EBU6475 Microprocessor Systems Design

EBU6475 Microprocessor Systems Design
Mid-of-Module (MoM) Project
Coursework Title: Smart Ultrasonic Distance Approximator
Coursework Type: Group project
Marks contribution: 6% of total module marks

1. Project Overview
   In this project, you will step into the role of a microprocessor systems design engineer, working 
   collaboratively in the team you have already established. Your task is to develop an embedded system 
   application: the Smart Ultrasonic Distance Approximator. This system will measure distances using an HC SR04 ultrasonic sensor, integrate user-controlled settings through potentiometers and GPIO buttons, and 
   optionally include an SSD1306 OLED display for enhanced user interaction.
   To implement this project successfully, you will apply knowledge gained from the taught materials and the 
   Coding Day Challenges of Week 1 and 2 teaching blocks, including:
   • STM32F401 MCU peripherals: GPIO, Timer (Input Capture), ADC, External Interrupts, and DMA.
   • Embedded system development tools: STM32CubeIDE, SWV (Single Wire View), logic analyser, and 
   STM32CubeMonitor.
   This coursework aligns with the GenAI-Empowered CDIO-Based Authentic Assessment (AA) framework. You 
   will follow the CDIO (Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate) engineering design process, progressing from 
   concept development to implementation and operation. You are encouraged to use GenAI tools for 
   knowledge exploration, design evaluation, code generation, and debugging, ensuring innovative and efficient 
   solutions.
   This comprehensive assessment framework ensures you develop industry-relevant skills, including technical 
   expertise in embedded systems design, real-world problem-solving abilities, proficiency in GenAI-assisted 
   workflows, effective teamwork, and collaborative learning. This project provides practical, industry-relevant 
   experience in embedded systems development, closely reflecting real-world applications in intelligent 
   sensing technologies, robotics, and automation.
   For details on hardware components, technical requirements, project deliverables, and submission, refer to 
   Sections 2, 3, 5, and 6, respectively.
2. Supplied Hardware Components
   You will have access to the following hardware as shown in Figure 1:
   • NUCLEO-F401RE (STM32F401 board)
   • HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor
   • 3-Gang Potentiometers
   • 4 Push Buttons
   • I/O Extension Board
   • Logic Analyzer
   • SSD1306 OLED Display (optional)
   Figure 1. Supplied hardware components
   HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor 代写
   EBU6475 Microprocessor Systems Design3-Gang Potentiometers
3. Push Buttons and 
   SSD1306 OLED display Logic Analyser
   I/O extension board
   NUCLEO-F401RE
4. Project Requirements
   Your embedded system must fulfil the following core technical requirements, demonstrating fundamental 
   competency in embedded systems design. While these functionalities are essential, you are encouraged to 
   explore creative enhancements and innovative solutions to showcase a deeper level of technical expertise.
   • Ultrasonic Distance Measurement
   o Use Timer Input Capture (IC) to capture HC-SR04 sensor signals.
   o Implement accurate distance computation based on ultrasonic echo timing.
   o Consider sensor range and accuracy limitations in system design.
   • User-Controlled Settings
   o Use GPIO to interface user buttons for system interaction (e.g. start/stop, mode switch).
   o Use ADC to read values from potentiometers for adjustable settings (e.g. measurement 
   frequency, distance threshold).
   • Efficient Data Handling
   o Implement interrupts for event-driven responses. 
   o Implement DMA for CPU-offloaded real-time data transfer. 
   • Debugging, Validation and Data visualisation
   o Utilise SWV, console output, data trace, time graph, logic analyser, and STM32CubeMonitor
   for debugging, validation, and visualisation.
5. Coursework Assessment Framework and Marking Criteria
   The coursework assessment framework is based on the GenAI-Empowered CDIO-Based Authentic 
   Assessment (AA) with Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) framework. 
   This framework is built on the following core principles:
   • AA & CBL: Coursework is centered around realistic, open-ended engineering design challenges 
   mirroring real-world problems, fostering active learning and problem-solving.
   • CDIO: You will follow the CDIO (Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate) engineering design process, 
   progressing systematically through the project lifecycle, from concept development to 
   implementation and operation, ensuring holistic skill development.
   • Strategic GenAI Integration: Central to this framework, you are encouraged to use GenAI 
   throughout the CDIO engineering design process for (i) facilitating knowledge exploration, (ii) 
   supporting challenge assessment and design evaluation specifically considering innovative design 
