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Hochschule Osnabrück - University of Applied Sciences

Embedded Systems for Mechanical Engineering

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Version

Version 1 of 20.02.2026.

Module identifier

11B2316

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

German

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

winter and summer term

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

Embedded systems are combined hardware and software systems that are required in mechatronic products for control, regulation and communication integration. As a rule, they only have limited resources that are adapted to the application. In addition, special requirements are often placed on the timing behavior.

Teaching and learning outcomes

  1. Basics
    • Hardware, firmware, software
    • Requirements and objectives
    • Selected application examples
    • Presentation of the semester-accompanying design task
  2. Hardware of embedded systems
    1. Microcontroller, microprocessor, DSP, FPGA/CPLD, RAM, ROM, clock generator
    2. peripherals: Examples: Timer, GPIO, ADC/DAC, I2C, I2S, SPI, I2C, USB, Wifi, Ethernet Mac
    3. Relevance of the direct periphery to the system behavior: Timer, DMA, interrupt, standby/low power
    4. Indirect peripherals in mechatronic systems. Examples: Power drivers for drives, measuring amplifiers/DAC/ADC, displays, energy management (PMU, battery management), communication modules (Ethernet PHY, 2.4GHz, GPS, 4G)
  3. Basic course: Programming in C++
  4. Firmware of embedded systems
    1. Layer model / hardware abstraction
    2. Real-time operating systems (multithreading: process communication, synchronization)
    3. Memory management
    4. Power management
    5. Functional safety
  5. Project planning of embedded systems (parts 1-3 at the beginning of the semester, best design by students is selected and sent to a manufacturer)
    1. Hardware concept design using an example (e.g. “driving robot with cell phone remote control”)
    2. Circuit diagram design with EDA software
    3. Circuit board design with EDA software
    4. Software concept design
    5. Implementation of the software
    6. Test and debugging options for embedded systems

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
45Lecture-
15Laboratory activity-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
15Preparation/follow-up for course work-
15Exam preparation-
60Creation of examinations-
Graded examination
  • Portfolio exam
Ungraded exam
  • Field work / Experimental work
Remark on the assessment methods

The portfolio assessment is worth 100 points and consists of a presentation and an oral examination. A maximum of 60 points can be achieved with the presentation and a maximum of 40 points with the oral examination.

The "Experimental Work" examination requirement is successfully completed if attendance and active participation in the practical training sessions can be verified. According to current plans, students will construct an embedded example system step by step under the supervision of the instructor as part of a single, continuous experiment.

Exam duration and scope

Graded examination:

  • Portfolio examination:
    Presentation: 20 to 30 minutes
    Oral examination: see the applicable General Section of the Examination Regulations

Ungraded examination performance:

  • The examination performance "Experimental Work" is successfully completed if attendance and active participation in the practical training sessions can be certified. According to current plans, students will construct an embedded example system step by step under the supervision of the instructor as part of a single, continuous experiment.

Literature

Marwedel, P. (2021). Eingebettete Systeme: Grundlagen Eingebetteter Systeme in Cyber-Physikalischen Systemen. Springer Vieweg.

Zickert, G. (2023). Leiterplatten: Stromlaufplan, Layout und Fertigung. Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH  Co KG.

Applicability in study programs

  • Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor)

    • Mechanical Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Mechanical Engineering in Practical Networks

    • Mechanical Engineering in Practical Networks B.Sc. (01.03.2026)

  • Automotive Engineering (Bachelor)

    • Automotive Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

    Person responsible for the module
    • Liebler, Klaus
    Teachers
    • Liebler, Klaus