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 |
