KTU 2024 Scheme · Semester 5 · Common to CS/CC
Microcontrollers (PBCST504) Syllabus
Official KTU 2024 Scheme syllabus for Microcontrollers, Semester 5, Common to CS/CC (Computer Science and Engineering).
Course Code
PBCST504
Credits
4
Teaching Hours
3:0:0:1 (L:T:P:R) — Project Based Learning (PBL)
CIE Marks
60
ESE Marks
40
Exam Duration
2 Hrs 30 Min
Prerequisites
None
Semester
Semester 5
Course Objective
To introduce the ARM architecture and ARM-based microcontroller architecture, and to impart knowledge on the hardware and software components to develop embedded systems using STM32 microcontrollers.
Module-wise Syllabus
Module 1
9 contact hoursIntroduction to ARM Cortex-M Architecture: overview of embedded systems and their applications, introduction to Embedded C, microcontrollers vs. microprocessors, classification of processors, overview of ARM Cortex-M series, introduction to the Cortex-M23 and Cortex-M33 processors and the Armv8-M architecture, ARM core features — registers, memory and bus architecture, comparison with previous generations of Cortex-M processors.
Module 2
11 contact hoursSTM32 Microcontroller Overview and Peripheral Programming: introduction to the STM32 family, STM32U575 features and specifications, power management and low-power libraries, IDE and HAL introduction, writing/debugging your first program (LED interfacing), interfacing seven-segment display/LCD/matrix keypad, relay interfacing, ADC (potentiometer, temperature sensor, LDR, microphone), DAC (simple output generation, sine wave, audio signal generation), interrupt handling, timer and counter applications including timer-based RTC.
Module 3
10 contact hoursCommunication Protocols and USB: serial port terminal application, serial communication (USART, I2C, SPI, CAN), interfacing an I2C temperature sensor and displaying on an LCD, writing to/reading from an SPI-based EEPROM, configuring and implementing CAN communication between multiple STM32U575 microcontrollers, creating a USB HID device for keyboard/mouse emulation.
Module 4
14 contact hoursIoT, Wireless Communication, and RTOS: introduction to IoT architecture and protocols (MQTT, CoAP), IoT security principles and threats; wireless communication — GSM (call, SMS, internet), Bluetooth basics, LoRa basics and applications, designing an IoT-based home automation system; RTOS concepts, FreeRTOS with STM32 (task creation, scheduling, management), RTOS timers/delays/RTC integration, inter-task communication (queues and semaphores). TrustZone Technology: introduction, architecture and features, secure/non-secure worlds, implementing TrustZone in STM32U575, advanced debugging and code/memory optimization. Includes a mandatory hardware mini-project (e.g. home automation, security system, or ARM-based voice response system).
Course Outcomes
- CO1Explain the architectural features and instructions of ARM microcontrollers.
- CO2Develop applications involving interfacing of external devices and I/O with ARM microcontrollers.
- CO3Use various communication protocols for interaction with peer devices and peripherals.
- CO4Demonstrate the use of a real time operating system in embedded system applications.
- CO5Apply hardware security features of ARM in real world applications.
Assessment Pattern (CIE: 60 marks, ESE: 40 marks)
Continuous Internal Evaluation (CIE)
| Attendance | 5 |
| Project | 30 |
| Internal Examination 1 (Written) | 12.5 |
| Internal Examination 2 (Written) | 12.5 |
End Semester Examination (ESE)
Total 40 marks, 2 Hrs 30 Min. See the official KTU syllabus document for the exact Part A / Part B question pattern for this course.
Textbooks & Reference Books
Textbooks
- The Definitive Guide to ARM Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 Processors — Joseph Yiu (Newnes - Elsevier, 3rd edition, 2014)
- Mastering STM32 — Carmine Noviello (Leanpub, 2nd edition, 2022)
Reference Books
- ARM System Developer's Guide — Andrew N. Sloss, Dominic Symes, Chris Wright (Morgan Kaufmann, 1st edition, 2008)
- Embedded System Design with Arm Cortex-M Microcontrollers — Cem Unsalan, Huseyin Deniz Gurhan, Mehmet Erkin Yucel (Springer, 1st edition, 2022)
- Introduction to ARM Cortex-M Microcontrollers — Jonathan W. Valvano (Self-Published, 5th edition, 2014)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many credits is KTU Microcontrollers (PBCST504)?
4 credits, with 3:0:0:1 (L:T:P:R) — Project Based Learning (PBL) teaching hours per week, under the KTU 2024 Scheme.
How many modules are in the PBCST504 syllabus?
4 modules, 44 total contact hours.
What is the CIE and ESE mark split for this course?
CIE (Continuous Internal Evaluation): 60 marks. ESE (End Semester Examination): 40 marks, 2 Hrs 30 Min. Total: 100 marks.
What are the recommended textbooks for PBCST504?
The Definitive Guide to ARM Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 Processors (Joseph Yiu); Mastering STM32 (Carmine Noviello).
Is this syllabus specific to one branch, or common to others too?
This Semester 5 course is listed under Common to CS/CC at KTU under the 2024 Scheme — check the course header above for which branches it's common to.
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