Embedded Systems Master's Program

This master program is designed and launched by the Department of Aerospace Computer and Software Systems in close collaboration with the Institute of High-Performance Computer and Network Technologies (IHPCNT) in the St. Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation (SUAI, Russia). IHPCNT serves as a scientific and technical base for training of masters and postgraduates in SUAI. The Institute has a great competence in aerospace industry and Embedded Software Design for various domains (image processing, microcontrollers, etc.)

Curriculum

Curriculum consists of the six main tracks producing different learning outcomes and students’ competences

Project track is related to the project management and business
Communication track gives international language communication skills and philosophy of engineering
Intellectual systems track provides students with knowledge on modern information processing methods and neural network's concepts
Formal methods track prepares students for the research and gives mathematical background that was missing during the studying in bachelor
Embedded systems track is the main track for embedded systems design, development and implementation competences
R&D track stands for the work in multidisciplinary projects during the studying, including master's thesis work and scientific seminars

Two versions of the program

Students can choose between two versions of the program: Russian and English. Some modules in these programs are differ, and the studying language is also different.

Embedded systems (in English)

Sem. #4	Teaching practice(credit)6 ECTS	Industrial practice(credit)6 ECTS	Final exams(exam)9 ECTS	Master's thesis (based on R&D project)(defense)9 ECTS						30 credits
Sem. #3	Artificial neural networks(exam)4 ECTS	Systems for digital image processing(exam)5 ECTS	Entrepreneurship basics(credit)5 ECTS	Information safety and security(exam)6 ECTS	On-board computing networks(credit)3 ECTS	Computer networks and telecommunications(exam)4 ECTS		Scientific seminars(credit)1 ECTS	Main R&D project(credit)2 ECTS	30 credits
Sem. #2	Intellectual systems(exam)6 ECTS	Systems for digital signal processing(exam)3 ECTS	Optimization methods(credit)5 ECTS	Transmission of discrete messages(credit)2 ECTS	Systems- and networks-on-chip(credit)2 ECTS	Architecture of parallel systems(exam)6 ECTS	Systems modeling(credit)2 ECTS	Scientific seminars(credit)1 ECTS	Main R&D project(credit)3 ECTS	30 credits
Sem. #1	International language(exam)6 ECTS	Methodology of scientific cognition(credit)5 ECTS	Project management for information systems(exam)6 ECTS	Mathematical methods for scientific research(credit)2 ECTS	Embedded systems design in VLSI(exam)3 ECTS	Parallel programming(credit)3 ECTS		Scientific seminars(credit)1 ECTS	Introductory R&D project(credit, defense)4 ECTS	30 credits

Embedded systems (in Russian)

Sem. #4	Teaching practice(credit)6 ECTS	Industrial practice(credit)6 ECTS	Final exams(exam)9 ECTS	Master's thesis (based on R&D project)(defense)9 ECTS						30 credits
Sem. #3	Artificial neural networks(exam)4 ECTS	Systems for digital image processing(exam)5 ECTS	Entrepreneurship basics(credit)5 ECTS	Information safety and security(exam)6 ECTS	On-board computing networks(credit)3 ECTS	Computer networks and telecommunications(exam)4 ECTS		Scientific seminars(credit)1 ECTS	R&D project(credit)2 ECTS	30 credits
Sem. #2	Intellectual systems(exam)6 ECTS	Systems for digital signal processing(exam)3 ECTS	Optimization methods(credit)5 ECTS	Transmission of discrete messages(credit)2 ECTS	Systems- and networks-on-chip(credit)2 ECTS	Architecture of parallel systems(exam)6 ECTS	Specification and modelling languages(credit)2 ECTS	Scientific seminars(credit)1 ECTS	R&D project(credit)3 ECTS	30 credits
Sem. #1	International language(exam)6 ECTS	Methodology of scientific cognition(credit)5 ECTS	Project management for information systems(exam)6 ECTS	Embedded systems interfaces(credit)2 ECTS	Embedded systems design in VLSI(exam)3 ECTS	Computing networks(credit)3 ECTS		Scientific seminars(credit)1 ECTS	R&D project(credit)4 ECTS	30 credits

Studying opportunities

Exchange semester

Two-year study

Summer Internship

CDIO

CDIO Initiative is an educational framework that stresses engineering fundamentals set in the context of conceiving, designing, implementing and operating real-world systems and products. This approach is used as the framework for Embedded system Masters’ program.

