Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - MSE 750 G100

Real Time and Embedded Control (3)

Class Number: 3880

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Implementation and design techniques for embedded systems with a focus on control applications: design methodologies, fundamental programming skills, hardware components, interfacing, real-time operating systems, and implementation issues. Students are required to complete a project related to a mechatronic application.

COURSE DETAILS:

Objectives and Learning Outcomes

This course focuses on implementation and design of embedded computer control systems used in mechatronics and other applications. Upon completion of the course, the student will have a basic understanding of how to design, build, and integrate hardware and software for an embedded control application. Hands-on experience will be gained by performing laboratory experiments and design procedures for building a microcontroller-based embedded computer control application.

 

Contact Hours

Three hours per week (in-person).

 

Topics

Lecture material includes the following topics which may be subject to minor adjustments and changes as needed:

  1. Introduction to embedded systems: Applications of embedded control systems, challenges in embedded computing system design, design methodologies, formalisms for system design.
  2. Embedded processors: Introduction to computer architecture, programming model, data operations, flow of control, Assembly vs C.
  3. C language programming for embedded systems.
  4. Embedded system peripherals and components such as I/O modules including Timer/Counters, PWM, A/D, D/A, Keyboard, Display, Serial Communications, etc.
  5. Design examples of embedded systems.
  6. Introduction to real-time concepts and implementation issues in computer-controlled systems.
  7. Introduction to multi-tasking and concurrent programming: cyclic executive systems, preemptive systems, real-time operating systems, scheduling techniques
  8. Each student team will present their progress on the project during the tutorial/class sessions. Details will be provided in class. Student groups will perform demonstrations toward the end of the semester.

Grading

  • Design project 60%
  • Term Exam 40%

NOTES:

Evaluation

The final course grade will be determined from a student’s performance on the following course evaluation components.

  1. Design project 60%    
  2. Term Exam      40% 

The grade assigned to all written and oral work presented in English shall consider syntax, diction, grammar and spelling. In addition, in the professional life of an engineer, the way oral and written communications are presented is very important. Engineering students need to develop these skills as an integral part of their education. To encourage the students to do so, the grades assigned to all written and oral work will take into account all aspects of presentation including conciseness, organization, neatness, use of headings, and the preparation and use of tables and figures.

  • Students must write their written work in their own words. Whenever students take an idea, or a passage of text from another author, they must acknowledge their debt both by using quotation marks where appropriate and by proper referencing such as footnotes and citations.

 

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

  • Computers as Components: Principles of Embedded Computing System Design, M. Wolf, Morgan Kaufmann, 3rd edition, 2012.
  • Introduction to ARM Cortex-M Microcontrollers, J.W. Valvano, 2015, ISBN: 978-1477508992
  • Real-Time Interfacing to ARM Cortex-M Microcontrollers, J.W. Valvano, 2016, ISBN: 978-1463590156
  • Presentation material, articles, datasheets, application notes, etc.

 


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.