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Module: Hardware and Sensing Technologies (Part 1)
| Study level | Bachelor |
|---|---|
| ECTS credits | 1 ECTS |
| Study forms | Hybrid or fully online |
| Module aims | Provide a practical foundation in embedded protocols, sensing hardware, and navigation/positioning for autonomous systems. Students will learn how sensors (IMU, GNSS, LiDAR/camera), actuators and power systems connect to embedded computing units via standard buses (I²C, SPI, UART, CAN/CAN-FD, Ethernet/DDS), how data moves deterministically across the system, and how to calibrate, time-synchronise and validate multi-sensor setups. Emphasis is placed on interface compatibility, thermal/power constraints, EMC considerations and the integration lifecycle (from requirements to HIL testing) that turns components into a reliable platform. |
| Pre-requirements | Basic electronics (Ohm’s law, signals, voltage/current levels), programming fundamentals (preferably C/C++ or Python), and introductory control/linear algebra (vectors, matrices). Ability to use a Linux-based toolchain and Git is beneficial. Prior exposure to microcontrollers or SBCs (e.g., STM32, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Jetson) is helpful but not mandatory. |
| Learning outcomes | Knowledge • Explain operating principles and specs of common sensors (IMU, GNSS, range and vision sensors) and actuators. • Describe embedded communication protocols (I²C, SPI, UART, CAN/CAN-FD, Ethernet, DDS) 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 (interface incompatibility, EMI, thermal/power limits) and propose mitigations. • Appreciate supply chain constraints and obsolescence planning when choosing components. • Work safely, ethically and reproducibly, documenting configurations and changes. |
| Topics | 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. Embedded Protocols and Communication Backbones: • I²C/SPI/UART fundamentals; CAN/CAN-FD; Ethernet, TSN concepts; DDS/ROS 2 communications. Integration Lifecycle and Reliability: • Requirements → interface design → assembly → HIL/SIL → environmental & EMC testing; timing/synchronisation; redundancy. 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 | |
| Verification and Validation focus | |
| Relevant standards and regulatory frameworks |