R&D project

Students usually choose the project topic between the following research areas:

Communication protocols for the onboard equipment
Simulation and verification of systems
Embedded systems design
Software development for embedded systems
Analysis and updates of the onboard hardware
Video processing
Heterogeneous computing

We are open to discuss the other areas

Projects are presented in the papers and conferences

Simulation Of ExoMars2020’s Rover Network Using System C#

Nairi A., Plante J., Sinyov N., Olenev V., Korobkov I.

Proceeding of the 24nd conference of FRUCT. Presentation

Tools for Analysis and Tracking of Deadlock-Free Routes in On-Board SpaceWire Networks

Olenev V., Karandashev A., Alexeeva K. Proceeding of the 26th conference of FRUCT association

Proceeding of the 26th conference of FRUCT association. Article

Contact

Valentin Olenev

Head of the Aerospace Computer and Software Systems department

+7-812-710-65-39

valentin.olenev@guap.ru

Module Code	Б.1.Б.8, base module
Lesson Types	Lectures, practical work, seminars, individual work.
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: Parallel programming, Circuitry engineering, Electronics, Assembler programming, high-level programming
Description	The core overviews architecture of parallel computational system, its classification, SMP architecture. Computers with shared memory, memory conflicts on performance, distributed computing environments. Performance evaluation, network latency. Then the module moves to the computational systems based on graphic processors, in particular Hybrid Computation Model, different algorithms and methods for memory organization. Last part of the module covers distributed computational systems. It is distributed file system, algorithms on map reduce, graphs in map-reduce, shortest path in the graph.
Competences	Application of modern communication technologies, also in a foreign language, for academic and professional interaction Development of original algorithms and software, also using modern intelligent technologies, to solve professional problems Development and modernization of software and hardware for information and automated systems. Development of components of software and hardware systems for information processing and computer-aided design.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature.

Module Code	Б.1.В.ДВ.3, elective module
Lesson Types	Lectures, laboratory work, individual work.
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: Systems for digital signal processing, Transmission of discrete messages, Artificial Intelligent
Description	The module is devoted to deep neural networks for machine learning. It covers basic concepts of artificial neurons, activation functions, neuronal weights, backpropagation, and regularization methods. Modern architectures including convolutional and recurrent neural networks are considered. Artificial neural networks discussed in the module have wide spectrum of applications like object recognition, image enhancement and text analysis.
Competences	Integration and implementation of developed software, computing systems, communication equipment. Development of means and systems for data protection of automated systems.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature.

Module Code	Б.1.В.4, variable module
Lesson Types	Lectures, laboratory work, individual work.
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: Computing networks, Informatics, Computing systems
Description	This module describes the foundations of computer networks building, intellectual communication networks, principles for the implementation of mobile radio networks, features of the construction of telecommunication networks using optical communications. Moreover, module describes integrated communications networks, networking standards and algorithms for network topologies.
Competences	Integration and implementation of developed software, computing systems, communication equipment. Development of means and systems for data protection of automated systems. Scientific guidance in the relevant field of knowledge.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature.

Module Code	Б.1.В.ДВ.2, elective module
Lesson Types	Lectures, laboratory work, consultation, individual work
Language	Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: Informatics, Computer architecture and telecommunications.
Description	The content of the module covers a range of issues related to the organization of various types of existing network technologies used to build computer networks, as well as knowledge and skills of theoretical research of computer networks and verification of network software (analytical methods for studying network characteristics, methods for routing high-speed supernets and building them topologies, algorithms for managing network traffic based on quality of service parameters).
Competences	Development of a methodology for performing analytical work Integration of the developed system software.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature.

Module Code	Б.2.В.1, variable module
Lesson Types	Lectures, practical works, individual work
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: Informatics, Computer networks, other courses related to programming.
Description	This module gives a deep knowledge of using of VHDL for VLSI design. Module includes the description of VHDL language, its main concepts, operators, etc. Also during the lectures, students get the knowledge how to use VHDL for design, some technology features, and process of implementation and VLSI synthesis. During the practice students can write the VHDL description of the scheme and practically try to make synthesis with the professional Cadence software.
Competences	Development of methods for performing analytical work Integration of the developed system software Carrying out research and development work.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature.