   options, (iii) encouraging innovation and creative solutions, (iv) assisting with implementation and 
   troubleshooting, and (v) driving performance optimisation. You are required to demonstrate GenAI 
   competence through verification and validation of AI outputs. An example on how GenAI empowered CDIO framework can guide you through the engineering design process is depicted in 
   Figure 2.
   • Teamwork and Collaborative Learning: Assessment emphasises both the collaborative process and 
   project outcomes, alongside individual contributions. Teamwork fosters diverse perspectives, 
   leading to more innovative solutions. Formative and summative evaluations will assess both team based and individual efforts.
   Figure 2. GenAI-empowered CDIO framework
   Table 1 outlines the coursework assessment criteria, detailing the marks allocated to each stage of the CDIO 
   engineering design process within the GenAI-Empowered CDIO-Based Authentic Assessment framework.
   Table 1
   Marking Criteria Description Weight (%)
6. Conceive: 
   Critical 
   assessment of 
   the project 
   challenge 
   Assesses the ability to evaluate project requirements, define 
   objectives, and establish specifications that address practical 
   engineering challenges, such as system stability, hardware-software 
   integration, and real-time control, while ensuring alignment with 
   industry standards and real-world applications.
   20%
7. Design: 
   Higher-order 
   Thinking
   Assesses the ability to think critically, demonstrate creativity, and 
   apply technical problem-solving skills in identifying challenges and 
   developing innovative solutions.
   20%
8. Implement: 
   System 
   development 
   and execution
   Assess the ability to translate conceptual designs into functional 
   embedded systems, including hardware integration, coding, 
   peripheral interfacing, and firmware optimisation. The quality of 
   implementation of innovative features will be evaluated.
   20%
9. Operate: 
   Testing, 
   debugging, and 
   performance 
   evaluation
   Assess the ability to verify and validate system performance through 
   rigorous testing for stability, accuracy, and real-time functionality. 
   Evaluates the use of advanced debugging tools and data visualisation 
   methods.
   20%
10. Reflection and 
    Self-Assessment
    Assesses the ability to critically reflect on personal contributions 
    throughout all phases of the GenAI-empowered CDIO process. This 
    includes identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for 
    improvement; verifying and validating GenAI-generated results for 
    alignment with project objectives; and evaluating GenAI’s 
    effectiveness in the workflow, with an emphasis on critical analysis, 
    human oversight, and continuous refinement.
    10%
11. Teamwork and 
    Collaborative 
    Learning
    Assess teamwork effectiveness and collaborative learning in achieving 
    project goals. This includes active participation, task delegation, clear 
    communication, problem-solving, integrating contributions, fostering 
    positive team dynamics, and ensuring shared responsibility.
    10%
    Note that:
    • Criteria 1–4 are assessed via your documentation and video presentation. These criteria measure 
    your project outcomes in terms of technical proficiency and practical knowledge applied to real world challenges.
    • Criteria 5-6 are assessed during lab session where you will demonstrate your project process and 
    progress, reflective activities, continuous feedback, and project quality improvement.
12. Project deliverables
    Your team is required to submit the following deliverables to demonstrate your project outcomes and be 
    assessed against the marking criteria outlined in Table 1:
    • Documentation (PDF, Maximum 5 pages):
    o This document should concisely present the key outcomes of each phase of the CDIO process 
    (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate). 
    o Focus on providing clear and direct evidence demonstrating how your project fulfils the 
    assessment criteria outlined in Marking Criteria 1-4 of Table 1. 
    • Video Presentation (Maximum 5 minutes): a short video presentation demonstrating your Smart 
    Ultrasonic Distance Approximator in operation. The video should clearly showcase: 
    o A demonstration of the system in operation, including the implemented features.
    o An explanation of the key sections of your project code. 
    o Evidence of your debugging, validation, and data visualisation efforts. 
    • Complete Project Code (in Zip): 
    o This submission serves as supporting evidence for the functionality demonstrated in your 
    video presentation. 
    o Ensure your code is well-commented and organised.

13. Importance Dates
    • Project Start: 17 March 2025, Monday (Week 4)
    • Project progress assessment (for Criteria 5-6): Week 5
    • Project Submission to QMPlus (for Criteria 1-4): 14 April 2025, Monday (Week 8)
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