. To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Winter
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Fall Live-Online

3. Electives: Embedded Hardware

EMBD.X400
$980
  • Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Thu, 01-15-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 01-15-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 01-22-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 01-22-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 01-29-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 01-29-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 02-05-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 02-05-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 02-12-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 02-12-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 02-19-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 02-19-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 02-26-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 02-26-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 03-05-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 03-05-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 03-12-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 03-12-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 03-19-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Thu, 03-19-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
 

This class is offered in an online synchronous format. Students are expected to log into this course via Canvas at the start time of scheduled meetings and participate via Zoom, for the duration of each scheduled class meeting.

To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Recommended Texts
Advanced Signal Integrity for High-Speed Digital Designs, Hall and Heck, John Wiley & Sons, 2011. ISBN: 9781118210680

Principles of Power Integrity for PDN Design - Simplified, Smith and Bogatin, Prentice Hall, 2017. ISBN: 9780132735629

Winter
EMBD.X405
$980
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Sat, 01-24-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 01-24-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 01-31-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 01-31-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 02-07-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 02-07-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 02-14-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 02-14-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 02-21-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 02-21-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 02-28-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 02-28-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 03-07-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 03-07-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 03-14-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 03-14-2026
8:30am
12:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Winter
EMBD.X406
$950 (Estimated Cost)
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Fall Live-Online
EMBD.X408
$910
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Wed, 01-07-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 01-07-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 01-14-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 01-14-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 01-21-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 01-21-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 01-28-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 01-28-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-18-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-18-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-25-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-25-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Required Text:
VHDL for Logic Synthesis, Authors: Andrew Rushton, Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Publication Date: 2011-04-25, ISBN: 9780470688472

Recommended Texts:
The Verilog(R) Hardware Description Language, Authors: Donald Thomas, Philip Moorby, Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media, Publication Date: 2008-09-11, ISBN: 9780387853444

The Design Warrior's Guide to FPGAs, Authors: Clive Maxfield, Publisher: Elsevier, Publication Date: 2004-06-16, ISBN: 9780080477138

Winter
EMBD.X409
$580
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Fri, 10-24-2025
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 10-24-2025
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 10-31-2025
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 10-31-2025
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 11-07-2025
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 11-07-2025
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 11-14-2025
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 11-14-2025
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 11-21-2025
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 11-21-2025
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

To see all meeting dates, click “Full Schedule” below.

Electronic Course Materials: You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Recommended Texts:
EMC for Product Designers; Tim Williams; Newnes, 2016. ISBN: 978-0081010143

Bogatin's Practical Guide to Transmission Line Design and Characterization for Signal Integrity; Eric Bogatin; Artech House, 2020. ISBN: 978-1-63081-851-7

EMC and the Printed Circuit Board: Design, Theory, and Layout Made Simple, Mark Montrose, Wiley/IEEE Press, ISBN-10: 078034703X, ISBN-13: 978-0780347038.

Fall Flexible
EMBD.X419
$775
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Tue, 01-20-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 01-20-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 01-27-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 01-27-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-03-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-03-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-10-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-10-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-17-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-17-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-24-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-24-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-03-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-03-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-10-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-10-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-17-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-17-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-24-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-24-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Recommended Texts:
The Design of CMOS Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuits; Thomas H. Lee; Cambridge University Press, 2004. ISBN: 9780521835398

Electronic Communication; Robert L. Shrader; McGraw-Hill Science, 1991.

The ARRL Handbook for Radio Amateurs 2000; American Radio Relay League; ARRL, 1999. ISBN: 9780872591837

Winter

4. Also of Interest

EMBD.800
$775
  • Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Mon, 01-05-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 01-05-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 01-12-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 01-12-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 01-26-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 01-26-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 02-02-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 02-02-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 02-09-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 02-09-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 02-23-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 02-23-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 03-02-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 03-02-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 03-09-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 03-09-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 03-16-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 03-16-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 03-23-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 03-23-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 03-30-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Mon, 03-30-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
 

This class is offered in an online synchronous format. Students are expected to log into this course via Canvas at the start time of scheduled meetings and participate via Zoom, for the duration of each scheduled class meeting.

No meetings on January 19 and February 16. To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Required Materials: see syllabus for computer requirements.

Winter

5. Completion Review:

O-CE0071
$95
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
 

Please enroll in the Embedded Systems Certificate Completion Fee only when all of the certificate requirements have been met and your final grades are posted.

Recommended course sequence

Requisite knowledge

You need a degree in a technical field or equivalent knowledge acquired through training and experience in system design and development. We recommended you have experience in C programming.

Please review course descriptions. Make sure you have taken the necessary prerequisites or meet the requirements through job experience or previous education before registering for a course.

Getting started

We suggest students begin with Embedded System Hardware Architectures, Introduction.

The remaining courses may be taken in any order provided prerequisites are met.

Substitutions & shared credits

You may take one elective outside the certificate curriculum if you receive prior approval from the Academic Services Department.

Some technology courses may be listed in more than one program. However, only one course may be shared between two certificate programs unless otherwise noted.

Completion your certificate

After taking the required courses, please request your Embedded Systems Certificate Completion Review.

Grade requirements

Please note that only letter grades of C or higher may be applied to a certificate, and in some programs, students may have more stringent requirements. Students in most employer- and government-sponsored payment programs, such as workforce development, as well as international students on F-1 visas, need to maintain a B average to meet their requirements.

See Grading and Credits Policy for further information.

Program Chair

Certificate Program Advisory Board

ALFREDO ALBA, MS
Senior Technical Staff Member, Intelligence Augmentation Department, IBM Almaden Research Center

ABDO BABUKR, MSEE
Consultant, Embedded Computing, Wave Spectrum, Inc.

SAM HUYNH, Ph.D.
Principal member of technical staff and a senior manager, AMD

Y.C. WANG, BSEE
Director, Global Academic Program at Digi-Key Electronics
Instructor, Embedded Systems Certificate Program, UCSC Silicon Valley Extension

MICHAEL A. WANG, M.S., M.B.A.
Director, Business Development, Silicon Motion Technology Corp.
Program Chair | Instructor, Embedded Systems Certificate Program, UCSC Silicon Valley Extension

Demo