====== Module: Hardware and Sensing Technologies (Part 1) ======

^ **Study level** | Bachelor |
^ **ECTS credits** | 1 ECTS |
^ **Study forms** | Hybrid or fully online |
^ **Module aims** | The aim of the module is to provide a practical foundation in sensing hardware, embedded communication and navigation/positioning for autonomous systems. The course develops students’ ability to design, integrate and validate multi-sensor and actuator setups on embedded platforms, taking into account interface compatibility, timing, power and electromagnetic constraints to build reliable autonomy-ready platforms.|
^ **Pre-requirements** | Basic knowledge of electronics and programming, as well as introductory control and linear algebra. Ability to work with Linux-based tools and version control is beneficial, while prior experience with microcontrollers or single-board computers is recommended but not mandatory. |
^ **Learning outcomes** | **Knowledge**\\ • Explain operating principles and specs of common sensors and actuators.\\ • Describe embedded communication protocols and timing/synchronisation concepts.\\ • Outline the hardware integration lifecycle, calibration methods, environmental/EMC testing, and safety/quality standards.\\ **Skills**\\ • Select appropriate sensors/computing units for a given task and justify trade-offs of accuracy, latency, power and cost.\\ • Configure and bring up device buses, log and interpret sensor data, and perform basic multi-sensor calibration.\\ • Build a minimal HIL test to validate a perception/control loop and document results.\\ **Understanding**\\ • Recognize integration risks and propose mitigations.\\ • Appreciate supply chain constraints and obsolescence planning when choosing components.\\ • Work safely, ethically and reproducibly, documenting configurations and changes. |
^ **Topics** | 1. Sensors, Computing Units, and Navigation Systems:\\  — Sensor taxonomy and specs (IMU, GNSS, magnetometer, LiDAR, depth, camera); calibration (extrinsics/IMU alignment).\\  — Embedded computing: MCUs vs. SoCs (CPU/GPU/accelerators), power/thermal design, memory and I/O.\\  —  Navigation and positioning: GNSS/IMU basics, odometry, sensor fusion concepts.\\ 2. Embedded Protocols and Communication Backbones:\\  — I²C/SPI/UART fundamentals; CAN/CAN-FD; Ethernet, TSN concepts; DDS/ROS2 communications.\\ 3. Integration Lifecycle and Reliability:\\  — Requirements → interface design → assembly → HIL/SIL → environmental & EMC testing; timing/synchronisation; redundancy.\\ 4. Supply Chain & Lifecycle Considerations:\\  — Component availability, quality/traceability, cybersecurity (SBOM/firmware signing), and obsolescence planning. |
^ **Type of assessment** | The prerequisite of a positive grade is a positive evaluation of module topics and presentation of practical work results with required documentation |
^ **Learning methods** | **Lecture** — Concept overviews with worked hardware schematics and bus timing examples.\\ **Lab works** — Hands-on bring-up of sensors and a microcontroller/SBC, bus sniffing, timestamping and calibration; mini HIL demo.\\ **Individual assignments** — Short design/calculation tasks (component selection, interface budgets) with a brief technical note.\\ **Self-learning** — Curated readings and datasheets; recommended MOOC videos to reinforce embedded and navigation concepts. |
^ **AI involvement** | Assisted code scaffolding and debugging, log summarisation, data analysis/visualisation and literature search support. Students must verify outputs, cite use of AI tools, and avoid uploading proprietary or assessment-sensitive data. |
^ **Recommended tools and environments** | STM32 or similar MCU development boards, Raspberry Pi / NVIDIA Jetson, typical sensors (IMU, GNSS, LiDAR, camera), CAN bus and logic analyzers, ROS2-based logging |
^ **Verification and Validation focus** |  |
^ **Relevant standards and regulatory frameworks** | ISO 26262, ISO 11452 / CISPR 25 / ISO 7637, ISO 16750, CAN |