- Degree
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Course location
- Kaiserslautern
- Teaching language
- • English
- Languages
- The core programme is taught in English only. Elective courses and the thesis can be in English or German.
- Full-time / part-time
- • full-time
- Programme duration
- 4 semesters
- Beginning
- Winter and summer semester
- Application deadline
- • Summer semester: 31 October
• Winter semester: 30 April
- Tuition fees per semester in EUR
- None
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- Description/content
- Embedded Computing Systems (ESY) is a four-semester Master's programme. A total of 120 ECTS must be acquired.
In general, developing embedded systems requires competences in several areas:
• System architectures: hardware and software
• Design methodologies: system-level modelling, design techniques, testing, and verification
• Embedded systems application areas: knowledge on application areas is needed for optimised embedded systems solutions
The curriculum consists of a core programme, an elective programme, and a Master's thesis. The core programme covers the fundamentals of embedded computing systems and offers education in all three teaching areas. The elective programme allows you to sharpen your personal profile by selecting specific courses from RPTU and its associated research institutes.
Core Programme (35-55 CPs)
The core programme contains the mandatory courses that will teach you the fundamentals of embedded systems design.
In order to understand how an embedded system works, you will study processor architectures and practice their design in Architecture of Digital Systems I and the Embedded Processor Lab. These courses give you an introduction into modern RISC processors and other important processor architectures as they are widely used in today's embedded systems. The courses Architecture of Digital Systems II and the Embedded Systems Laboratory enhance the focus from processors to systems that contain further components and communication structures.
Embedded system engineering is more than just hardware design. As we move from the components of the system to understanding the system as a whole, we are also confronted with various aspects of software design. In the courses Real-Time Systems I and Operating Systems, you will learn how the software distributes tasks and organises correct communication between all components in a system.
It is daily practice for SoC designers to work with Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. Therefore, it is important to understand how these tools work internally and how they map to microelectronic circuits and components. You will study those aspects in the courses Synthesis and Optimisation of Microelectronic Systems I and Microelectronic Circuit and System Design I. The course Verification of Digital Systems (with lab) introduces the fundamentals of Electronic Design Automation and their application to formal design verification.
Elective Programme (35-55 CPs)
The elective programme allows you to build your own personal profile and to gain additional competences in fields that are most interesting to you. You can select from a wide range of modules available at RPTU. An individual study plan is created and mutually agreed on between the student and the ESY programme adviser.
Master's Thesis (30 CPs)
The last part of the curriculum is the Master's thesis. In general, the Master's thesis is embedded into larger research projects conducted at RPTU, at local research institutes, or in industry. The topic of your Master's thesis is determined during your second or third semester of studies.