2-Year Diploma in Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers

Course Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters, including holidays and attachment)
Course Fee: 30,000 Kenyan Shillings per semester
Weekly Commitment: Minimum of 2 hours per day
Course Overview:
This diploma program focuses on the design, development, and application of embedded systems and microcontrollers. Students will gain practical skills in hardware and software integration, programming, and system optimization, preparing them for careers in embedded systems engineering and related fields.

Year 1

Semester 1: Introduction to Embedded Systems

Week 1-4: Basics of Embedded Systems

Definition and Overview of Embedded Systems
Components of Embedded Systems: Microcontrollers, Sensors, Actuators
Embedded System Architectures and Design Principles
Practical Exercises: Building simple embedded circuits

Week 5-8: Microcontroller Fundamentals

Introduction to Microcontrollers and their Applications
Programming Microcontrollers: Assembly and C Language
Microcontroller Architectures: ARM, AVR, PIC
Practical Exercises: Writing and deploying basic microcontroller programs

Week 9-12: Embedded System Design

Designing Embedded Systems: Requirements Analysis and Specifications
Hardware Design Considerations: Circuit Design and PCB Layout
Software Design Considerations: Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
Practical Exercises: Designing and prototyping an embedded system

Week 13-16: Interfacing and Communication

Interfacing Microcontrollers with Peripherals: LEDs, Motors, Displays
Communication Protocols: UART, SPI, I2C
Debugging and Testing Embedded Systems
Practical Exercises: Implementing communication protocols in embedded projects

Semester 2: Advanced Embedded Systems

Week 1-4: Advanced Microcontroller Programming

Advanced Programming Techniques and Optimization
Interrupts, Timers, and Counters in Microcontrollers
Using Libraries and APIs for Microcontroller Development
Practical Exercises: Advanced programming and optimization tasks

Week 5-8: Embedded System Integration

Integrating Embedded Systems with External Devices and Networks
Introduction to IoT (Internet of Things) for Embedded Systems
Security Considerations in Embedded System Integration
Practical Exercises: Developing IoT applications using embedded systems

Week 9-12: Embedded System Testing and Debugging

Testing Techniques for Embedded Systems
Debugging Tools and Techniques: Logic Analyzers, Oscilloscopes
Error Handling and Fault Tolerance
Practical Exercises: Testing and debugging embedded systems

Week 13-16: Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)

Overview of RTOS and its Benefits
Task Scheduling and Resource Management in RTOS
Implementing RTOS in Embedded Systems
Practical Exercises: Using RTOS for complex embedded applications

Year 2

Semester 3: Advanced Topics in Embedded Systems

Week 1-4: Embedded System Design for Robotics

Introduction to Robotics and Automation
Designing Embedded Systems for Robotic Applications
Sensor Integration and Control Systems for Robotics
Practical Exercises: Developing embedded systems for robotic applications

Week 5-8: Wireless and Networked Embedded Systems

Wireless Communication Technologies: Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi
Designing Networked Embedded Systems and IoT Devices
Protocols and Standards for Wireless Embedded Systems
Practical Exercises: Implementing wireless communication in embedded projects

Week 9-12: Embedded Systems in Automotive Applications

Embedded Systems in Automotive Technology
Design and Development for Automotive Control Systems
Compliance with Automotive Standards (ISO 26262)
Practical Exercises: Developing embedded solutions for automotive applications

Week 13-16: Project Management and Industry Practices

Project Management Techniques for Embedded Systems Projects
Industry Best Practices and Case Studies
Preparing for Industry Certification and Career Development
Practical Exercises: Managing and presenting embedded systems projects

Semester 4: Capstone Project and Industry Attachment

Week 1-4: Capstone Project

Identifying a Project in Embedded Systems
Project Planning, Design, and Implementation
Presentation and Evaluation of Capstone Project
Final Assessment

Week 5-8: Industry Attachment

Hands-On Experience in Embedded Systems Roles
Applying Learned Skills in Real-World Projects
Industry Networking and Professional Development

Week 9-12: Professional Development and Career Planning

Building a Professional Portfolio and Resume
Job Search Strategies and Interview Preparation
Understanding Industry Certifications (Certified Embedded Systems Engineer, etc.)

Week 13-16: Course Review and Final Exam

Comprehensive Review of All Topics Covered
Practice Projects and Final Assessments
Final Exam and Evaluation

Certification:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a "Diploma in Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers," certifying their expertise in embedded system design, microcontroller programming, and related technologies. This certification prepares them for roles such as Embedded Systems Engineer, Firmware Developer, and similar positions in the electronics and IT industry.