SYSEN 5412: Creating Solutions with Embedded Systems

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) is a comprehensive course designed for students interested in the integration of computational and physical systems. It covers core concepts such as sensors, actuators, communication protocols (e.g., I2C, SPI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), signal processing, computer vision, and control algorithms essential for modern systems like autonomous vehicles, smart grids, and robotics. Through hands-on labs, students will gain practical experience in programming microcontrollers (Raspberry Pi Pico W), system integration, and problem-solving by implementing an autonomous robotic platform (Sparkfun XRP). The course emphasizes design trade-offs, systems architecture, and adaptability to new technologies, preparing students for careers in industries where CPS is increasingly critical. Whether you’re a systems engineer, or someone passionate about integrating emergent technologies to solve real-world problems, this course equips you with the tools to tackle complex, interdisciplinary challenges in CPS.

Topics Covered

• Cyber-physical system architectures and frameworks
• Computational systems and computer architectures
• Embedded systems and cloud computing platforms
• Computer programming languages and paradigms
• Wired and wireless communication protocols
• Sensors and sensor networks
• Actuators
• Signal processing and computer vision