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 3-Gang Potentiometers
4 Push Buttons and
SSD1306 OLED display Logic Analyser
I/O extension board
NUCLEO-F401RE
3. 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.
4. 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 (%)
1. 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%
2. 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%
3. 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%
4. 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%
5. 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%
6. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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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