Module Code	Б.1.В.ДВ.1, elective module
Lesson Types	Lectures, practical work, individual work
Language	Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: Computer architecture.
Description	The content of the module covers a range of issues related to modern data transfer interfaces at the physical, channel, network and transport layers of the OSI model. Module gives a deep knowledge on modern communication standards like FibreChannel, HyperTransport, PCIExpress, RapidIO and SpaceWire.
Competences	Development of a methodology for performing analytical work. Scientific guidance in the relevant field of knowledge.
Documentation	Useful literature.

Module Code	Б.1.Б.3, base module
Lesson Types	Lectures, practical work, individual work.
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: Economics
Description	Current module gives a basic knowledge in the area of entrepreneurship. In particular it starts with fundamentals of international entrepreneurship, legal and organizational, managerial and economic foundations of entrepreneurship. Also the module covers methods for evaluating the effectiveness of the enterprise, taking into account its cost and quality management. It will help students to get the main basis for the new start-ups and business from the economic and law point of view.
Competences	Analysis of professional information, identification of its essence, structuring and presentation as analytical reviews with reasoned conclusions and recommendations Practical application of new scientific principles and research methods.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature.

Module Code	Б.3, base module
Lesson Types
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The whole masters' educational process
Description	Final State Certification. It is the final exam, where students get three theoretical questions and write answers on a stamped paper. These answers are checked by a special commission. Exam covers all the masters' education topics.
Competences	Critical analysis of problem situations based on a systematic approach, development of an action strategy. Determination and implementation of priorities of one's own activities and ways to improve them based on self-assessment.
Documentation	Presentations, technical literature

Module Code	Б.2.В.2, variable module
Lesson Types
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The whole educational process, R&D experience
Description	Master students participate in the projects or get individual tasks from the industrial partners. They prepare the final report and get the real industrial experience.
Competences	Critical analysis of problem situations based on a systematic approach, development of an action strategy. Determination and implementation of priorities of one's own activities and ways to improve them based on self-assessment.
Documentation	Presentations, technical literature

Module Code	Б.1.Б.6, base module
Lesson Types	Lectures, practical work, consultations, individual work.
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: Informatics, Information safety
Description	This module gives the knowledge in information security field. During the module students learn about different ways of protection against unauthorized access. Moreover, a significant part of the module is related to cryptographic methods of information security such as symmetric ciphers, systems with public keys and EDS systems. Students also are given lectures on information security in global networks as nowadays it is a very big problem.
Competences	Critical analysis of problem situations based on a systematic approach, development of an action strategy. Independent acquisition, development and application of mathematical, natural science, socio-economic and professional knowledge in order to solve non-standard problems, including those in a new or unfamiliar environment and in an interdisciplinary context Practical application of new scientific principles and research methods.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature.

Module Code	Б.1.Б.1, base module
Lesson Types	Lectures, individual work
Language	Mixed English and Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: Direction introductory course, Informatics, Information technology.
Description	Studying the foreign (Russian) language helps students to live in Russia and communicate with people, learn some new cultural aspects and feel more comfortable. International language studying includes basic knowledge like the alphabet, basic phrases, hearing and pronouncing skills with reference to a new language and speech material, spelling skills, typical grammatical forms and structures, general and communicative competences (reading, speaking, writing, translation)
Competences	Application of modern communication technologies, also in a foreign language, for academic and professional interaction Analysis and consideration of cultural diversity in the process of intercultural interaction.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature.

Module Code	Б.1.Б.4, base module
Lesson Types	Lectures, laboratory work, individual work.
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: modules related to programming and mathematics.
Description	Intellectual systems module gives the introduction to artificial intelligence and its main paradigms, representation of problems in the state space and algorithms for finding solutions. State Spaces and their classification. Search tasks, uninformed and informed search procedures. The module further covers semantic networks and applied ontologies, production systems in artificial intelligence tasks, the task of satisfying constraints.
Competences	Application of modern communication technologies, also in a foreign language, for academic and professional interaction Independent acquisition, development and application of mathematical, natural science, socio-economic and professional knowledge in order to solve non-standard problems, including those in a new or unfamiliar environment and in an interdisciplinary context Development of original algorithms and software, also using modern intelligent technologies, to solve professional problems.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature.

