Embedded Platforms and Embedded Control (RESCHIP4EU)

This course developed by the Finnish University of Turku focuses on the foundational skills needed for embedded software development using C. The course covers C syntax and best practices relevant to low-level programming, hardware-software integration, and off-chip peripherals. It also explores code optimisations for resource-constrained systems, debugging, and cross-compiling techniques.

Background and context

Embedded systems are the intelligent core of modern electronic devices, seamlessly integrating hardware and software to perform dedicated tasks efficiently, reliably, and often in real time. From household appliances, automotive control units, and medical instruments to industrial automation, drones, and AI-powered edge devices, embedded systems form the technological backbone of today’s connected world. 

About this course

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to embedded systems design, programming, and control, combining theoretical foundations with hands-on experience on modern embedded platforms such as the ARM Cortex-A9, NVIDIA Jetson Nano, and Jetson TX2. Students will learn the architecture and components of embedded systems, low-level C/C++ programming, peripheral interfacing, and real-time operating system (RTOS) concepts. Through progressive labs and projects, participants will design, implement, and optimize embedded applications in both bare-metal, i.e., without OS, and with real-time OS environments, culminating in a final project demonstrating control and AI-capable embedded systems.

Course structure

• Introduction to Embedded Systems 
• Embedded C and C++ 
• Embedded Hardware Interfaces 
• Embedded Control Fundamentals 
• Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) 
• ARM Cortex-A9 Platform 
• NVIDIA Jetson Nano and TX2 
• Project and Demonstration 

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the architecture and components of modern embedded systems. 
• Develop embedded applications using C and C++ for real hardware.  
• Interface and control common peripherals (GPIO, UART, I²C, SPI, ADC, PWM, etc.).  
• Apply real-time operating system (RTOS) concepts for multitasking and timing-critical applications.
• Understand the fundamentals of embedded control, including sensor feedback and actuator control loops.
• Deploy and test embedded applications on ARM Cortex-A9, Jetson Nano, and Jetson TX2 platforms.
• Optimize software for performance, power, and reliability.