ECE 3501 Fall 2020

Embedded Computing & Robotics I

Monday, Wednesday & Friday  11-12:15 PM, Thornton A120

Prerequisites: CS 111x and DLD (or equivalent)

DO NOT TAKE THIS COURSE IF YOU HAVE ALREADY TAKEN ECE 3430

What is this new embedded computing course I’ve been hearing about?

An embedded computer is the “brain” that makes a “smart system” smart.    ECE is creating two new courses in embedded computing & robotics that will use the TI Robotic Systems Learning Kit as a hardware platform.    The new course sequence will cover topics in embedded computing with a focus on robotics and are independent of the FUN sequence, so they can be started earlier in the program.  The prerequisites to the new sequence are CS 111x and DLD (Digital Logic Design, ECE 2330) and the classes are open to all majors.

The new course sequence will be piloted in 2019-2020 with the first course (Embedded Computing and Robotics I) offered in both fall and spring and the second (Embedded Computing and Robotics II) offered in the spring.   The hope is to offer both classes each semester after that.   Each class will include extensive in-class hands-on material.

 

Do I have to already know how to solder?

We will build the robot in class and use it as a platform for learning about embedded computing and robotics.  We will teach you how to solder with a practice kit.  No special hands-on skills are expected, just a willingness to follow instructions carefully. And patience.

Do I have to pay for the kit?

No.  We have received funds from the extra tuition that engineering school students pay to buy 100 kits.

What if I am a CpE or EE major?   Can I take the new sequence of classes? 

If you are a CpE or EE major and have not taken ECE 3430, you can take the first two new embedded/robotics courses  instead of ECE 3430.  The new courses will be 3 credits each, so you will need to take 6 credits of the new embedded/robotics sequence in order to earn credit for ECE 3430.   The 2 “extra” credits may count as ECE elective credits. 

Will ECE 3430 be phased out?

The new sequence, if successful, will eventually replace ECE 3430, but not until changes are approved.   If you are worried about scheduling classes and meeting requirements, talk to Prof Dugan or Prof DeLong so that we can avoid disrupting your academic progress.