Modularized Platform for an Embedded Systems Case Study: Concept and Design

Project-based learning is essential in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application for electrical engineering students. To address this need, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies (ETIT) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has developed a continuous mandatory workshop spanning the first four semesters. This workshop, executed alongside lectures and theoretical exercises, aims to provide students with a practical introduction to hardware-oriented programming and project management. In this context, the paper presents a newly-designed hardware platform for one part of the workshop, centered around a Tiva LaunchPad embedded on the control PCB of a modular remotecontrolled vehicle. The platform leverages various capabilities of the Tiva Launchpad, enabling students to gain experience using GPIO, ADC, PWM, and UART peripherals. Working in groups of three, students develop individual hardware-related classes that contribute to group tasks, ensuring collaborative learning and project management experience. The hardware platform adopts a modular structure, effectively separating main functions and power levels through three printed circuit boards (PCBs): the control PCB, battery management PCB, and power management PCB. ... mehrAdditionally, a remote-control interface facilitates human-machine interaction. The software architecture follows a modular approach, employing object-oriented programming principles. Overall, the hardware platform provides first-year electrical engineering students with a practical and comprehensive introduction to hardware-oriented programming and project management. By integrating software and hardware components, the platform
promotes a holistic understanding of systems engineering principles.