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

Entry requirements

General entry requirements in detail

Specific entry requirements
Bachelor´s degree (or the equivalent) with a Digital Design profile and a Major in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering, Automation and Mechatronics Engineering, Engineering Physics or the equivalent.

Prerequisites: Electronic and computer fundamentals (including Electric circuit theory, Electronics, Digital Fundamentals, Digital system design using VHDL/Verilog and Computer Organization), Basic Engineering Mathematics fundamentals (including Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations and Transform theory), Basic Programming and Signals and Systems (including control and filter fundamentals).

Preferable course experience: Advanced computer organization, Electrical measurements, Semiconductor devices or Microelectronics and C/C++ programming.

English Language Proficiency
The most common and important scores that are accepted are

• IELTS (academic training), 6.5 (with no part of the test below 5.5)
• TOEFL (Internet based): 90 (with a minimum of 20 on the written part)

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

Application

Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
Credits: 120
Duration: 2 years
Rate of study: 100%
Instructional time: Daytime
Language of instruction: English
Teaching form: On-campus
Tuition fee: 140 000 SEK/academic year
*EU/EEA Citizens are not required to pay fees.
Application Code: CTH-15009

For information about how to submit an application
It is mandatory to submit a number of required documents
Deadlines regarding application process
*EU/EEA citizens are required to provide documentation of citizenship (External Link)

Contacts

Questions regarding the application and admission process:
Chalmers’ Admissions, admissions@chalmers.se

Specific questions about the programme's content:
Kjell Jeppsson, Director of Master's Programm, kjell.jeppsson@chalmers.se

Other questions - study and career guidance