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Module: Hardware and Sensing Technologies (Part 2)
| Study level | Master |
|---|---|
| ECTS credits | 1 ECTS |
| Study forms | Hybrid or fully online |
| Module aims | This module aims to provide an advanced understanding of hardware governance, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), sensor validation, and lifecycle management for modern cyber-physical and autonomous systems. Students will explore how regulatory frameworks, compliance testing, and calibration ensure reliability, safety, and global market readiness. Through analysis of governance models (FCC, ITU, UNECE) and supply chain dependencies, the module develops expertise in EMI mitigation, certification workflows, and the integration of electronic and AI-driven systems within regulated industrial contexts. Emphasis is placed on the strategic and technical dimensions of ensuring EMC conformity and maintaining calibration across distributed product lifecycles. |
| Pre-requirements | Foundational knowledge in electrical and electronic systems, signal processing, and embedded architectures. Familiarity with regulatory and standards frameworks (e.g., ISO 26262, CISPR 25, FCC Part 15/18) and basic understanding of control systems, sensing technologies, and data communication protocols. Experience in laboratory instrumentation, hardware testing, or simulation tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, or Ansys HFSS is recommended. |
| Learning outcomes | Knowledge • Explain electromagnetic compatibility principles, emission/immunity mechanisms, and EMI mitigation strategies. • Describe national and international governance structures (FCC, ITU, CISPR, UNECE) and their impact on hardware design. • Understand calibration principles, maintenance cycles, and supply chain dependencies for safety-critical systems. • Discuss the interrelationship between regulatory compliance, testing methodologies, and product lifecycle management. Skills • Conduct pre-compliance EMI tests and analyze sensor and system-level performance under regulated conditions. • Design hardware layouts and shielding solutions to meet EMC standards. • Assess supply chain resilience and identify obsolescence or counterfeit risks in semiconductor sourcing. • Apply calibration procedures and reliability testing across product lifecycle stages. Understanding • Recognize the role of regulation and governance in enabling innovation while ensuring public safety. • Appreciate the complexities of maintaining compliance across global markets. • Adopt responsible and ethical approaches to supply chain management, data transparency, and sustainability. |
| Topics | 1. Governance Frameworks and Spectrum Management: – Regulatory evolution: FCC, ITU, and global coordination of electromagnetic spectrum. – FCC Part 15 vs. Part 18 distinctions and implications for vehicle and sensor manufacturers. 2. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Principles: – EMI mechanisms, emissions/immunity testing, and standards (CISPR 25, UNECE R10, ISO 11452). – Anechoic chambers, Faraday cages, and instrumentation for compliance validation. 3. Sensor Validation and Calibration: – Calibration procedures for radar, LiDAR, GNSS, and IMU sensors. – In-field calibration strategies and digital twin applications. 4. Supply Chain and Lifecycle Governance: – Semiconductor economics, obsolescence management, and COTS adoption strategies. – Cybersecurity and software supply chain verification. 5. Maintenance and Long Lifecycle (LLC) Design: – OTA updates, redundancy, and sustainability in hardware maintenance. – Case studies: Automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors. 6. Global Trends and Future Challenges: – Cross-border regulatory harmonization and AI-driven predictive compliance. |
| 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 — Provide theoretical understanding of EMC principles, regulatory frameworks, and governance mechanisms. Lab works — Conduct EMC pre-compliance tests, sensor calibration exercises, and supply chain simulations using hardware/software tools. Individual assignments — Develop compliance strategies, perform risk analysis on component lifecycles, and write policy-technical briefs. Self-learning — Explore international standards, participate in industry webinars, and review current FCC/ITU publications. |
| AI involvement | AI tools may assist in simulating EMI propagation, predicting obsolescence trends, and optimizing calibration schedules. Students must validate all AI-assisted outputs and document methodology in accordance with research integrity and transparency guidelines. |
| Recommended tools and environments | |
| Verification and Validation focus | |
| Relevant standards and regulatory frameworks |
