ME 477 Embedded Computing in Electromechanical Systems

This course is an introduction to microprocessor-based measurement and control of mechatronic systems. Topics include processor architecture, computer memory, C programming, hardware and software interfaces, and communications. Emphasis is placed on hardware and software interface design for real-time measurement, control, and user interface.

Everyone is required to join the messaging service called "Discord." We'll use it to communicate with each other during the semester. The Discord server you need to join is called drico. That's an invitation link. Be sure to join the channel #477-577.

(PGD) Picone, Garbini, Devine. An Introduction to Real-Time Computing for Mechanical Engineers: A Lab-Based Approach. The MIT Press. 2024.

An Introduction to Real-Time Computing for Mechanical Engineers: A Lab-Based Approach

The book has a companion website that includes lecture videos: rtcbook.org. We will be using a "flipped-classroom" style for this course. Before coming to class , please watch the videos corresponding to the chapter of the book that appears on the schedule for that week.

The following schedule is tentative.

For each laboratory exercise listed in the schedule, perform the following tasks.

Graduate students have three additional responsibilities: (1) perform a literature search to understand an aspect of each laboratory exercise in greater depth; (2) as part of the introduction to each laboratory report (should be about a page in the standard format), summarize your research, citing least two academic sources; and (3) at the end of the semester, write a detailed research report on an application of embedded or real-time computing, focusing on the embedded or real-time computing aspect of the application.

A laboratory report will be due on Friday of the week it appears on the schedule. These reports will be submitted via Moodle and must be in accordance with the requirements provided here.

Laboratory procedures should be performed individually , although collaboration is encouraged. That is, discussions of how to accomplish aspects of the lab are great, but everyone should write their own code.

individually everyone should write their own code

Laboratory reports should also be prepared individually.

In keeping with the standards of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, each course is evaluated in terms of its desired outcomes and how these support the desired program outcomes. The following sections document the evaluation of this course.

Any use of technology that misleads a reviewer in assessing the student's mastery of a specific set of skills or knowledge is a type of intellectual dishonesty, that is, a type of cheating. Students who are unsure about the appropriateness of using an artificial intelligence tool (or "AI") must check with the instructor before using it. This includes the use of tools that generate text, images, video, code, and other works. If you are permitted by your instructor to use one or more AI tools in producing your work, you must disclose the use of that tool. You should say which tool you used and how you used it. Then if you use specific AI generated content (text, images, videos, audio, code, and so on) you must cite it in the style (APA, MLA, and so on) specified by your instructor.

If you are absent from class due to university-sanctioned activities, such as sports, it is your responsibility to request that the absence be excused; otherwise, the absence will be recorded as unexcused. Absent students are responsible for catching up with the class, and if any assignments are due on the day of the absence, it is your responsibility to turn in the assignments on time (prior to class). Assignments may be submitted as an attachment to the instructor's email address.

There may be times, as a college student, when personal stressors interfere with academic performance and daily life. The Counseling and Wellness Center supports students by addressing mental and emotional well-being with FREE and CONFIDENTIAL services. To schedule an appointment, call 360-688-2016, or email counselingcwc@stmartin.edu, or stop by the CWC (1st floor St. Raphael Center). If you would rather not go to the CWC or need support in the evenings and weekends, please consider using the TimelyCare app (timelycare.com/smusaints) to speak with a mental health provider, free, 24/7, from your phone or computer. We are honored to provide individual and group therapy to hundreds of students every year. Please reach out if you feel our services might support your wellness.

The Center for Student Success offers free academic services for all Saint Martin's students. The Center provides subject-area peer tutoring in science, technology, nursing, engineering, math, business, accounting, economics, world languages and other subjects. At the Writing Center, students meet with writing tutors to discuss their academic, personal, and professional writing. The Advising Center works with students on academic advising, connecting with campus support resources, transition and self-exploration guidance, personalized academic improvement plans, learning workshops, and support for changing majors. Disability Support Services is also located in the Center for any student with a disability who needs accommodations. For more information on the Center for Student Success, or to sign up for a tutoring, advising, or DSS meeting, see the website: https://www.stmartin.edu/directory/offices-departments-directory/center-student-success

Saints Care is a student support network bringing together campus partners—faculty, staff, families and students—to foster the success of each student in their navigation of campus life. Faculty, staff, students, and community members are welcome to submit a Saints Care Referral at https://www.stmartin.edu/saints-care for any reason; including, but not limited to:

Recognizing and embracing diversity is an essential part of academic life and learning. At Saint Martin's, our Catholic mission and Benedictine charism call us to welcome and embrace all who enter our university. We promote the transcendent dignity of the human person and commit ourselves to fostering an inclusive and global learning environment. Our respect for persons means we welcome the similarities and differences that comprise our students, faculty, and staff; we open ourselves to the profound change that different cultures, traditions, and beliefs can have on our practice of community; and we educate students to transform our world for peace and justice. We support our students in their navigation of university life, addressing issues of conflict through the ARC Reporting System (Accountability, Responsibility, and Community) to restore community. Saint Martin's offers multiple offices and resources to promote diversity across campus. The Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. John P. Hopkins, is available at jhopkins@stmartin.edu. All are welcome in the Dignity Center Lounge, located in Harned Hall, 207.

Saint Martin's University, in honor of the sacredness of the individual, and being deeply rooted in the Catholic Benedictine tradition of higher education, values the many religious and spiritual practices of our campus community. Saint Martin's University supports our students in their ongoing journey of becoming. In compliance with Washington State Law RCW 28B.137.010, Saint Martin's University reasonably accommodates students for reasons of religious observances.

Your experience in this class is important to me. If you have already established accommodations with Disability Support Services (DSS), please communicate your approved accommodations to me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss your needs in this course. If you have not yet established services through DSS, but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations (conditions include but are not limited to mental health, attention-related, learning, vision, hearing, physical or health impacts), you are welcome to contact DSS at 360-438-4580 or smu.dss@stmartin.edu. DSS offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s) and DSS. It is the policy and practice of Saint Martin's University to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state laws.

Saint Martin's University is committed to providing an environment free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. There are Title IX/sexual harassment posters around campus that include the contact information for confidential reporting and formal reporting. Confidential reporting is where you can talk about incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. Confidential resources include the Counseling and Wellness Center (1st floor St. Raphael Center) or the Student Health Center (Burton Hall 102). These confidential resources can help you without having to report your situation to the formal reporting process via the Interim Dean of Students – Ms. Ann Adams, Title IX Coordinator & Associate VP of Human Resources – Ms. Cynthia Johnson, and/or Public Safety – Ms. Sharon Schnebly unless you request that they make a report. Please be aware that, in compliance with Title IX and under the Saint Martin's University policies, educators must report incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. I appreciate that you feel comfortable talking with me. No one deserves to experience such behavior. Please know that our conversation is not confidential, but it is private. As someone who cares about your safety and well-being, I want you know that I have a responsibility to tell a member of the Title IX Team (listed above) so that he/she is aware and can provide you with information about options available to you regarding your safety and access to support services