Laboratory testbeds
Most courses in embedded systems start by learning how to write a simple program, download it to a board and flash an LED. These courses often then consider more realistic techniques for developing and debugging embedded applications.
This is a good starting point but — in the real world — embedded systems are used to monitor and control a wide range of applications, in homes, factories, vehicles and hospitals. We find that many of the most effective embedded courses employ appropriate test environments, ensuring that students are exposed to a wide range of realistic development challenges as they work in this area.
At TTE Systems, we have developed a number of detailed code examples and demonstration systems which can be used to support the teaching of embedded systems using hardware testbeds. The examples are designed to work with cost-effective, off-the-shelf training equipment (equipment which many universities and colleges already own).
For example, using suitable test equipment and RapidiTTy™ tools, students can learn how to program distributed embedded control systems. Training can include creating software implementations of different control algorithms (on-off control, PID control, LQR control, fuzzy control, H-infinity, etc). These examples can be run on a single processor board (ARM7, ARM9, Cortex M3 or FPGA-based “soft” processor core), or as a distributed system across two or more processor boards, linked using (for example) CAN, RS-485, RS-232 or Ethernet.
Many different training options are available. For further information, please contact us.
Videos showing laboratory testbeds
Video clips showing lab equipment under control of ARM7-based microcontrollers:
- British Satellite News interview (21 Feb 2008), including views of some of our testbeds.
- A simple video clip showing a single ARM7-based microcontroller used to control an elevator system (large file).
- A simple video clip showing one possible implementation of a process-control system, based on a network of ARM7-based microcontrollers connected using a dual CAN bus arrangement.
- A simple video clip showing a single ARM7-based microcontroller used to control an inverted pendulum (LQR control algorithm).
In each case, the code used to control the systems was created using RapidiTTy™ MCU.
Example code compatible with RapidiTTy™ x86 and / or RapidiTTy™ FPGA can also be provided.
