Exec. M.Sc. in Embedded Systems

Challenges of Embedded Systems Engineering

Embedded systems span all aspects of modern life. Embedded systems consist of hardware, software, and an environment. This they have in common with most computing systems. However, there is an essential difference between embedded and other computing systems: since embedded systems involve computation that is subject to physical constraints, the powerful separation of computation (software) from physicality (platform and environment), which has been one of the central ideas enabling the science of computing, does not work for embedded systems. Instead, the design of embedded systems requires a holistic approach that integrates essential paradigms from hardware design, software design, and control theory in a consistent manner.

Since the embedded system is dedicated to specific tasks, design engineers can optimize it, reducing the size and cost of the product, or increasing the reliability and performance. Physically embedded systems range from portable devices such as digital watches and MP3 players to large stationary installations like traffic lights, factory controllers or the systems controlling power plants. Transportation systems from flight to automobiles increasingly use embedded systems. New airplanes contain advanced avionics such as inertial guidance systems and GPS receivers. Various electric motors are using electric/electronic motor controllers. Automobiles, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are increasingly using embedded systems to maximize efficiency and reduce pollution. Other automotive safety systems are e.g. anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability control, and automatic fourwheel drive. Medical equipment is continuing to advance with more embedded systems for vital signs monitoring, electronic stethoscopes for amplifying sounds, and various medical imaging for non-invasive internal inspections. Embedded systems are designed to do some specific task, rather than be a general-purpose computer for multiple tasks. Some also have real-time performance constraints that must be met, for reasons such as safety and usability; others may have low or no performance requirements, allowing the system hardware to be simplified to reduce costs.

A common configuration for very-high-volume embedded systems is the systemon-a-chip (SoC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), for which the CPU core was purchased and added as part of the chip design. A related scheme is to use a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and program it with all the logic, including the CPU.

System-on-chip involves a design that has heterogeneous components on one microchip instead of being composed of several discrete devices as in traditional solutions. While all of these have design challenges beyond that necessary for single circuit type, it is the possible integration of analogue, non-transistor, and digital sections that rises to the level of a true system on a chip. Such high levels of integration are required in those applications that are cost, power and size sensitive. Integrated systems require an in-depth understanding of many different topics. Our master program in Embedded Systems Engineering offers a unique combination of circuit and system design, system theory, advanced material science, communication electronics, radio frequency electronics, and state of the art analysis and processing of signals. System implementations are further complicated by the various types of digital computation that are required, ranging from control processing for protocols and user interface, up to high-speed dedicated digital circuitry for the early stages of link demodulation.

The demand for the most efficient integrated solution requires simultaneous optimization of passive devices and analogue circuits, as well as the computational structures used to implement the digital processing.

With its long tradition in electrical, information and communication programs, Universität Karlsruhe (TH) provides an ideal environment. Building on the longestablished reputation for excellence in business engineering, our master program combines an in-depth knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts in business, finance and management with the latest developments in Integrated Circuit and Systems Technology. Graduates of our program receive an interdisciplinary education and are qualified “System Architects” that can efficiently combine engineering and economic skills.

Join us to acquire the tools that will guide your career in this exciting area.

Prof. Dr. Michael Siegel

Program Director for Embedded Systems Engineering