Embedded Electronics System Design

MSc, 120 cr, 2 years 

Programme aim

This programme educates engineers who can conceive complex embedded systems specifications, design such systems at the electronics systems level (ESL) and implement and verify the systems using state-of-the-art integrated circuits and packaging technologies and design tools. The programme provides in-depth coverage of the methodologies critical to the process.

Embedded systems combine hardware and software components to achieve certain functionalities. A well-known example is the mobile phone of today – a handheld low-power device that carries out signal processing at the same time it is able to entertain its user with computer games, Internet sessions, and/or streaming audio/video.

Device functionality must be implemented within challenging constraints such as computer performance, real-time demands, reliability, power consumption and design factors. To meet the requirements within the constraints, designers must not only understand the technology of commodity hardware components such as microprocessors, they must also master the design of application-specific electronic systems.

Who should apply

The programme naturally finds its participants among bachelor degree holders in electrical engineering or computer engineering, as well among students of physics engineering or from the field of control and automation. 

Why apply

Graduates are qualified to work as productive engineers on industrial teams that design and build state-of-the-art electronics products. They are also qualified to pursue graduate studies leading to a doctorate in the field of electronic system design and packaging. Specifically, this means that our graduates are:

• proficient in the basic area of conceiving, designing, implementing and verifying complex embedded electronic systems; the area ranges from software for embedded electronic systems to analogy transistor circuits,
• proficient in the use of various state-of-the-art computer-aided design tools used in industry,
• aware of the fundamental limitations of both the design tools and methodologies, and the technology platforms that represent current best practice,
• able to analyse new technical challenges and generate technical advancements at either the embedded electronic systems level or at the device, circuit and packaging level,
• able to carry out qualified industrial tasks within given constraints by applying suitable methods; this also applies when, in an industrial context, technical aspects might be secondary to constraints associated with finances and the environment,
• able, critically, independently and creatively, to identify, formulate and solve complex problems in the field of embedded electronic system design and to make software/hardware trade-offs,
• able, critically and systematically, to integrate knowledge to model, simulate, predict and evaluate behaviour and events, even with limited or incomplete information,
• able, clearly and unambiguously, to communicate their conclusions and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these conclusions.

Research connections

Research opportunities in this field are excellent worldwide. At Chalmers, we have a strong research environment and the programme is solidly based on the research performed within the departments of Computer Science and Engineering, Microtechnology and Nanoscience and Signals and Systems. The programme is also one of the cornerstone programmes within the field of information and communication technology, which is one of Chalmers’ main research areas.

Career opportunities

The Swedish electronics industry is a heavily systems-oriented industry; there is a strong need for design engineers with a systems perspective. Our graduates will typically find jobs in companies such as Ericsson, Sony-Ericsson, ST-Ericsson, Saab Electronic Defence Systems, RUAG Space, Atmel Corporation, NXP, etc. or work as consultants at these and other companies.

The opportunities for international students graduating from this programme are excellent given the expansion of the industry worldwide in general and in Asia in particular.

Most young electronic system designers focus on embedded processors, microprocessors, radio frequency power amplifiers, power supplies or microwave receivers. The programme is designed to allow for these strategic specialisations.

Experienced designers may continue their career in a system architect position, where detailed insight into design methods and technology platforms makes it possible to compare different solutions at a higher level. Since an increasing number of products contain electronics – and the larger production counts of a global economy favour more specialised designs – talented electronic system designers have a bright future.

Programme overview

Detailed programme content in the Student portal, for current students

Specific eligibility

Undergraduate profile
Major in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Automation and Mechatronics Engineering, Engineering Physics or the equivalent

Prerequisites
Engineering mathematics, Linear algebra, Calculus and transforms, Electric circuit theory 7,5 cr., Signals and systems 5 cr., Electronics 7,5 cr., Basic logic design and Computer organization, Introduction to VHDL or Verilog design, and Basic programming skills.
Preferable course experience: Computer organization and design, Electrical measurements, Semiconductor devices or Microelectronics

English Language Proficiency
There are several ways of proving that you possess the required level of English language proficiency. Most commonly this is done by submitting one of the approved English language tests.

To read more about required minimum test results and other means of certifying fulfillment of the English language proficiency requirement, please visit:
English Language Profiency

Basic eligibility

 All applicants to education on advanced level must meet standard requirements regarding earlier education, called basic eligibility.

Notes

Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
Credits: 120
Duration: 2 years
Application Code:  CTH-15009 

Contacts

Specific questions about the programme's content:
Marie Mattsson
marie.mattsson@chalmers.se

Other questions

Information for download