Explore embedded systems architecture, hardware interfaces, and design best practices.
Skills you will gain
- Embedded System Design: Understand the key components and design principles of embedded systems.
- Hardware Interaction: Learn how microprocessors, memory subsystems, and other components interact within embedded systems.
- Design Considerations: Identify key design factors and how they impact system performance and procurement decisions.
- Component Selection: Develop the ability to recognize hardware bottlenecks and make informed component choices.
- Industry Approaches: Explore common system-building approaches used in the embedded systems industry.
Course Description
Beginning technical professionals who want to learn the big picture of embedded systems will get a solid grounding in key concepts of embedded systems hardware design, one of the particularly hot areas for U.S. engineers today. Embedded systems are computer systems designed to perform one or more dedicated functions. They are found in a wide range of electronic devices, including PDAs, consumer electronics, networking equipment, industrial controllers, and military electronics. Gaining an inside look at some of the most common embedded systems and the functional blocks within those systems, students in this course examine hardware components and their interfaces as well as important considerations with regard to procurement and design. They learn embedded systems design considerations and several approaches to system building common in the industry. Other key concepts in embedded hardware design include memories used in embedded systems and their interfaces, basic concepts in microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSP), and the typical buses used at the system level.
After completing the course, you will see how the key concepts in embedded hardware design fit together, including the interaction of these hardware components as well as important considerations with regard to procurement and design.
Topics
Some familiarity with the hardware components of a computer system is required.
Prerequisites / Skills Needed
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 03-30-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 04-06-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 04-13-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 04-20-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 04-27-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 05-04-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 05-11-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 05-18-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 06-01-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 06-08-2026 | 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 meeting May 25, 2026. 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 Systems Architecture: A Comprehensive Guide for Engineers and Programmers, 2nd Edition, Tammy Noergaard, Newnes, 2012, ISBN-10: 0123821967, ISBN-13: 978-0123821966.
This course applies to these programs: