Microprocessor Systems in Telecommunications

The subject starts with an overview of the history of digital processors. This is followed by an introduction to the basics of logic circuits, after which processor systems are examined from a programmer's perspective, and fundamental concepts such as address space and instructions are explained. Next, the execution of programs and operations with integers are described. The architecture of microprocessors is explained and an overview of the methods of communication in processor systems is given. This is followed by an introduction to the basic components of processor systems. Next, an introduction to interrupts is given, and software development procedures are briefly overviewed. The basic structure of compilers and program execution methods is explored. Procedures for loading programs into a target processor system and basic debugging techniques are also reviewed. Specifics of selected processor types are given, such as microcontrollers, signal processors, and network/communication processors. The subject concludes with the fundamentals of operating systems, multitasking, and real-time system.

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with different processor families and their role in communication systems. Students become acquainted with the hardware and software aspects of terminal equipment. They acquire basic knowledge of operating systems and concepts such as drivers, system calls, schedulers, and interprocess communication. They also learn the fundamentals of digital circuit design and software development. Through practical exercises, they gain hands-on experience with a specific processor system and a chosen operating system.

The lectures provide theoretical background. Complete study material is available to students. Practical work is performed in the laboratory environment where students get acquainted with a concrete operating system and embedded system hardware. As part of the laboratory practice students develop software for an embedded system.