Embedded Systems
The Demand for Embedded Systems
Embedded systems are involved in almost every facet of modern life:- Cell phones, pagers, answering machines, microwave ovens, televisions, VCRs, CD and DVD players, video game consoles, remote controls, fax machines, cameras, and music synthesizers all contain embedded processors.
- Late model cars may contain as many as 65 embedded microprocessors, controlling such tasks as antilock braking, climate control, engine control, audio system control, and airbag deployment.
- Even PCs, which are designed around powerful CPUs such as the Intel Pentium III, contain embedded systems. Floppy disk drives, hard disk drives, CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives, 3D accelerator cards, and external peripherals such as printers, scanners, and other SCSI or USB devices all contain embedded processors.
During 1998, microprocessor manufacturers sold on the order of 100 million processors for use as computer CPUs. In comparison, during the same time frame, microprocessor manufacturers sold more than 3 billion embedded processors, primarily consisting of 32-bit, 16-bit, 8-bit, and 4-bit devices.
This tremendous growth in embedded computing has given rise to demand for engineers with experience in designing and implementing embedded systems.
Embedded Systems Certificate
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has developed a certificate program in Embedded Systems designed to build and enhance your professional knowledge and skills in this high demand field. If you want to:- develop skills in design and use of embedded systems technology,
- expand current knowledge and apply new ideas in practice,
- gain hands-on experience in embedded system design,
- and enhance career opportunities,
- ECEN 4613 or ECEN 5613, Embedded System Design
- ECEN 4623 or
ECEN 5623, Real-Time Embedded Systems
plus one of the following:
- ECEN 4633 or ECEN 5633, Hybrid Embedded Systems
- ECEN 4610, Capstone Laboratory (for undergraduate students only)
- ECEN 4583, Software Systems Development
- ECEN 40X3 (special topics course) or ECEN 5543, Software Engineering of Standalone Programs
Each course carries three semester hours of academic credit.
Please note, to earn the Certificate, all courses must be taken for a letter grade and may not be taken Pass/Fail or for NC (no credit).
For information on how this certificate fits into a graduate degree in electrical and computer engineering, contact the Graduate Advisor, Adam Sadoff, of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
To register for a graduate-level course through the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, contact Adam Sadoff, (303) 735-0490. Undergraduates should contact the Undergraduate Advisor, Valerie Matthews, in ECEE 1B20.
To register for a course through CAETE, check the CAETE webpage for schedule and application information.
Applying for the Certificate upon Completion of Courses
Once all three courses have been successfully completed, students should fill out the application form and return it by fax, email, or in person to Adam Sadoff. Certificates may take several weeks to issue as grades and course work need to be verified and signatures obtained. Certificates are issued in batches. The strict deadlines for receipt of the paperwork is| Fall: | December 31st |
| Spring: | May 15th |
| Summer: | August 15th |
Those who have taken one or more certificate courses and are interested in pursuing a full graduate degree will find application procedures and information on the Graduate Study page.
