Rapid development of reliable embedded systems

TTE Systems is working in partnership with the University of Leicester (the “UK University of The Year”) to deliver a highly-innovative new MSc programme in Reliable Embedded Systems.

This page aims to provide answers to “frequently asked questions” (FAQs) about this programme.

Programme structure

The MSc in Reliable Embedded Systems involves studying over a two-year period, on a part-time basis. While anyone is welcome to apply, the programme is primarily intended to be taken by working engineers who are in full-time employment.

To complete the programme, you need to be available for three weeks per year (over two years) to attend intensive training modules.

You will also need to find time for private study, and for project work.

In most cases, we find that employers are very supportive of staff who wish to undertake this programme.

What topics are covered in the modules?

This advanced MSc programme covers both the development of software for COTS (commercial off the shelf) processors and the development of designs based on FPGAs (field-programmable gate arrays), using ‘soft’ processor cores. In addition, pattern-based design techniques are included (with a clear focus on embedded systems): such techniques can help companies to capture and re-use existing design experience.

In total, there are six (15-credit) modules on the programme: each module involves some preparatory reading (detailed notes are provided) followed by a one-week programme of seminars and laboratory sessions and subsequent period of laboratory work and examination.

Modules are delivered approximately every 3-4 months.

Detailed information is available is available about these modules.

What background is required?

To undertake the University of Leicester programmes, the University has certain entry criteria.

In most cases, candidates are expected to hold an undergraduate degree (e.g. BSc, BEng) in an appropriate discipline (from a recognised institution), at the level of Second Class Honours (2:2) or equivalent.

All modules will be taught in English. Evidence of proficiency in English may be required.

In addition, applicants should know how to program in C, and should have had some experience developing embedded systems.

When does the programme start?

You can start the programme with any module.

How do I apply (and how much will it cost)?

Please see our Application page for information about course fees, entry requirements and a link to the University of Leicester application form.

What about the project?

To obtain an MSc or Postgraduate Diploma an appropriate project must also be completed. In most cases, project work will be carried out “in industry”, in parallel with the taught modules.

Who supervises the projects?

For students joining the module in 2009, all projects are supervised by Professor Michael J. Pont (Head of the Embedded Systems Laboratory, University of Leicester).

During each module, every student will have a scheduled 30-minute meeting with Michael Pont to discuss their project. Students can also raise project questions with Michael Pont at any time during the modules.

What equipment will I need to bring?

What hardware is provided?

Because the programme is taught by “distance learning”, students will - clearly - not be able to use the laboratory facilities at the University of Leicester.

In order to ensure that students on the programme have full access to the required equipment, hardware packs will be provided at the start of each module (on loan, for the duration of the module).

For example, students will be provided with a complete embedded PC (based on an Intel Atom motherboard) at the start of Module A1: they will have use of this equipment until the start of Module A2 (when a different hardware pack will be provided).

Please note that students will have the opportunity to purchase their hardware packs (at the end of the module) should they wish to do so.

What software is provided?

Software tools will be required to carry out some of the laboratory exercises.

The University of Leicester has chosen TTE Systems to provide the software (RapidiTTy™ Pro) which will be used in some of the laboratory classes. As a consequence, everyone registered for the MSc will receive a full (permanent) licence for RapidiTTy™ Pro as part of their course fee. These copies of RapidiTTy Pro will include an extended (2-year) maintenance agreement: this will ensure that the software is kept up-to-date throughout the MSc programme. The normal purchase price of RapidiTTy Pro with a 2-year maintenance agreement is approximately £3800.

Everyone taking the programme is required to bring with them a laptop computer (on which RapidiTTy and other software packages will be installed). Please note that you will need “Administrator” rights in order to install the software.

Once the teaching week is over, what are the means of contact with support staff?

Most contact is via e-mail and the University “Blackboard” teaching system.

What University facilities are available to distance learning (DL) students?

DL students have full access to the digital resources in the University library (a vast resource).

DL students can also have books (hard copies) posted to them, free of charge.

Is VHDL or Verilog used in the FPGA modules?

At the present time, teaching is carried out using VHDL.

No knowledge of VHDL is assumed before the start of the module (detailed preparatory notes are provided in advance of the module)

If the MSc programme is about reliable embedded systems, why isn’t there a module on ‘Fault tolerant systems’?

Fault tolerance is a broad topic which is addressed in many modules.

What is the balance between hardware and software for the different modules – which of the modules are hardware based and which are software based?

The programme is a mix of hardware- and software-based modules.

People with both software backgrounds and hardware backgrounds have done very well on the programme so far.

Where is the course taught?

You can attend public classes on this MSc programme either in the UK or in Malaysia.

I can’t get to the UK or Malaysia – can you teach the programme in my country?

If you are interested in the MSc programme in Reliable Embedded Systems and don’t live in the UK or Malaysia, you have two main options.

First, if your company has a number of people interested studying on this MSc programme, we may be able to deliver a custom programme for you (on site). Please note that such a solution is usually only cost-effective for groups of 20 people (or more).

Second, you can consider whether it will be cost-effective to travel to the UK or Malaysia (for 3 weeks every year, over two years) to attend this programme. When considering this option, please note that you may find that this is considerably cheaper than undertaking a full-time MSc programme at a UK institution of similar standing to the University of Leicester.

Please contact us if you would like further information on any of these topics.