Module Code	Б.1.Б.2, base module
Lesson Types	Lectures, consultations, individual work
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: History, Sociology.
Description	This module gives fundamental knowledge on history of science and philosophy. It gives notions on subject and basic concepts of modern philosophy of science. A significant part of the module is devoted to the origination of science and the main stages of its historical evolution from pre-science to the science of 19th century. The module also includes information on the structure of scientific knowledge and dynamics of science as a process of generating new knowledge
Competences	Critical analysis of problem situations based on a systematic approach, development of an action strategy. Independent acquisition, development and application of mathematical, natural science, socio-economic and professional knowledge in order to solve non-standard problems, including those in a new or unfamiliar environment and in an interdisciplinary context.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature.

Module Code	Б.1.В.2, variable module
Lesson Types	Lectures, seminars, individual work.
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: Computing networks, Computer networks and telecommunications, Systems Modelling
Description	This module gives useful information on communication systems and buses for embedded and onboard computing and control systems and overview of different technologies, networks and buses that are used for onboard systems of aircraft and spacecraft. Module is focused on serial interfaces and communication buses, serial peripheral interface SPI, I2C serial bus, ARINC 429 buses for avionics and so on. From the technologies that are related to aerospace - onboard avionics bus MIL-STD-1553B and new generation communication systems for onboard avionics and spacecraft systems AFDX, SpaceWire, SpaceFibre.
Competences	Integration and implementation of developed software, computing systems, communication equipment. Development of means and systems for data protection of automated systems.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature, study guide.

Module Code	Б.1.Б.7, base module
Lesson Types	Lectures, laboratory work, individual work.
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: Mathematical analysis, Probabilistic theory.
Description	Module covers a range of issues related to methods of optimization of complex systems, finding weaknesses in technical systems. The complexity of the system is understood as such qualities of the system as: lack of information about the functioning of the system, in particular, the uncertainty (incompleteness, inaccuracy, fuzziness) of the initial data, structural, computational complexity, multi-criteria, multi-extremity.
Competences	Independent acquisition, development and application of mathematical, natural science, socio-economic and professional knowledge in order to solve non-standard problems, including those in a new or unfamiliar environment and in an interdisciplinary context Development of original algorithms and software, also using modern intelligent technologies, to solve professional problems Practical application of new scientific principles and research methods Development of components of software and hardware systems for information processing and computer-aided design.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature.

Module Code	Б.1.Б.5, base module
Lesson Types	Lectures, laboratory work, individual work
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: High-level programming languages, bachelor industrial practice.
Description	Current module gives main concepts of the software design, implementation and integration analysis, it is closely related to software project management. It overviews metrology for software project, standardization and certification, risk management. In addition, the module takes into account verification, validation of software and testing methods.
Competences	Critical analysis of problem situations based on a systematic approach, development of an action strategy Project management at all stages of its life cycle Organization and management of team work, developing a team strategy to achieve the goal Analysis of professional information, identification of its essence, structuring and presentation as analytical reviews with reasoned conclusions and recommendations Effective management of software development and projects.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature.

Module Code	Б.2.Б.1, base module
Lesson Types	R&D project teamwork
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous students experience and the whole bachelor education flow.
Description	Participating in an R&D Project gives the ability for students to get the real design-implement experience. Students work on tasks that could be of an interest of industrial partners. These projects last for the whole semester, give a deep knowledge in the field, and could become a base for the master's thesis for each student in the project. Projects are implemented under the control and supervising of the specialists and professors from our department. Results would be used in real SUAI R&D projects.
Competences	Critical analysis of problem situations based on a systematic approach, development of an action strategy; Determination and implementation of priorities of one's own activities and ways to improve them based on self-assessment; Development and modernization of software and hardware for information and automated systems; Development of a methodology for performing analytical work; Implementation of the integration of the developed system software; Synthesis of logic circuits based on the selected technological library based on the specified time and physical constraints using computer-aided design tools.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature and technical documentation.

Module Code	Б.2.Б.9, base module
Lesson Types	Seminar
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous students experience and the whole bachelor education flow.
Description	Scientific seminars are a part of preparation for a Masters defense. During the discussions students are step-by-step presenting their work and research results. So it is useful to get the competence of presentation and proving of your opinion. It is also good to work on communication skills.
Competences	Independent acquisition, development and application of mathematical, natural science, socio-economic and professional knowledge in order to solve non-standard problems, including those in a new or unfamiliar environment and in an interdisciplinary context Analysis of professional information, identification of its essence, structuring and presentation as analytical reviews with reasoned conclusions and recommendations Practical application of new scientific principles and research methods Development of components of software and hardware systems for information processing and computer-aided design Adaptation of foreign information processing and computer-aided design complexes to the needs of domestic enterprises.
Documentation	Presentations.

Module Code	Б.1.В.ДВ.6, elective module
Lesson Types	Lectures, laboratory work, individual work
Language	Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: High-level programming, Computer networks.
Description	The content of the module covers software simulation using the SDL specification and description language, studying the SDL language, its areas of application, writing specifications in the SDL language. Module gives a useful experience in implementation of technical specifications in terms of formal language, with gives ability to verify the specifications.
Competences	Development of methods for performing analytical work
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature, study guide.

Module Code	Б.1.В.5, variable module
Lesson Types	Lectures, laboratory work, consultations, individual work.
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: Systems for digital image processing, Transmission of discrete messages
Description	This module is related to digital image processing in modern systems. During the module students get knowledge on the methods of local images analysis. The module gives notions on use of artificial neural network for solving the image processing tasks. Moreover, master students are given knowledge on such popular image processing algorithms as SIFT, ASIFT, SURF and the latest solutions in the field of automatic classification of images (e.g. HOG). The module includes a practical part during which students can apply their new knowledge.
Competences	Development of methods for performing analytical work Scientific guidance in the relevant field of knowledge.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature, study guide.

Module Code	Б.1.В.ДВ.5, elective module
Lesson Types	Lectures, laboratory work, individual work, consultations.
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: Artificial intelligent.
Description	This module is related to one of the embedded systems application areas, which is digital signal processing. It discusses basic concepts of computer vision systems and pattern recognitions. Then it overviews artificial neural networks that implement the construction of a discriminatory surface in the attribute space and finishes with invariant image descriptions. This module proves that embedded systems could be used not only for critical spheres of life, like nuclear or space, but also in everyday life.
Competences	Development of methods for performing analytical work Scientific guidance in the relevant field of knowledge
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature, study guide.

Module Code	Б.1.В.3, variable module
Lesson Types	Lectures, laboratory work, individual work.
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: High-level programming, Modelling, Computer networks.
Description	In this module students get knowledge on design of systems- and networks-on-chip. System-on-a-chip technology is used in small, increasingly complex electronic devices. The module covers such significant topics as IP block design of the external interface controller and designing the SoC on the basis of the required characteristics of the IP blocks. Moreover, the module gives notions on conformity assessment of the characteristics of a given SoC to the required values. Students are given recommendations on how to improve time and power consumption characteristics.
Competences	Integration and implementation of developed software, computing systems, communication equipment Development of means and systems for data protection of automated systems Synthesis of logic circuits in the basis of the selected technological library based on the specified time and physical constraints using computer-aided design tools.
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature.

Module Code	Б.2.Б.3, base module
Lesson Types
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	Depending on the module
Description	Master students act as tutors and assistants during the practical parts of the modules. Teaching practice gives students knowledge of communication with students from the position of the leader. Also it gives evaluation, communication skills.
Competences	Organization and management of team work, developing a team strategy to achieve the goal Application of modern communication technologies, also in a foreign language, for academic and professional interaction Analysis and consideration of cultural diversity in the process of intercultural interaction.
Documentation	Depending on the module

Module Code	Б.1.В.ДВ.4, elective module
Lesson Types	Lectures, laboratory work, individual work.
Language	English or Russian
Prerequisites	The module is based on the knowledge gained from the previous modules: Computer networks and telecommunications, Systems for digital signal processing
Description	The content of the discipline covers a range of issues related to the construction and operation of information transfer systems. The focus is on studying modern methods of building and analyzing information transfer algorithms and acquiring practical skills in the development of basic functional subsystems of information transfer systems. The module covers such topics as the structure of the system of transmission of discrete messages, the main types of discrete modulation, channel coding.
Competences	Integration and implementation of developed software, computing systems, communication equipment
Documentation	Lectures in electronic form, useful literature.

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